Join us on an excursion through the Hamptons' diverse and exciting art galleries and museums. Together, we explore the top art and culture hotspots dispersed throughout the East End.
From internationally acclaimed art collections and throwback historical societies to abstract expressionist hubs and family-friendly interactive exhibitions, the Hamptons’ cultural venues can satisfy anyone’s curiosity with diverse themes and activities accommodating all palettes and generations. Interested in modern architecture? Curious about contemporary statues? Explore them all to your heart’s content, whether you are in the mood to dive into the complex history of Native Americans, admire displays of Pollock’s artwork, walk around an authentic lighthouse from the Eighteenth century, or pay your respects to the Pan Am victims at an elegant yet tear-jerking location.
Here is our list of the best Hamptons museums and art galleries for your browsing pleasure.
See also: The Ultimate Hamptons Spa and Massage Guide | The Ultimate Hamptons Fitness and Yoga Guide | The Ultimate Hamptons Shopping Guide
AMAGANSETT U.S. LIFE-SAVING STATION MUSEUM
The Amagansett Life-Saving and Coast Guard Station Society‘s mission is to preserve and tell the story of Amagansett Station, its surfers, and the fast-paced Life-Saving and early Coast Guard stations and watercraft of America. The museum celebrates all those who served at the Amagansett Station from 1902 to 1944 in order to educate future generations.
160 Atlantic Ave., Amagansett, 631.527.7317, amagansettlss.org
EAST HAMPTON MARINE MUSEUM
Perched on a bluff overlookingthe ocean, this museum serves the residents and visitors of East Hampton by collecting, preserving, presenting and interpreting the material, cultural and economic heritage depicting the history of whalingand fishing. Detailed exhibitsfeature artifacts collected from local families, and dioramas present the history in a uniquely tangible way.
301 Bluff Road, Amagansett, 631.324.6850, easthamptonhistory.org
BRIDGE GARDENS
This 5-acre gem in the heart of Bridgehampton is a one-of-a-kind public garden with glorious hedges, a wide variety of perennialand annual flowers, shrubs and aunique four-quadrant herb garden featuring culinary, medicinal, ornamental and textile-dye plants. Donated in 2008 by James Kilpatricand Harry Neyens, the gardens have been lovingly maintained, and new elements and programs have been introduced to tie in the organization’s conservation mission, including an expansive vegetable garden that supports local food pantries, Community Garden plots and the use of low-impact, environmentally sensitive gardening practices.
36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, 631.283.3195, peconiclandtrust.org
BRIDGEHAMPTON MUSEUM
The Bridgehampton Museum acts as a historical and cultural hub for the Bridgehampton communityand surrounding areas. Deeply rooted in East End history, it aims to continue and foster appreciation of Eastern Long Island traditions through lectures, concerts, tours and special events.
2368 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton,631.537.1088, bhmuseum.org
CHASE EDWARDS GALLERY
Since 2008, this gallery has showcased an impressive selection of local, national and key international artists. The program focuses on abstract and realist paintings along with photography and sculpture by midcareer, established and emerging new talents.
An extensive schedule of solo and group exhibitions provides an inviting atmosphere to view the gallery’s collection. Chase Edwards can also provide an advisory team of interior designers who work with collectors in both New York City and South Florida. Private consultations are available.
2462 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631.604.2204, chaseedwardsgallery.com
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE EAST END (CMEE)
With more than 7,000 squarefeet of display and program room developed by LeeSkolnick Architecture + DesignCollaboration, CMEE is one of Eastern Long Island’s most visited museums, taking in almost 75,000 tourists annually. The CMEE presents educational exhibits and programs that will surely spark the creativity and imagination innate to all children.
376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631.537.8250, cmee.org
THE DAN FLAVIN ART INSTITUTE
Experience light installations inthis former firehouse renovated by architect Richard Gluckman. In conjunction with the Dia Art Foundation, Dan Flavin, who owned a home nearby in Wainscott's East Hamptonhamlet, lovingly transformed the space into a museum that would house his light-emitting creations made between 1963 and 1981.
