Socrates Sculpture Park combines two of my favorite things about New York City: outdoor public spaces, and ambitious inventive art. Located on the shore of the East River, with beautiful views of Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, it is my oasis and a vital cultural center for the Astoria community.
Socrates Sculpture Park is an outdoor museum that invites local artists to create site-specific artwork for their spring and fall seasons. Between seasons, I love to watch the sculptors at work in the park's open-air studio. As I watch the artwork grow from raw materials into beautiful sculptures, I can feel the creative vibe pulsing throughout the entire park.
In addition to its biannual sculptural exhibitions, Socrates Sculpture Park offers a huge variety of cultural events. Farmers’ markets, folk dance performances, kayaking, and outdoor foreign film screenings, are all among my favorite activities at Socrates Sculpture Park.
Socrates Sculpture Park seems to hibernate during the winter. While you can still visit the park for the nice outdoor space and great East River views, you'll have to wait until springtime for new sculptures and outdoor events.
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"35 Times - Toby Buonagurio" in New York are small artworks in the Times Square subway station, maybe even 16 inches square, lit on the inside. Jazzy!
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"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
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"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
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"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
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I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
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I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
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"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
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The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
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"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
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"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
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"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
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