There are many wonderful museums in Beacon NY that should not be missed. The Dia Beacon is a must-see for art lovers, while the Hudson River Maritime Museum is perfect for those interested in maritime history.
Kids will love exploring the Howland Cultural Center, and everyone can enjoy the views from Mount Beacon Park. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a museum in Beacon that will pique your curiosity.
For those looking to learn more about the arts, visit one of the museums in Beacon NY. With such a quaint town, there are plenty of places to visit while in Beacon.
However, if you’d like to experience the culture of a larger city, visit the Story Screen Theater, Roundhouse, and Storm King Art Center. There are many museums in Beacon, NY that are worth visiting. There are a lot of great things to do in Beacon, New York, but one of the best is visiting the Storm, King Art Center.
This world-renowned sculpture park is set amidst 500 acres of pristine forests and fields and features over 100 large-scale works of art by some of the most celebrated artists in history.
- Whether you’re looking to spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through the grounds or want to picnic with a view of one of these incredible sculptures, Storm King is an absolute must-visit for anyone in Beacon.
- The Dia Beacon is one of the most popular museums in the area and is known for its contemporary art collection.
- The Hudson River Maritime Museum is another great option for those interested in maritime history and culture.
- For a more unique experience, visitors can check out the Howland Stone Store & Gallery, which is housed in a 19th-century stone store.
Dia Beacon NY
As one of the largest contemporary art museums in the country, Dia Beacon is a unique and innovative creation.
Dia Beacon features works by Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, and Richard Serra. Free guided tours are also offered. Converted from a former Nabisco box factory, the Dia Beacon maximizes natural light while minimizing the building’s use of material resources. The building’s restrained architecture balances the needs of individual artworks with the requirements of a massive factory floor plate.
As a result, the museum feels both contemporary and calming. There are many reasons to visit the Dia Beacon Museum. Admission is free, though advanced reservations are strongly suggested. Members can take advantage of free admission. The Museum is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Dia Beacon offers a cafe for patrons and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
The museum has limited parking, so you may want to plan accordingly. For a more convenient parking option, the Dia Beacon has several public lots nearby.
Storm King Art Center
With over 500 acres of sculpture park to explore, Storm King Art Center has expanded the traditional boundaries of outdoor art. The sculpture park features both permanent and temporary works and is a hot spot during the current art-hungry pandemic. Visitors to the sculpture park often buy tickets weeks in advance.
For those unfamiliar with the sculpture park, here are some facts:
- The landscape surrounding Storm King Art Center has changed dramatically in the past 50 years.
- The estate is surrounded by rolling hills, which were lovingly molded into a backdrop for monumental works of art.
- The New York State Thruway construction destroyed the original plateau, and the landscape was stripped of natural protection.
- Today, poison ivy is a serious threat to the nearby cedars.
- The sculpture park is an incredible showcase of the work of the finest modern and contemporary artists.
One of the main attractions of the Storm King Art Center is its collection. The center houses a massive permanent collection of contemporary sculptures, site-specific commissions, and changing exhibitions.
Story Screen Theater
The Hudson River Parks are the perfect backdrop for your day in Beacon, NY. The Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park and Long Dock State Park showcase the beautiful Hudson River. At the Marion Royael Gallery, you can view unique exhibitions and learn about the history of the Hudson River. You can also enjoy a movie at the restored Story Screen Beacon Theater, which has been renovated to evoke the Hollywood flair. There is even a reimagined Wonder Bar where you can order a drink and snack.
Beacon, NY has a variety of interesting historical buildings. The historic Beacon House has Dutch doors and scalloped shingles. Inside, you’ll find period furniture, 18th-century Chinese porcelain, and silver tea sets. There’s also a garden and brook that are the oldest trees in the city. The Story Screen Theater is housed in an old theater from the 1920s, complete with two movie screens, a lobby, and concession stands.
In addition to being a historic landmark, the theater stocks Hudson Valley Marshmallow Company marshmallows.
Roundhouse
The Roundhouse Museum in Beacon, New York is an abandoned textile factory that is now a restaurant and boutique hotel. The town is located just a short drive from the train station and has many hiking trails. Kayaking is available in the Hudson River and the town is home to Bannerman Castle, an abandoned mansion that once served as a mental institution.
Zelda Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby) once lived in an abandoned house.
Wrapping Up…
If you’re looking for something to do in Beacon, NY, and you’re a fan of history or art, then you should definitely check out one of the many museums in the area. There are museums dedicated to everything from local history to contemporary art, and there’s sure to be something that interests you. Many of the museums also offer special events and exhibits, so be sure to check their websites or call ahead to see what’s going on during your visit.