23 Corwith Ave., Bridgehampton, 212.989.5566, diaart.org
LONG POND GREENBELT NATURE CENTER
Take a stroll through the unspoiled coastal plain ponds, which are bordered by wetlands and fringing oak forests.
1061 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631.746.0689, longpondgreenbelt.org
MARK BORGHI FINE ART
Founded in 1998 in New York, the gallery opened its second space in Bridgehampton in 2004. This summer outpost exhibits the same program as the New York gallery, including mounted contemporary art exhibitions featuring the work of RichardPrince, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Christopher Wool, as wellas exhibitions dedicated to the history of the New York School, abstract expressionism and pop art.
2426 Main St., Bridgehampton, 631.537.7245, borghi.org
NOVA’S ARK
Named for the sculpture by Mihai Popa, known as Nova (1928-2009), this sprawling, 95-acre sculpture park was designed with the intention to link together nature, architecture and philosophy.
60 Millstone Road, Bridgehampton, 631.537.0061, thearkproject.com
RJD GALLERY
RJD Gallery specializes ininternational contemporary art with a focus on magical, figurative realism, narrative portraiture and urban landscape. Through the collection of drawings, paintings and sculpture, the emerging artists and American master painters present a contemporary vision of our world.
2385 MainSt., Bridgehampton, 631.725.1161
NATHANIEL ROGERS HOUSE
The Nathaniel Rogers House is one of the most important architectural gems of its style on Long Island and is listed on the National register of Historic Places. The house is a beautiful example of Greek revival architecture and is one of the few full temple front houses on Long Island to survive.
2539 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631.537.1088, bhmuseum.org
SOUTH FORK NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER
Visitors are accompanied by the museum’s expert environmental educators as they experience the scientifically accurategalleries featuring live and recreated natural habitat exhibits; colorful floor-to-ceiling photomurals of forests, ponds and ocean landscapes; a Marine Touch Tank where visitors can hold sea stars, crabs and urchins; and terrariums and aquariums with local wildlife.
377 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor
THE WHITE ROOM GALLERY
“A provocative twist of inspirations” defines this contemporary art gallery. Exhibits include photography, mixed media, sculptures and all forms of painting. Take in a wide array of styles conceptualized by both well-known artists and emerging talents. The White Room Gallery exhibits all year long with a variety of themed/curated shows. Co-owners/co-directors Andrea McCafferty and Kat O’Neill together have over 30 years of experience in the arts. Expect performance art, theater and comedy shows with a portion of the proceeds going to various charities.
2415 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, 631.237.1481, thewhiteroom.gallery`
CLINTON ACADEMY
One of the first academies in New York State chartered by the Board of Regents, this 1784 building houses constantly evolving art and history exhibitions. Visitors canalso enjoy the Mimi Meehan Native Plant Garden behind the academy, a project of the Garden Club of East Hampton. The garden is accessible during daylight hours; simply enter the gate located to the left of the academy porch.
151 Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.6850, easthamptonhistory.org
DRAWING ROOM
Observe exhibitions of contemporary and 20th century painting, drawing, photography and sculpture. The space works to underscore the rich legacy of Eastern Long Island as an important center for art making. The gallery’s installations range from intimate solo shows to extensive surveys and salon exhibitions.
55 Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.5016, drawingroom-gallery.com
ERIC FIRESTONE GALLERY
Following its founding in 2010, Eric Firestone Gallery presents emerging and midcareer, contemporary artists as well as established predecessors. The goal of this space is to bridge the gap between artists of entirely different generations and reexamine their practice in a modern light.
4 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 631.604.2386, ericfirestonegallery.com
GUILD HALL
Guild Hall is a cultural, entertainment and educational hub. Its key goal is to educate, encourage and enhance diverse audiences by offering high-quality programming in the visual and performing arts through partnerships with Eastern Long Island musicians, and to cultivate a creative spirit and gathering place for everyone. The Sculpture Garden at the back of Guild Hall is off the beaten path, showing ongoing exhibits of sculpture en plein air.
