Get the Eff Out: 10 Art Destinations Outside of NYC to Get You Cultured (and Sane)

There’s plenty to see in Manhattan, from pretty ladies to crazy people to some of the world's greatest museums. But sometimes you need to get out. If you live in New York (or are visiting for an extended period of time), make sure to set aside some time to get

a whole different kind of art viewing experience—think open space,

fresh air and world-class architecture. Check out the top ten art destinations outside of Manhattan and keep this post bookmarked for the next time you feel yourself losing your shit in NYC.

10. Parrish Art Museum

25 Jobs Lane

Southampton, NY 11968
parrishart.org

This 615 foot-long barn-like building was designed by

architecture superstars Herzog & de Meuron, so that's enough on its own. But the Parrish collection also happens to be stacked with

A-list Long Islanders like Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Roy

Lichtenstein, as well as current art world heavies Elizabeth Peyton

and Chuck Close. Worth the ride out to the Hamptons some Sunday before the summer kicks in.

9. Opus 40

50 Fite Road

Saugerties, NY 12477
opus40.org

Buried deep in the Catskills, this massive outdoor sculpture garden is

over six acres of trippy stone terraces, pools, ramps and tiers—all of

it created by one guy, Harvey Fite. It’s been called one of "the most

beguiling works of art on the entire continent” by Architectural

Digest.

8. Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

381 North Broadway

Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

Talk about baller--this estate and forty-room mansion was the home of

America’s most famous business family. Visitors can check out the grounds and explore

the extensive gardens, terraces and fountains overlooking the Hudson

with the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

7. Pollock-Krasner House

830 Springs-Fireplace Road

East Hampton, NY 11937
stonybrook.edu/pkhouse

The grand master of abstract expressionism, Jackson Pollock, moved to

this house in 1945 where he lived and created many of his greatest

works. He also hid from stardom and slowly drank himself to death

here. It's a sick spot, and the drive out east is dope.

6. Mass MoCA

1040 Mass MoCA Way

North Adams, MA 01247
massmoca.org

This one is definitely a weekend trip, but it’s worth the trek. The museum is built

on a massive 19th century industrial complex and houses over

100,000 square feet of exhibition space. Highlights include an

extensive Sol Lewitt retrospective and Federico Diaz’s crazy

site-specific sculpture, Geometric Death Frequency-141.

5. The Philip Johnson Glass House

199 Elm Street

New Canaan, CT 06840
philipjohnsonglasshouse.org

The Glass House is a

modern architecture Mecca. The Apple Store has nothing on this masterpiece. The estate includes other marvels

designed by Philip Johnson, who is considered one of the greatest

architects of the 20th century.

4. The Russel Wright Design Center

584 Route 9D

Garrison, NY 10524
russelwrightcenter.org

The Design Center is where industrial design legend Russel Wright

lived and worked before he died. The best part is the four acres of

paths that wind through the extraordinary landscape designed by the man

himself. Visitors can hike around the 75 acres anytime during the day.

3. The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

258 Main Street

Ridgefield, CT 06877
aldrichart.org

The Aldrich Museum is an award-winning piece of architecture, and the

outdoor sculpture garden is also great. If you go soon, you can still see the KAWS show, it’s on display until June 5th.

2. DIA Beacon

3 Beekman Street

Beacon, NY 12508
diabeacon.org

The collection here is mostly far out minimalism--Fred Sandback’s

optical brain-benders and Richard Serra’s gigantic steel spiral

enclosures are definite highlights. The museum its vast and airy with

a nice lawn overlooking the Hudson River. Great place to spend a day

and easy to get to by train.

1. Storm King Art Center

Old Pleasant Hill Road

Mountainville, NY 10953
stormking.org

About an hour north of Manhattan, there are over 100 massive

sculptures spread out over 500 acres of picturesque land along the

Hudson River at Storm King. There are too many amazing works to name,

but the sheer scale alone is enough to blow you away. This is a must.