Exploring Art Outside

Outdoor Art and Gardens to Visit Around Marist 

COVID-19 might have slowed the world down a bit, but the art realm is still thriving. From sculpture exhibits to floral gardens, there are plenty of COVID-safe activities happening outside to take part in. 

The Vanderbilt Mansion is a great location for students to be outside safely during the pandemic, Source: Amanda Dibre ‘23

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site

Looking for a picnic beside a historic mansion? Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park is just a 10 minute drive from campus. Although the mansion itself is closed to the public, the grounds are still open. With over 200 acres, there is plenty to do. A beautiful garden and countless blooming trees sit on the property. The grounds are open for free everyday from 8am-7pm. 

119 Vanderbilt Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY, (845) 229-7770, www.nps.gov/vama/index.htm

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

Just 5 minutes from campus, the Home of FDR has acres of nature to experience, specifically the Beatrix Farrand Garden. Although all buildings are closed at this site as well, the grounds are still open for free from 8am-7pm. 

4097 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY, (845) 229-9115, www.nps.gov/hofr/index.htm

Art Omi

About an hour away, this 120-acre outdoor architecture and sculpture park has over 60 unique works of art that changes every year. Open 9am-5pm everyday, visitors must register for a day and time on weekends and certain holidays. Art Omi requires only one registration per vehicle and suggests a donation of $10 per person, though any donation amount is appreciated. 

1405 Co Rte 22, Ghent, NY, (518) 392-4747, www.artomi.org

Opus 40

This sculpture park and museum is nearly four decades old with more than 60 acres of meadows, forested paths and bluestone quarries. Less than an hour away, Opus 40 offers natural beauty and local history, as well as Picnic Fridays. Open Thursday through Monday 11am-5pm, guests must register in advance and have two hours to tour the site. Students are $8, so don’t forget your Marist ID and mask.

50 Fite Road, Saugerties, NY, (845) 246 3400, www.opus40.org

Bradford Graves Sculpture Park

A 50 minute drive from campus, this sculpture park is open until the end of October. It holds over 200 works by Bradford Graves himself, all of which are for sale. Working primarily in stone, he focuses on large sculptures, drawings, and prints. Admission is free, but by appointment only. 

28 Doggums Way, Kerhonkson, NY, (845) 230-0521, www.bradfordgravessculpturepark.com