158 Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.0806, guildhall.org
HALSEY MCKAY GALLERY
Curator Hilary Schaffner and artist Ryan Wallace founded this gallery in 2011 with the intention of introducing influential contemporary art to East Hampton. Schaffner and Wallace saw a unique opportunity to contribute to the community’s extensive art history, from William Meritt Chase to abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock and the present, thriving art community of the East End.
79 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 631.604.5770, halseymckay.com
LONGHOUSE RESERVE
Stroll through this astounding 16-acre outdoor museum and sculpture garden featuring pieces from Buckminster Fuller as well as other displays. Constantly updated exhibitions make for a special experience full of discovery.
133 Hands Creek Road, East Hampton, 631.329.3568, longhouse.org
MULFORD FARM
The Mulford Farm (circa 1680), listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is considered one of the most essential, intact English Colonial farmsteads in the country. The house is preserved for the community to learn about the history of Colonial culture and the developments that still influence our lives today.
10 James Lane, East Hampton, 631.324.6850, easthamptonhistory.org
OSBORN-JACKSON HOUSE
The Village of East Hampton owns and maintains this circa-1720 Colonial house, one of the few that is still in its original position on Main Street. It acts as the headquarters for the East Hampton Historical Society as well as a public period house museum. The museum features a display of furnishings typical of the well-to-do lifestyle of a post-Colonial East End family.
Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.6850, easthamptonhistory.org
POLLOCK KRASNER HOUSE AND STUDY CENTER
The undisputed leader of the abstract expressionist movement and his wife, Lee Krasner, called this home. It is now a federally designated National Historic Landmark and a meber of the Historic Artists' Homes and Studios program. Tour the residence as it looked until 1984.
830 Springs Fireplace Road, East Hampton, 631.324.4929, stonybrook.edu
STUDIO 11 / HAMPTONS ART GALLERY
Led by veteran designers Kellie Sirna and Stacy Elliston, Studio 11 is internationally acclaimed for shaping soulful spaces. The pair's gallery in Red Horse Plaza has come to be known as a studio practice and exhibition space showcasting a broad range of art in various mediums.
Red Horse Plaza, 74 Montauk Highway, East Hampton, 214.206.1131, studio11design.com
THOMAS MORAN HOUSE
Built in 1884, the home of Mary Nimmo Moran and Thomas Moran, both accomplished 19th century painters, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1956 for its association with the first major painter to bring American West scenes to the rest of the country. The house was restored under the care of the East Hampton Historical Society and is currently open to the public.
229 Main St., East Hampton, 631.324.6850, easthamptonhistory.org
TRIPOLI GALLERY
Founded in 2009 as The Tripoli Gallery of Contemporary Art, this space has acted as a vibrant forum for artistic discussion between local and foreign artists within our East End culture. Tripoli believes that every exhibition it curates serves as a frozen moment in the history of those artists—recorded, preserved and globalized into perpetuity.
87 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, 631.377.3715, tripoligallery.com
DARK ELEGY
This beautiful outdoor exhibit conceptualized by Suse Lowenstein memorializes victims of the Pan Am Flight 103 terrorism attack, including her son, whom she lost to the attack.
11 E. Lake Drive, Montauk, 631.688.5395, darkelegy103.com
MONTAUK INDIAN MUSEUM
The Montauk Indian Museum is designed to reflect the four stages of Native American history: the Ages of Paleo, Archaic, Woodland and Contact. Visitors can view the large murals depicting scenes specific to the Indigenous life as well as take part in lectures, workshops, film showings and more to discover a different perspective on the area's history.
24 Second House Road, Montauk, 631.903.9603, montaukhistoricalsociety.org
MONTAUK POINT LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM
The world-famous Montauk Point Lighthouse is located at the tip of Eastern Long Island’s South Fork. A climb to the top provides unforgettable 360-degree views of Block Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean and beyond. Be sure to take a coastal walk along the preserve surrounding the lighthouse.
2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, 631.668.2544, montauklighthouse.com
MONTAUK SECOND HOUSE MUSEUM
Second House is the oldest structure in Montauk. Originally built in 1746, this prized piece of Montauk is currently undergoing restoration as a means to preserve its importance for the public.
