Socrates Sculpture Park - Long Island City, NY - Exhibition of Outdoor Sculptures

Socrates Sculpture Park is located at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City in New York. Long Island City is the westernmost neighborhood of Queens, which is a borough of New York City. The park is situated at the intersection of Broadway and Vernon Boulevard.

Socrates Sculpture Park resides on what was once a riverside landfill and illegal dump site. In 1986, under the leadership of Mark di Suvero, community members and a coalition of artists turned the site into an exhibition space for artists. It also serves as an open studio and a neighborhood park.

The park has become known internationally as an outdoor museum and features an artist residency program. The park has become one of the parks in New York City to offer a variety of public services. Socrates Sculpture Park is open from 10:00am to sunset daily. There is no fee for admission to the park. The park's office is open Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. The office is located across the street from the park's Broadway entrance.

The park is considered an urban park, and it consists of approximately 4.5 acres. It is the only public space in the area that is devoted to the exhibition of outdoor sculptures on a large scale. The park's mission is to also encourage interaction between the public and artists. The park's mission seeks to affirm the belief that revitalization, reclamation, and creative expression are necessary for humanity and the improvement of urban environment.

Socrates Sculpture Park offers private workshops that can be conducted in schools or in the park. Workshops are customized, based on the audience, and include an introduction to making sculptures. These workshops are taught by artists that have exhibits at the park. The park also features artist-led tours. These tours include discussion on topics like the history of the park and the current exhibitions. Pre-registration is required for tours. Rates can be obtained by calling 718-956-1819, extension 10.

The park is home to a variety of special events, such as presentations, concerts, and artist panel discussions. Some of the previous special events at the park have included a Halloween Harvest Festival, a Summer Solstice Celebration, a Makers Market, and fitness programs.

Socrates Sculpture Park features a billboard structure that spans the main entrance of the park. The structure is 10 feet by 28 feet. Since 1999, this billboard structure has been used as a companion series to exhibitions in the park. The structure offers artists a forum for displaying artistic works that are two-dimensional, such as printmaking and photography. This billboard structure also helps present and define the theme of a current show to visitors as they enter.

Parking is not available on the actual premises, but street parking is available. There are port-o-potties available on the premises. The port-o-potties are located to the left of the main entrance. There are no concession stands in the park, but there are several restaurants within walking distance.

Additional information about Socrates Sculpture Park can be obtained by calling 718-956-1819.