New York City has long been at the center of the art world, dominated by some of the largest and most impressive museums in the country. It’s a great place to take in an amazing amount of creativity, but it’s not the only place. Long Island holds its own as well, with galleries and exhibits that rival even the most impressive in New York.
Whether you’re looking for a day in the city or a quick visit to a Long Island gallery, there are plenty of options to take in some amazing art this spring.
MoMa PS1
Perhaps lesser-known than its big brother on Museum Row, PS1 in Long Island City is nonetheless an important part of New York’s art scene, and one of the most exceptional experimental and performance art spaces in the world. Exhibitions are constantly changing, but there are always opportunities to take place in live art during PS1’s Sunday sessions or visit one of the permanent exhibits. Things are always changing, and there’s always something new to catch your eye and change your mind the next time you visit PS1.
Nassau County Museum of Art
There has never been a better time to visit this hidden gem on Museum Drive in Roslyn Harbor. From now until July 7, the museum will be home to an exhibit titled That 80s Show, which includes seminal pieces of art from the underground art world of New York in the 1980s. Take the short drive to visit world-famous pieces by household names like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer and Tseng Kwong Chi.
A warm spring day is also a great chance to visit the museum’s sculpture gardens, elevated by Marko Remec’s dominant mirrored installations titled Field Totem and Tall Totem.
The Whitney Museum of Art
Often forgotten among the sprawling and impressive museums of Museum Row in the Meatpacking District, The Whitney is a hidden gem sitting alongside the High Line downtown. A contemporary museum with deep roots to the local community, a visit to the Whitney can include viewing the current Andy Warhol exhibit or taking in a senior program or viewing night.
The Whitney also offers public programs on art, history and identity, including the upcoming “I Want To Be Everywhere With You,” a three-day program involving performances, art and panels by and for disabled artists.
Children’s Museum of Art
New York City is home to the Children’s Museum of Art (CMA), a nonprofit that focuses on providing art-based education for children across the metro area and Long Island. A perfect opportunity for parents looking to keep kids engaged and learning during the summer, CMA is home to dozens of after-school and camp day programs designed to keep children curious and learning. Including under-five, teen and family courses, there’s something for everyone to learn about how to find art in everything they do.
Visit the Children’s Museum of Art at 103 Charlton St., NYC.
The Neue Galerie
The Neue Galerie for German and Austrian Art is a must-visit, not just for people of Austro-German heritage, but also for anyone looking to experience some of the most dynamic art in all of Europe, right here on Long Island. The “Austrian Masterworks” gallery contains a wealth of historic art, most notably the famous “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer” by Gustav Klimt, stolen in 1941 and only recently returned to public viewing.
Visit the Neue Galerie at 1048 5th Ave., NYC.
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The Heckscher Museum of Art
Take in some incredible contemporary art at the Heckscher Museum in Huntington, well-known for its collection of early 20th century art from well-known names like Georgia O’Keefe and Man Ray. High school students are also encouraged to submit their own art for showing in the museum’s Long Island’s Best exhibit, where their work can be displayed in a public setting. The Heckscher also includes several K-12 school programs, and works with both teachers and students to involve art more deeply in the learning process.
