Art Museums in Hudson Valley
DeWitt Godfrey's Picker Sculpture at Art Omi. Source: Aaminah Syed
The Hudson Valley is home to many art museums showcasing a range of exhibits from historical art to contemporary sculptures.
Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY, (845) 534-3115 , www.stormking.org
Storm King Art Center is located 45 minutes away from Marist College in New Windsor, NY. The 500-acre space offers the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculptures in the United States. The enriching green landscape of the site creates an interesting dialogue between art and the natural world, attracting many visitors each year. The center displays works and collections of Alexander Calder, Isamu Noguchi, Richard Serra, Maya Lin, Sol LeWitt and Mark di Suvero. The entrance fee is $20 per person, however, the museum offers a discount for groups of three or more. Bike rentals are also offered to access and explore the whole site, while cafés and picnic areas can complete an exciting day trip. Though the center is closed for the winter, it is a place to visit when the spring semester resumes.
Art Omi
1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent, NY, (518) 392-4747, www.artomi.org
Art Omi is a 120-acre outdoor sculpture park offering a small art gallery, avant-garde and contemporary sculptures and interactive architecture spaces. The site consists of many photogenic sculptures including the “Picker Sculpture” by Dewitt Godfrey, which is known to be the most popular among visitors. The museum features intriguing pieces like Matt Wedel’s large avant-garde ceramic sculptures inspired by vegetation, minerals and animals. Though Wedel’s ceramic sculptures are no longer at the site, works installed in the Sculpture & Architecture Park are changed to showcase new artwork every two to five years. People can visit it anytime throughout the year, but advance reservation is required. Admission to the museum is free, however, a tour guide includes a charge. .
Olana State Historic Site
5720 NY-9G, Hudson, NY, (518) 828-1872 , www.olana.org
Olana State Historic Site is a famous home and studio of artist Frederic Edwin. The gallery showcases his artwork and church paintings surrounded by great landscapes. The house itself has a Persian style with Moorish motifs and contains Edwin’s collection of global furnishings and tapestries. Admission is $20 and visitors can select indoor, outdoor or Electric Carriage tours of the 250-acre landscape.
With such exciting places to visit, students can have plenty of options to enjoy their time and learn about the beautiful and historic sites in the Hudson Valley.