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Housed in a factory that once made cracker boxes, Dia Beacon isn’t just the best modern art museum in the Hudson Valley. It’s one of the best in the country — period. The minimalist space itself is awe-inspiring, with 34,000 square feet of skylights that allow you to view works by Dan Flavin, Richard Serra, and Charlotte Posenenske by natural light. No matter how much time you’re spending in Beacon, this should be one of the places you should make sure to visit.
Dia Beacon isn’t the only reason art lovers flock to this village on the Hudson River. Come during the monthly Second Saturdays celebration, when all the galleries on and around Main Street open their doors to the public. A few to remember: Analog Diary, Clutter Gallery, and Super Secret Projects (the latter is hidden in the back of a clothing shop called Hyperbole.)
The Beacon Artists Union — better known as the BAU — highlights the works of local artists. It’s easy to stroll past this storefront gallery because of the understated sign, but you’d be missing out on some of the best modern art pieces in Beacon. In a former high school, KuBE Art Center provides a platform for artists to continually create and present their work.
In a building dating back more than 150 years, Howland Cultural Center is a work of art in and of itself. It started out as a library, and now the ornate space hosts chamber music performances (the acoustics are outstanding) and exhibits by local artists.
