NOTHING is as hideous as the excrement they show at the Guggenheim. The building is a-s ugly too and a blight on the East Side.
For me the big three are the Met, The Cloisters (part of the Met, I know!), and the Frick. I would add the Whitney if they would steal Hopper's Nighthawks from Chicago and make their collection of the greatest artist of the 20th century complete.
I've never been to the Guggenheim, or the Whitney.
The Whitney did some pretty despicable things a few years back, in connection with their biennials. But, taking your recommendation, maybe I will check them out one day.
There really is nothing like the Frick, I only went there once, but will definately go back. A unique experience, and they've got great stuff in there.
I liked the MOMA the one or two times I was there. I'll never forget seeing "Guernica". Not a big Picasso person, but his stuff is better in real life, I found Guernica quite powerful, as they say.
Ah, I'm feeling rather inspired. This is going to be my first summer of freedom, since the kid is "all grown up", not really but at least in college. I thought it would be last summer, but due to some extreme craziness at my job, and also it being the kid's last summer BEFORE college (which included a party thrown by me), it just didn't work out. THIS summer I will go to these great Museums and soak it all in.
Nothing beats the Met though, it just can't be beat.