This guide was envisioned as a gift to New York City and the world. Hear from the people whose voices shaped the guide. Plus, Guggenheim staff member Karen Bergman talks about the verbal-description technique and how to find more resources like this.
Transcript:
Karen Bergman: This guide was envisioned as a gift to New York City and the world. You may recognize some of the voices describing the building as well-known New Yorkers. Others you may have encountered in your daily lives—they are the people who make this city thrive.
Marilee: Who am I? What am I? I mean, what am I? I’m Marilee Talkington. I am an actor. I am a creator. I am legally blind, and I love that. And I am somebody that is endlessly curious about so much.
Karen: I’m Karen Bergman. I’m a painter, a museum educator, and I love listening and observing. And I love people deeply.
Chantel: I’m Chantel Wright. I’m a bishop, a music educator, a mom, and a champion for young people. And above all, I love all of humanity.
Jeremy: I’m Jeremy Pope, son of a pastor and a body builder, creator, artist, with my heart on my sleeve.
BD: My name is BD Wong. I’m a performer, and I’m also a writer. And I’m a dad—I have one son. And I live in New York City, and I’m a proud New Yorker.
Maggie: Hi, this is Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Bobby: Hi, I’m Bobby Cannavale. I’m an actor by profession, and I’ve been a New Yorker for exactly half my life. And I have three sons, who were all born in New York City, not too far away from the Guggenheim.
Azuri: I am Azuri Jenkins. I’m a birth worker. I am a yoga teacher. I’m a healer. I am a daughter, a sister, a friend, confidant. I am a Black Indigenous woman from this landmass. I am a deep lover of the Earth.
Karen: This sensory-focused building tour is based on verbal description, a technique that aims to deliver precise observation of the visual world. For more than a decade, the Guggenheim Mind’s Eye program has provided verbal descriptions of collection artworks for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Conducted by arts and education professionals, Mind’s Eye programs include verbal description, conversation, sensory experiences, and creative practice. Participants in Mind’s Eye reviewed this building guide during its creation, and their input was an essential ingredient.
We invite you to listen to verbal descriptions of collection artworks, which can be accessed through the Guggenheim’s digital platforms or by participating in a Mind’s Eye program. Speak with a staff member or visit our website www.guggenheim.org/mindseye for more information.
We hope that this guide will allow everyone to experience the Guggenheim museum and delight in this icon of New York.
