Sculpture Center New York
Gallery for emerging art
Sculpture center is one of the most vibrant sculpture galleries in New York. As a non-collecting institution, they do not have a permanent collection of art. Rather, they are committed to making programs for sculptors with innovative, experimental works. The exhibits are always changing, so it is a fresh experience every time.Â
Long Island City is known for being a sculpture hotspot, likely because of the large post-industrial spaces available, and the nearby foundry in Astoria. Sculpture Center is housed in a former trolley repair shop, a remnant of Long Island City's industrial past. The tall ceilings in the main gallery are covered with skylights and criss-crossed steel beams, making it an excellent venue for bold sculptures.Â
The basement is often overlooked, but it's my favorite part! The dark cinderblock corridors present a unique setting for artists to make really intimate installations. Sometimes spooky and ominous, but at other times joyful and festive, this space is transformed by each artist resident. As you explore the basement, you are sure to be charmed by a little flower hiding in an alcove, or surprised by a silhouette looming at the end of the hall.Â
Sculpture Center does not require an admission fee, but they do ask for a donation when you visit. I usually donate the suggested $5.
Sculpture Center is only one block away from MOMA's PS1, so I recommend visiting both Long Island City's contemporary art institutions in the same day!
About this spot
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
L&B Pizza – Gravesend Italian/American
L&B in Brooklyn, famed for its plain square slices since 1939, is a must-visit. Enjoy outdoor dining in Bensonhurst, a haven for Italian-American cuisine. Iconic!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel – Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django – Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House – Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices – French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen – Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Grandma's Place – Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore – African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World – Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee – Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Icons' Homes – James, James & Dorothy
There are three houses not far from each other in NYC of three icons: James Dean, James Baldwin, and Dorothy Parker...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heckscher Field/Central Park – Broadway show league
"Heckscher Field" in Central Park, New York, is used for softball. Here you can see games played for the Broadway Show League. Celebrity stars may be seen.
By