Every two years, the Whitney Museum of American Art marks the rising tide in contemporary art in America with its Biennial show. The museum celebrates its 76th Biennial this year, which opens on Thursday and includes work by 51 artists. Here are five pieces to check out and one to walk on by.

There are a lot of places that you could find yourself in New York City at one o'clock in the morning. A museum isn't generally one of them.

In case you missed it yesterday, WNYC and the Whitney Museum — along with nine plugged-in social-media addicts — presented a first-ever live Twitter tour of the Biennial. And as we say on Twitter: #success!

We've selected our social media-addled participants. Find out who made the cut.

Nick Fortunato calls himself an "equal opportunity social media junkie." p0ps says his "art-making tool of choice is an iPhone 3GS."

Tell us why you should be part of the Whitney Biennial Twitter Tour.

Join WNYC and the Whitney Museum of American Art for an exclusive Twitter tour of the Whitney Biennial. WNYC is teaming up with the Whitney Museum to offer a private, curator-led tour of 2010, the Whitney Biennial, on Tuesday, March 23rd.

With 55 artists spread out over five museum floors –and a raft of performances that will take place through May – the Whitney Biennial can be a mind-boggling show to absorb in one visit. Listen to my conversation with Soterios Johnson on WNYC's Morning Edition.

Her large-scale drawings often explore interior spaces. Now, the Whitney turns the tables on the artist. Take a peek inside now.

His sculpture Baby resembles more of a giant than a small child. Plus, learn more about the inspiration behind the piece. Watch the video.

She takes us along to find the perfect pair to withstand her demanding performance at the Biennial. Watch the video for more.

Vallejo Gantner suffers from performance envy. He directs a downtown theater, P.S. 122, and he's not all that happy that the museum world has become the "new cool" for seeing live art.

But is any of that art ... any good?

The Whitney Biennial has become a biannual bloodsport rite among art critics who descend on the show to ponder what it could all possibly mean and lay waste to whatever it doesn't.

There are 12 video artists in the 2010 Whitney Biennial, and they are all tucked away on the third floor. A better way to see video art?  Or an easier way to avoid it?

It will be easier for individual artist to stand out in this year's Whitney Biennial, because there are only 55 artists in it. It's one of the smallest biennials in Whitney history.

Get a sneak peek of the Whitney Biennial with a short film by artist Rashaad Newsome. Here, dancers explain what it takes to be a Vogue performer. Watch the video.

During the Biennial, Sasamoto will perform alongside her sculptures. In this short video, produced by the Whitney, she talks about tubes and dreams.

Watch this video game within a video from the Whitney, featuring artist Ari Marcopolous.

The names of the 55 artists in the 2010 Biennial were made public this month, and the blogosphere is abuzz with analysis, chatter and grand pronouncements.

Using a video press release resembling a perfume ad circa 1985, the Whitney Biennial presented their list of the 55 artists who, according to the curators, now make up the vanguard of American contemporary art. Who did they miss?

Every two years, the Whitney Museum of American Art takes a crack at making sense of the ever-sprawling world of contemporary art. This year, the Biennial curators have picked fifty-five artists for the 2010 snapshot.