Upstate New York Travel Guide: Art & Design
Upstate New York has long been a sanctuary for artists, beginning with the 19th-century Hudson River School painters who captured its expansive landscapes. Over time, the region has experienced a creative resurgence, becoming a sought-after destination for contemporary artists and galleries. Today, it’s a thriving cultural hub where New York City’s art scene finds space to grow beyond the city, blending the urban with the natural in a unique artistic landscape.
Art Omi
Ghent, NY
Art Omi is a contemporary arts center that includes a 120-acre sculpture park and indoor gallery spaces. It offers an expansive platform for large-scale sculptures and installations, fostering a connection between art and the environment. Art Omi hosts artists-in-residence and exhibitions that span various disciplines, from sculpture and architecture to dance and writing. The center promotes experimentation and innovation, making it an exciting destination for experiencing cutting-edge contemporary art.
Dia Beacon
Beacon, NY
Located in a former Nabisco box printing factory along the Hudson River, Dia Beacon is renowned for its vast galleries and minimalistic approach to exhibiting modern art. The industrial space complements large-scale works from the 1960s to the present by artists such as Richard Serra, Donald Judd, and Dan Flavin. This unique museum provides an immersive experience, where the art and architecture engage in dialogue, offering a serene yet powerful aesthetic journey.
Olana
Hudson, NY
The Olana State Historic Site, once home to Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church, is a stunning example of 19th-century design. The main house, perched on a hill with sweeping views of the Hudson River, is a mix of Victorian and Middle Eastern architectural styles. The estate’s grounds, designed by Church himself, are as much a work of art as his paintings. Visitors can explore the interiors filled with eclectic furnishings, artifacts, and Church’s artwork, while the surrounding landscape offers picturesque walking trails and panoramic views.
Magazzino Italian Art
Cold Spring, NY
Magazzino is a museum and research center dedicated to Postwar and Contemporary Italian art. Located in a sleek modernist building that blends with the surrounding Hudson Valley landscape, it primarily focuses on works by members of the Arte Povera movement. Magazzino offers an intimate viewing experience where Italian art is explored in depth, offering insight into its social and historical context. Its minimalist architecture emphasizes the relationship between the artworks and the natural light-filled environment. If you go, be sure to check out the museum’s onsite restaurant, Café Silvia, where chef Luca Galli serves simple and clean Italian fare.
Storm King Art Center
New Windsor, NY
Set on 500 acres of rolling hills and fields, Storm King Art Center is one of the largest sculpture parks in the United States. Known for its monumental outdoor sculptures, this open-air museum blends contemporary art with the natural landscape. Artists such as Alexander Calder, Maya Lin, and Mark di Suvero have site-specific works here, where the changing seasons add a dynamic layer to the experience. A visit to Storm King is both an exploration of art and a chance to reflect within nature.
T Space
Rhinebeck, NY
Designed by architect Steven Holl, T Space is an interdisciplinary gallery located in a forested area of Rhinebeck. The gallery itself is a modern pavilion with a design focused on harmonizing with its wooded surroundings. T Space explores the intersection of art, architecture, and nature, featuring exhibitions, sound art, and poetry readings. It’s a sanctuary for creative minds and a hidden gem for those looking to experience art in a reflective, natural setting.
The School
Kinderhook, NY
Housed in a former public school building, The School in Kinderhook is an extension of the Jack Shainman Gallery in Chelsea, NYC. This space was repurposed as a contemporary art gallery and maintains the character of the original schoolhouse architecture while showcasing works by emerging and established artists from around the world. The School’s exhibitions are often political and culturally reflective, focusing on themes of identity, race, and social justice, making it a thought-provoking stop on any art tour.