Socrates Sculpture Park

32-01 Vernon Boulevard at Broadway, Long Island City, NY
718-956-1819
Socrates Sculpture Park website >

HOURS: Daily, 10 a.m. to sunset

NEIGHBORHOOD: Long Island City, Queens

CATEGORIES: parks, gallery

DESCRIPTION

Socrates Sculpture Park is the greenest art space in the city — it’s a public park built on a landfill! Until 1986, the land occupied by Socrates Sculpture Park was a riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite. A group of artists and community members transformed the land into a beautiful open exhibition space and public park. The unique environment encourages conversation and interaction between artists, their art work, and the public. The driving idea behind the park is the belief that “reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of our urban environment.” With a view of the Manhattan skyline, gorgeous flower gardens, and striking exhibits, you won’t find a more beautiful art space. Check out their events calendar for an array of outdoor eco-art events.

READER REVIEWS (2)

by Jessica Dailey

2/21/2011

Socrates Sculpture Park is truly a unique place to experience art. You have the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop and peaceful gardens surrounding contemporary art sculptures. My favorite exhibit here was Kim Beck’s “When laughter trips at the threshold of the divine,” a pair of sliding doors plunked right in the middle of the park.

by Lori Zimmer

2/21/2011

Like I said before, a perfect warm day= ride your bike to the Noguchi Museum then follow up with a picnic at Socrates. Even better- do it on a day that they are screening an outdoor film. Mmmmm summer!!!!