Located about an hour outside of the Montclair area is one of the world’s leading sculpture parks, Storm King Art Center. This outdoor museum fuses art and nature for a one-of-a-kind experience, providing peace and serenity to all that visit. The sculpture park, which is located in New Windsor, New York, and recently reopened for the season in April, is a must-visit for a day trip this spring or summer. Keep reading to get the lay of the land at Storm King Art Center.
Background
The nonprofit Storm King Art Center was founded and opened to the public in 1960. The sculpture park boasts permanent installations from over 150 artists on a sprawling 500-acre piece of land. Storm King specializes in modern and contemporary art, featuring large-scale sculptures placed on the museum’s spacious grounds. At Storm King, the Hudson Valley hills, meadows, and forests set the scene, providing the ultimate backdrop for the magnificent sculptures. There’s also an indoor museum located on the property that showcases rotating exhibits of drawings and photographs.
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The Experience
One may not realize just how expansive Storm King truly is until they’ve set foot on the property. It’s easy to spend a full day here with all there is to explore, and you’re bound to discover something new with every visit. Most of the artwork is fairly spread out from each other, though there are also some smaller clusters of pieces. When visiting for the first time, be sure to either roam by foot, explore by bike (available to rent on property), or take the 30-minute tram tour to see as much as you can. Perhaps the most famous sculpture is the Three Legged Buddha, made of copper and steel and standing twenty-eight feet high.
Many people venture to the sculpture park for a relaxing afternoon to themselves, finding a bench or shady area to read a book or simply take in the sites. It’s also a great setting for a fun group gathering. Outside food and beverage is permitted, so consider finding a spot on the meadow for a picnic. We particularly like Museum Hill, located outside the Museum Building, for its sweeping views of Storm King’s grounds. Alternately, the Outdoor Cafe sells a seasonal and locally sourced selection of sandwiches, salads, snacks, treats, and drinks (including wine and beer).
Know Before You Go
Reserving advanced time-entry tickets is recommended to guarantee entry at a preferred time. Onsite tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Ticketing is per-vehicle and based on the total number of passengers, ranging from $23 for a car of one to $110 for a car of six. Children under five are free. Storm King also has a membership option, with perks including free, ticketless admission year-round, entry during member-only hours, invitations to member-only programs and events, and discounts at the Outdoor Cafe and bike rentals.
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For those interested in a guided tour, Storm King has two daily options. There’s a walking tour at 1PM, and tram tours that take place at various times throughout the day. No reservations are needed. The museum hosts many events throughout its peak season, ranging from Saturday morning yoga to moonlit walking tours. The spot also has free admission on the first Friday of each month to all visitors. A calendar of all upcoming events and experiences can be found on the website.
