Socrates Sculpture Park

Socrates Sculpture Park – spread over 4.5 acres – is the only public space lying within the metropolitan area that is exclusively dedicated to exhibiting large scale outdoor sculptures, and other similar artistic creations. It is located on the Eastern River, at the intersection of Broadway and Vernon Boulevard.

The Socrates Sculpture Park was the brain child of American sculptor Mark di Suvero, who converted an illegal riverside dumping site leased from New York City's Department of Ports and Trade for $1 per year into a stunning exhibition site and open studio of contemporary outdoor sculptures. It took a year to clear the dumping site and the park was formally opened in 1986. Since then, the park has played an active part in revitalizing the social, economic, educational, and cultural life of the Queens community through activities and programs, which has eventually helped in bringing together various artists, their art, and likeminded public of the Long Island in general on the same platform. No wonder, today, the Socrates Sculpture Park is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and park offering artist’s residency programs and a wide spectrum of public services.

At the Socrates Sculpture Park, exhibits are frequently rotated (not permanent exhibits), and every year the sculptors from America, Europe and other parts of the world are joined by dancers, musicians, painters and film makers to create a unique world of multi-media modern art showcase, something unparalleled anywhere else in the globe. Other initiatives include workshops and other training programs for budding sculptors and school children, fellowship programs and other community development activities.

The Socrates Sculpture Park has been incorporated as part of the NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation in 1993 and has been accorded with the status of one of the ‘Great American Public Places’ in the country in 1995.

Admission to Socrates Sculpture Park is free and the park is open on all days of the year from 10 AM to sunset.