There were articles in both yesterday's (10/19) and today's(10/20) NY
Times about the new Guggenheim. The first article was more about the
actual opening gala. Today's considers the Gehry's design. According to
the Times, Guernica was not lent because the Reina Sofia in Madrid (where
it's housed) considers it too fragile to unstretch and roll the canvas for
travel. Plans are in the works to possibly transport it there stretched
and ready to be hung via climate controlled truck for a future exhibition.

On Mon, 20 Oct 1997, Robert Lamb wrote:

> I too would like to know more about the new Guggenheim's architecture.
> Are there any articles in architectural journals worth reading?
>
> Two random  things about the museum:
>
> -The titanium portions of the museum (architect: Frank Gehry) were
> manufactured by a company which traditionally makes titanium parts for
> airplanes (this metal is favored in the airline industry due to its light
> weight and exceptional strength)
>
> -The Guggenheim tried to obtain Picasso's Guernica for the opening of
> the museum, but the loan fell through. (Does anyone know more about
> the specific reasons?)
>
> Robert Lamb
>