The Guggenheim

web design
Project Overview
The Guggenheim is a world-renowned museum with locations in New York, Venice, Bilbao, and Abu Dhabi. We were challenged to reimagine their outdated website (originally designed by Pentagram in 2008). Our small team at Big Spaceship tackled some major challenges by leveraging research, analytics, and user insights to create a visitor-first experience, and creating a digital destination that encourages the online exploration of artwork.
Scope
Strategy, Analytics
UX / UI
Website Redesign
Collaborators
Elisa Penello, Design
Jeanelle Mak, Design
Dabney Donigan, UX
Jason Permenter, Design Director
Kat Sekar, Analytics
Lesley Melincoff + Grace McCants, Production
Building with Purpose & Accessibility
We structured the site around people, not pages—creating easy-to-follow paths to exhibitions, events, and collections. For mobile users, we implemented location‑based targeting so visitors see relevant info instantly. The result? A globally unified yet locally tailored digital experience that encourages users to spend more time exploring the Guggenheim’s cultural world.
Crafting a Digital Museum
For art lovers unable to visit in person, we built an immersive online experience. Visitors can view high-resolution artwork at scale, listen to audio tours, watch videos, and rotate pieces for a 360-degree view. Our goal: replicate that magical feeling of wandering the museum, but online.
Strengthening the Guggenheim Brand

This redesign was about more than looks. It modernized the Guggenheim’s digital identity while respecting its heritage. We preserved iconic elements like the logo and typeface, but layered them into a clear visual hierarchy informed by strategy. The outcome is a site that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

The new site has become a trusted digital gateway to the Guggenheim’s art, events, and archives across all four locations and audiences worldwide. By simplifying navigation, prioritizing accessibility, and bringing the museum experience online, our work helped the Guggenheim reach visitors far beyond its walls.