Visit Dia: Beacon

It is not that I am starved for indoor activities that I thought Dia Beacon was an incredible visit, but more so that it exceeded my expectations far and away. It is worth the hour and half drive for each and every exhibit especially Carl Craig’s Party/After Party. It would be remise not to mention that the museum itself is a site to behold, nearly 300,000 square feet that epitomizes industrial architecture. The natural light that pours in through the skylights of museum is divine. The massive glass pane windows wrapping the building allows the outside foliage to fuse with the exhibits. The shadows that form on the concrete and hardwood flooring is a photographer’s dream. Dia Beacon is open all year-round sans major holidays and I will be closely watching for new exhibits and guided tours. 

John Chamberlain
Mel Bochner
Robert Smithson
Dan Flavin
Lee Ufan
Lee Ufan
Michael Heizer
Dorothea Rockburne
Dorothea Rockburne
Dan Flavin
Carl Craig
Carl Craig

I am not only besotted with the museum, but also with the town of Beacon. Everyone is welcome. As you walk towards the main drag you are meet with homes prominently showcasing Pride and BLM flags. People holding signs facing traffic like “Honk for Justice”. This is 75-minute express train ride from Manhattan, but you could have fooled me into thinking it’s Chelsea/West Village for it’s progressive, yet quaint vibes.

Notable mentions:

Parking for the museum is included with your tickets and parking downtown was hassle free.

Mask wearing was abundant and people were considerate of distancing on the sidewalks.   

The Roadhouse: Incredible meal, great service and a patio that overlooks a waterfall.

Wonderbar Beacon: Tapas and cocktails are worth the wait.

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