New York City may be the art capital of the country but there are plenty of top-notch galleries within a short train or car ride from the city. These are seven of our favorites.
Dia: Beacon
Housed in a former Nabisco factory on a particularly idyllic stretch of the Hudson River, Dia: Beacon is one of the most striking galleries in the region. Their permanent collection includes larger-than-life pieces of contemporary giants like Louise Bourgeois and Richard Serra. The surrounding town of Beacon is filled with great bars and eateries for post-viewing sustenance.
3 Beekman St, Beacon
A scenic expanse at Storm King. (Photo: John Weiss via Flickr / CC by 2.0)
Storm King
There are no walls in this outdoor gallery that spans 500 rolling acres and would be a sight to see just for the land. The permanent collection though is a who’s who of modern masters from Alexander Caldwell to Louise Nevelson and Sol Le Witt, and it’s easy to spend a full day here. Picnicking is encouraged.
1 Museum Rd, New Windsor
Neuberger Museum of Art
Tucked away in the non-descript campus of SUNY Purchase, the Neuberger is the tenth largest college museum in the country. The permanent collection includes legendary artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Edward Hopper, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
735 Anderson Hill Rd, Purchase
Hudson Valley MoCA
Hudson Valley MoCA is more than just a place to see art, it’s a community. Their website features members’ work, and exhibits shine a light not only on local artists but emerging ones from around the globe. Highlights include the first US solo show of Malaysian artist Anne Samat who uses textiles and found objects to create wildly expressive and colorful sculptures.
107 Main St, Peekskill
T Space’s tranquil digs. (Photo: courtesy of T Space)
T Space
Open seasonally and tucked away in the woods, a visit to the sleek yet inviting T Space is like a zen retreat. This non-profit arts organization exhibits early and mid-career artists and also provides a residency program for emerging architects. Recent highlights include Brice Marden’s Cold Mountain drawings, which were integral to his creative experimentation in the 1980s.
137 Round Lake Rd, Rhinebeck
Art Omi
Situated in rural Ghent, this international non-profit features sprawling gallery space as well as a 120-acre sculpture garden. Recent highlights include the supersized whimsical statues of Francesca DiMattio and the many free events, including concerts, readings, and dance salons.
1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent
Hessel Museum of Art
The permanent collection at Bard College’s Hessel Museum of art, includes photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe and an installation by Olafur Eliasson. It’s a great place to hit up after checking out T Space, which is only ten miles away.
33 Garden Rd, Annandale-On-Hudson
By Christopher Kompanek