Location

Overview

Art Omi stands as one of the most dynamic and boundary-pushing sculpture and architecture parks in the United States. Founded in 1992 by artist and real estate developer Francis J. Greenburger, this 120-acre sanctuary in New York's Hudson Valley seamlessly blends contemporary art with the rolling hills and open fields of Columbia County. Unlike traditional museums where art exists in controlled environments, Art Omi embraces the philosophy that great art should live, breathe, and evolve within nature—a living canvas where seasons, weather, and time become active participants in the artistic experience. What sets Art Omi apart is its commitment to transformation and renewal. With over sixty large-scale contemporary sculptures and architectural projects dotting the landscape, the park functions as a constantly evolving exhibition space where works are regularly added, rotated, or exchanged. This ensures that each visit offers fresh discoveries, new perspectives, and unexpected encounters. Visitors winding through the property's trails might encounter Tony Tasset's surreal 'Deer'—a monumental bronze sculpture that challenges expectations—followed by Olaf Breuning's whimsical 'Clouds,' a playful installation that brings sky-bound forms down to earth. The park's history is deeply intertwined with its mission of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic innovation. Since its inception, Art Omi has hosted five distinct residency programs for international artists, architects, dancers, musicians, writers, and translators. Over 2,000 creatives from more than 100 countries have passed through these gates, leaving behind not just artworks but echoes of conversations, collaborations, and creative breakthroughs. The Sculpture & Architecture Park itself is a testament to this global exchange—works by Pippa Garner, Iván Navarro, Nari Ward, Arlene Shechet, and Alicja Kwade create a polyglot visual language that transcends borders. Architecturally, Art Omi has become a laboratory for experimental design. Projects by practitioners like Rob Fischer (the ethereal 'Omi Pond House'), Alex Schweder and Ward Shelley ('ReActor'), and Caroline O'Donnell and Martin Miller ('Evitim') explore the relationship between structure, landscape, and human interaction. These are not merely buildings to be observed; they are experiential spaces designed to provoke thought about sustainability, community, and our place within the natural world. Many incorporate eco-conscious materials and passive design strategies, making Art Omi a pioneer in environmentally responsive outdoor art. The landscape itself deserves recognition as a curatorial element. The gently sloping fields, mature tree lines, and meandering pathways were thoughtfully designed to create both intimate viewing moments and grand vistas. Art Omi respects the Hudson Valley's agricultural heritage while transforming it into something transcendent—a place where cows once grazed has become a theater for monumental artistic statements. The park's openness allows for dramatic long views, where multiple sculptures can be seen in conversation across hundreds of yards, while wooded areas create pockets of contemplation. Art Omi's commitment to accessibility and community engagement is reflected in its free-admission policy. Unlike many world-class sculpture parks that charge hefty entrance fees, Art Omi believes art should be available to all. A suggested donation of $15 helps maintain the grounds, but the gates are open to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. The park is also one of the most dog-friendly art destinations in the country, offering a free Dog Pass Program that welcomes leashed companions—a reflection of the organization's understanding that art appreciation is enhanced, not diminished, by the rhythms of everyday life. Beyond the outdoor sculpture park, visitors can explore the Benenson Visitors Center, home to the Newmark Gallery, which features rotating indoor exhibitions that complement the outdoor installations. The center provides essential amenities—restrooms, a cafe, maps—and serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about current artists-in-residence, upcoming exhibitions, and the broader mission of Art Omi. The organization also maintains a robust arts education program, offering workshops, camps, and public programs for all ages, ensuring that the next generation of art lovers and creators finds inspiration within these fields. The park is open year-round, a significant advantage over many outdoor sculpture destinations that close during winter months. This means visitors can experience the collection in all seasons: works covered in snow and ice in January, surrounded by wildflowers in May, bathed in golden autumn light in October. Each season reimagines the sculptures, proving that outdoor art is never static—it's a collaboration between artist, nature, and viewer.

120-acre sculpture and architecture park featuring 60+ large-scale contemporary works in the Hudson Valley. FREE admission, dog-friendly, open year-round.

Notable Artworks

Art & Features

Art Styles: Contemporary, Experimental, Installation, Architectural

Planning Your Visit

Contact Information

🎨 Current Exhibitions

🏛️ Facilities & Programs

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