Storm King Art Center | Hudson

Storm King Art Center is a premier 500-acre outdoor museum located in New Windsor, New York, known for its impressive collection of large-scale sculptures set within the scenic Hudson Valley landscape. It is one of the largest sculpture parks in the United States and offers a unique blend of art and nature, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists.

History and Background

Founded in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden, a passionate advocate for contemporary sculpture, Storm King was created to provide a space where art could interact with the natural environment on a grand scale. Over the decades, it has grown into an internationally renowned site, showcasing works by some of the most important sculptors of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Landscape and Setting

The park’s 500 acres include rolling hills, fields, woodlands, and ponds. The natural terrain plays a vital role in the placement and experience of the artworks, allowing visitors to explore sculptures in a variety of outdoor settings that change with the seasons, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of each piece.

Art Collection

Storm King features over 100 sculptures and site-specific installations by notable artists such as Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Maya Lin, Richard Serra, and Ursula von Rydingsvard. The works vary widely in style, material, and scale, ranging from monumental steel constructions to organic, nature-inspired forms.

The collection is curated to foster a dialogue between the sculptures and the landscape, encouraging visitors to experience art in a dynamic, immersive environment rather than a traditional indoor gallery.

Recent Renovations and Features

In 2025, Storm King completed a major $53 million renovation and expansion project designed to improve visitor access, amenities, and conservation efforts. Key enhancements include:

A new visitor entrance with improved parking and a welcoming arrival experience.

Newly constructed pavilions offering restrooms, orientation spaces, and shelter.

A Conservation and Fabrication Building dedicated to the maintenance and preservation of the outdoor artworks.

Additional land converted from former parking areas into new exhibition spaces, increasing the park's footprint and allowing for more art installations.

Exhibitions and Programs

Storm King offers both permanent and rotating exhibitions. The 2025 season features “Sonia Gomes: Ó Abre Alas!,” the first U.S. solo institutional exhibition for the Brazilian artist Sonia Gomes, showcasing vibrant, large-scale hanging sculptures made from durable materials and personal artifacts, celebrating themes of nature, culture, and resilience.

The center also hosts educational programs, artist talks, workshops, family activities, and guided tours, aiming to engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds in contemporary art and environmental appreciation.

Visitor Experience

Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with last entry at 3:00 PM. Member mornings on Sundays start at 9:00 AM.

Admission: Adults $25, seniors $22, students and youth $15, children under 5 free. Free admission programs for local students, military families, and museum members.

Amenities: Outdoor café, museum store, bike rentals, digital guides via Bloomberg Connects app, restrooms, picnic areas, and accessible trails.

Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible with paved paths in key areas and accommodations available upon request.

Location and Transportation

Address: 20 Old Pleasant Hill Road, New Windsor, NY 12553

By Car: Easily accessible via major highways with ample parking included in admission.

By Public Transit: Accessible from New York City via Metro-North train to Beacon, then a short car or shuttle ride. Coach USA offers a bus service from Port Authority Terminal to Storm King, including admission in ticket packages.

Significance

Storm King Art Center is a pioneering institution in outdoor contemporary sculpture, blending art with the natural environment to create a living museum experience. It encourages exploration, contemplation, and a deeper appreciation of both artistic creativity and the landscape, making it a vital cultural and recreational destination in the Hudson Valley region.

Visiting Storm King provides a rare opportunity to engage with large-scale artworks in a breathtaking setting, where nature and human creativity meet in harmony.