If you’re looking for the perfect escape from New York City, head to Dia:Beacon. An hour and a half from NYC and just a quick train ride on Metro-North, Dia:Beacon makes a great day trip from NYC, especially if you love art.
About Dia:Beacon
Housed in an old Nabisco box printing factory, Dia:Beacon opened in 2003 to showcase art from the 1960s to the present day. Inside, you’ll find a wide variety of art spaced out nicely in the former factory.
Dia:Beacon is part of the Dia Art Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 that supports and preserves the arts. In addition to Dia:Beacon, the Dia Art Foundation has projects and collections in NYC, Long Island and in the western United States.
Visiting Dia:Beacon
Needing some space from New York City, I took a day off work and headed up to Dia:Beacon with my mom. It was the perfect getaway from the city, even if it was absolutely frigid outside. It even flurried a little at random times throughout the day!
Dia:Beacon is adjacent to the train tracks that take you to Beacon station. While it would be a pleasant ten-minute walk on any non-winter day, the weather outside made it a very chilly walk to the museum. However, I wouldn’t recommend paying for a cab or an Uber as the walk itself is quick—and a great excuse to stretch your legs after a train ride!
While I can’t say I actually *understood* the majority of the art at the museum, it was really fun to look at and guess what each piece was trying to say. I really loved the light installations.
Who else makes a game out of modern and contemporary art museums?! Nevertheless, Dia:Beacon is worth a visit if you like art. My mom and I spent about an hour and a half inside and, if it weren’t for our hunger, we could have probably spent some more time inside. Our next stop was the town of Beacon, someplace I’m already hoping to return to in warmer weather.
Practical Information about Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon is located at 3 Beekman Street in Beacon, NY. It is located adjacent to Beacon Train Station, which is how you will arrive if coming from New York City. Train tickets from Grand Central to Beacon (a Hudson Line train) are $16.75 one way, off-peak.
Once you arrive at Beacon Train Station, you’ll see signs directing you in the direction of the museum. You can also follow the artsy-looking people that will most likely be heading that way as well!
Admission to Dia:Beacon is $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and free for Dia members and young children. You can also get reduced admission and cheaper train fare if you purchase through Metro-North’s “One Day Getaway” package.
Dia:Beacon’s hours change seasonally so be sure to check their website before planning a trip! It is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round, as well as Thursdays from January to March.
Dia:Beacon is also walking distance to the town of Beacon, which be the perfect way to fill up the rest of your afternoon.
Have you visited Dia:Beacon before?
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