Have you heard of Dia:Beacon? Maybe you’ve driven by the museum a few times or you listened to a friend talk about it. Or, maybe this gem of a contemporary art museum on New York’s coast is completely new to you.
Personally, I came across Dia: during the “planning a trip” stage of an earlier road trip to Maine. And, after extensive periods of rain here on the east coast, I knew this spring was the perfect time to visit. Besides, if you watched the same amount of Netflix I did, you’d think it was time to swap the pajamas for real pants, too. (Don’t tell me you’ve never done it!)
Here’s how my rainy-day trip to Dia:Beacon went and what you can expect when visiting, too:
About Dia:
The Dia Art Foundation was first founded in 1974 to act as a channel for artists to create innovative new projects. Its name comes from the Greek word meaning “through”, reflecting the nonprofit’s commitment to providing unmediated access to contemporary art. Unlike traditional museums, Dia: emphasizes long-term, in-depth exploration of a single artist’s work. The pieces at Dia:Beacon come primarily from artists who gained recognition during the 1960s and ’70s.
In addition to Dia:Beacon, which first opened in 2003, the Dia Art Foundation also runs sister sites Dia:Bridgehampton and Dia:Chelsea. And don’t forget about their constellation of commissions, long-term installations, and site-specific projects both nationally and overseas!
Getting to Dia:Beacon
As you’d expect, Dia:Beacon is located in Beacon, New York along the Hudson River.
Despite the hour or so it took me to drive to Dia:Beacon from northern New Jersey on a Saturday afternoon, I found getting there to be quite simple:
From the West
To get to Dia:Beacon from the west, like I did, take I-84 East to Exit 11. Turn left onto Route 9D North and continue for roughly seven miles. The entrance to the museum will be on your right.
From the North
If you’re traveling from the North, you can take the Amtrak train from Albany to Beacon Station. Or, drive south via the Taconic State Parkway and exit at Route 52 West. There will be signs directing you to the museum.
From Manhattan
If you have time to spare, getting to Dia:Beacon from Manhattan is fairly simple. Take the Metro-North Hudson line from Grand Central to Beacon Station, then walk the five minutes to the museum. The trip will take about 90 minutes, one way.
If you choose to get to Dia:Beacon by car, arriving early at the museum’s opening time of 11am might save you some time on the road. The main parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Prepare to park farther away, like the spillover lots at Beacon Station or Long Dock Park.
Tip! Bring a jacket and sturdy walking shoes if the weather is particularly poor.
Once inside, I stopped at the front desk to pick up a complimentary map of the galleries and to show the museum staff my digital ticket, bought online beforehand. The Dia:Beacon museum doesn’t accept cash payment, so purchasing tickets in advance is a must.
In terms of admission, tickets to Dia:Beacon are priced at $20 per adult. I found this reasonable at the time, but looking back, it was slightly high for the value. (These days, what doesn’t cost more than an arm or a leg?) Expect the ticket price to be slightly lower if you’re a child, senior, or member of the museum.
The Dia:Beacon Museum Facilities
If you can’t already tell from the photos, Dia:Beacon is housed in a massive, industrial building. The building used to be a box printing factory for Nabisco. Once I got over the open and accessible layout, high ceilings, and concrete floors, I realized there’s a lot of ground to cover (three floors’ worth!). And just how thankful I was that the front desk provided complimentary maps of the exhibits.
Note: Food is not permitted inside the galleries. However, there is an on-site cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. Pick up a warm panini or a cup of coffee before or after your visit, if you’re feeling hungry.
Notable Artists & Exhibits at Dia:Beacon
The industrial character of the Dia:Beacon building provides the perfect backdrop for the large-scale installations that populate the space. Expect to see large and immersive works by renowned artists like Dan Flavin, Richard Serra and Michael Heizer, as well as many pieces from emerging contemporary artists. In addition to the museum’s permanent collection, Dia:Beacon also hosts temporary exhibits. These exhibits rotate throughout the year, so there’s always something fresh to see.
Don’t have the 2-3 hours needed to see the whole museum? Here are a few exhibits I recommend prioritizing during your visit:
Charlotte Posenenske
Charlotte Posenenske sought to counter the commercialization of contemporary art and its accompanying cult of personality. By creating minimalist sculptures made from readily-available cardboard and aluminum materials (like in her Square Tubes Series D, 1967/2018, shown above), she could sell her art at affordable prices, and in nearly unlimited quantities. Despite her short career, Posenenske’s work continues to influence today. At times, her pieces even reminded me of the outdoor sculptures at nearby Storm King Art Center.
Dan Flavin
Another exhibit worth seeing is Dan Flavin’s untitled (to you, Heiner, with admiration and affection), located on the basement level. This work fills the basement level with a colorful, neon-green glow with its florescent lighting. It’s an immersive experience that’s both calming and energizing.
If you’re a fan of Dan Flavin’s work, be sure to check out his light installations located on the ground floor as well.
John Chamberlain
John Chamberlain’s art is associated with Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Chamberlain had a notable ability to transform industrial debris into something beautiful and expressive, while also commenting on the excesses and contradictions of American consumer culture. He continued to experiment with new materials and techniques throughout his career, though is most known for his art made from crushed automobiles like those shown in Hit Height Lear, 1979 at Dia:Beacon.
I quite enjoyed the bright colors and abstract shapes of John Chamberlain’s work. Despite his pieces being nearly 50 years old, they had a modern feel to them.
Not An Art Expert? Fake it Until You Make It!
Even if you don’t know a lot about the artists or movements on display, you can always make the most of your visit by adopting a faux air of haughty expertise. Squint thoughtfully at the pieces in front of you, nod enthusiastically at the placards on display, or comment about the chiaroscuro effects you see.
And don’t forget to dress the part! A sleek black turtleneck, some thick-rimmed glasses, and a brooding expression will go a long way towards convincing those around you that you’re a serious art connoisseur!
Would I Go Back to Dia:Beacon?
Yes, ticket costs were a bit steep and, OK, not every exhibit at Dia:Beacon was exactly to my taste (which, let’s be honest, is on me), but I still managed to enjoy my visit. The atmosphere of the museum is itself meditative, which I found enjoyment in. And, there were plenty of opportunities to engage, too. Next time I visit, I’ll read more labels, take a guided tour, or ask the knowledgeable staff some questions. Despite that, I came in with a curious mindset and the museum turned out to be a delightful surprise.
If you go into your visit to Dia:Beacon with the same open mindset, I’ll bet you have a similar experience. This collection of contemporary art and the stunning architecture that surrounds are scenes art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can certainly admire.
So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking and visually-stimulating (rainy day) trip, be sure to add Dia:Beacon to your list of must-see museums.
Stretch Your Visit to Dia:Beacon
If you have time to spare, consider checking out the following nearby places for extra fun:
- See more art at Storm King Art Center
- Get outside and take one of these hikes
- Find more scenic views of the Hudson River at Walkway Over the Hudson
Contemplating This Trip?
Are you planning on visiting Dia:Beacon? Let me know how your visit goes and what artwork you enjoyed the most in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!
