Fall is my favorite! And I’ve been trying to get out of the city and enjoy some of the foliage before it’s too late. So we’ve been spending time at my in-laws house, which we like to consider our country home. We’ve been really trying our best to get out and see Long Island when we can. This past weekend we took a trip to the Nassau County Museum of Art. I was so surprised at how high caliber it was. I don’t expect much from a suburban art museum but I am happy to report I was wrong. So wrong in fact that I wanted to share it with you!
The Nassau County Museum of Art is located just 20 miles east of New York City (accessible by Long Island Rail Road and taxi). It’s on the former Frick Estate (ever been to the Frick Collection in NYC? One of my faves, read about it on the blog). Henry Clay Frick purchased the estate for his son) a 145-acre property in Roslyn Harbor in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast. The collection is very impressive, definitely better than any suburban art museum I have been to.
The museum’s permanent collection encompasses all types of media, the collection includes works by Auguste Rodin, Georges Braque, Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard and Roy Lichtenstein.
“The Moderns” is on exhibit right now and is worth the trip outside the city. It was just written up in the New York Times as being fab so who am I to disagree. There are works by Picasso, Miro, Dali, Chagall, amongst others. Many of the works are so-called “Degenerate” art from World War Two. And you must take the free tour at 3pm, it changes the way you’ll see the art. The guide explains the story behind how the collection is curated and gives meaning to the entire show that would have otherwise been lost on me.
The gardens are most impressive as well. One can spend an afternoon wandering about the gorgeous property and enjoying the lovely sculpture collection. Frances Frick, an avid horticulturist and garden club member, commissioned the Frick Estate’s Formal Gardens have been restored to the original design of the famed landscape architect,
Marian Cruger Coffin. Coffin considered these Formal Gardens to be among her finest creations and we happen to agree!
For more information, visit
Nassau County Museum of Art Online. It’s located in Roslyn Harbor. You can take the Long Island Railroad to either Manhasset or Roslyn and then take a taxi. Totally worth it. Especially for this exhibit.
Oh, and I highly recommend a visit to
Hendrick’s Tavern, which is just a short drive away. A fabulous restaurant (they serve a very wide ranging menu) and it has so much history. George Washington once dined in this building with whom the restaurant bears its name from.
About The Author
Katie is a luxury lifestyle expert. She runs luxury lifestyle sites, KatieLara.com and Smartypanties.com. But she's not only a luxury lifestyle blogger, she's also a freelance writer for The Huffington Post, Fodor's, Forbes, Pursuitist, Just Luxe and She Knows. She's also a professional photographer and her photos often appear alongside her writing.
Lloved this article! I lived in Nassau County most of my life and knew nothing about this gem! The artwork is incredible!!!!!
- October 14, 2015I am fascinated by this museum and Tavern!!! Thanks!
Definitely a lovely place to spend the day!
- October 18, 2015MANY THANKS FOR THE ALWAYS INTERESTING INFORMATIONS.
- October 14, 2015Warmest regards, Ron
So happy you find it useful! Please remember to give us a follow on social media to keep up with my adventures!
- October 18, 2015