The Hudson Valley is home to many art museums featuring a range of exhibits ranging from historic art to contemporary sculpture.
Storm King Art Center
1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY, (845) 534-3115, www.stormking.org
Storm King Art Center is located 45 minutes from Marist College in New Windsor, NY. The 500-acre space offers the largest collection of contemporary outdoor sculpture 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 presents works and collections by 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 available to access and explore the entire site, while cafes and picnic areas can complete an exciting day trip. Although the center is closed for the winter, it is a place to visit when the spring semester resumes.
Omi Art
1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent, NY, (518) 392-4747, www.artomi.org
Art Omi is a 120-acre outdoor sculpture park featuring a small art gallery, avant-garde and contemporary sculptures, and interactive architecture spaces. The site consists of many photogenic sculptures, including Dewitt Godfrey’s “Sculpture Picker”, which is known to be the most popular among visitors. The museum features intriguing pieces like the large avant-garde ceramic sculptures by Matt Wedel inspired by vegetation, minerals and animals. People can visit it at any time of the year, but advance reservation is required. Entrance to the museum is free, however, there is a charge for a guide. Bike rentals are available, as well as a café.
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 displays his works of art and church paintings surrounded by great landscapes. The house itself has a Persian style with Moorish motifs and contains Edwin’s global collection of furniture and tapestries. Admission is $ 20, and visitors can choose indoor, outdoor, or electric horse-drawn carriage tours of the 250-acre landscape.
With such exciting places to visit, students may have many options to enjoy their time and learn about the beautiful and historic sites of the Hudson Valley.