12 Second House Road, Montauk, 631.668.2544, montaukhistoricalsociety.org
GRENNING GALLERY
Dedicated to the revival of classical art, Grenning showcases artists whose works utilize traditional methods created by the great masters. From color to composition, each work in the collection strives to resurrect classical techniques in a contemporary fashion.
26 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631.725.8469, grenninggallery.com
ROMANY KRAMORIS GALLERY
Explore this little piece of Greenwich Village transplanted into Sag Harbor center. In this eclectic and informal gallery focusing on local artists, you can peruse American glassblowers and world crafts.
41 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631.725.2499, kramorisgallery.com
SAG HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY: THE ANNIE COOPER BOYD HOUSE
Enjoy a fascinating look into early Sag Harbor life through the lens of painter and iconic local figure Annie Cooper Boyd. Learn about the natural and man-made landmarks of historic Sag Harbor, which Boyd spent her life chronicling.
174 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631.725.5092, sagharborhistorical.org
SAG HARBOR WHALING AND HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Dedicated to the town’s past as a prosperous whaling port, this museum houses the largest collection of whaling equipment in the state of New York.
200 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631.725.0770, sagharborwhalingmuseum.org
TULLA BOOTH GALLERY
The Tulla Booth Gallery in the hamlet of Sag Harbor features established, emerging and contemporary photography. Browse landscapes, seascapes, still-life, flora, fauna, exotic travel, figurative lifestyle, celebrity and documentary photography. Tulla Booth prides itself on a timeless collection.
66 Main St., Sag Harbor, 631.725.3100, tullaboothgallery.com
HANDWERKLAB ART GALLERY
Objects, furnishings and fine ceramic art for the modern and traditional home are available at nationally renowned potter John Pagliaro’s Shelter Island outpost. Explore everything from handmade art to fine silver jewelry, as well as a comprehensive collection of Indigenous artifacts.
36 N. Ferry Road, Shelter Island, 631.294.2765
SHELTER ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Shelter Island Historical Society interprets the history of Shelter Island from its Native roots to the locals and city dwellers who have cultivated a loving and special community today.
16 S. FerryRoad, Shelter Island, 631.749.0025, shelterislandhistorical.org
CHANNING DAUGHTERS SCULPTURE GARDEN
In Channing Daughters vineyard, discover the work of owner/sculptor Walter Channing. Channing’s art guides you through the vineyard rows, emerging unexpectedly in the form of towering inverted trees against the horizon.
1927 Scuttle Hole Road, Southampton, 631.537.7224, channingdaughters.com
RIC MICHEL FINE ART
Ric Michel Fine Art strives to pair its clientele with the right artwork in order to enhance a space, compile a collection or simply enjoy. The team includes art consultants, designers, framers, installers, restorers and appraisers who work to provide every possible service to their clients.
46 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 516.655.1432, ricmichelfineart.com
ROGERS MANSION
The Rogers Mansion Museum Complex is composed of 12 historic buildings. The main house features a collection of Victorian- and Edwardian-era furnishings, and the Old Southampton Village is composed of structures collected from various areas of Southampton.
17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, 631.283.2494, southamptonhistory.org
SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER
Located in the heart of Southampton Village, this dynamic venue presents the most modern programming to the East End community. A programming roster that includes film showings, artists-in-residence series and concerts is sure to enlighten the mind.
25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, 631.283.0967, southamptonartscenter.org
SOUTHAMPTON CULTURAL CENTER
This nonprofit combines art, education, dance, music and theater for the benefit of the community. Since its 1985 establishment, the center has served all East End residents and visitors by providing a variety of programming for children and adults at affordable prices.
25 Pond Lane, Southampton, 631.287.4377, scc-arts.org
THOMAS HALSEY HOMESTEAD
The restored home was built in 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., who inherited the property of his father, one of the original founders of Southampton. Visitors who pass through the weathered front door find the wide-planked floors, hand-hewn beams, furnishings, textiles and objects that were the backdrop for Colonial farmlife. Outside, the culinary and medicinal plants that were once household necessities flourish in a Colonial herb garden.
249 S. Main St., Southampton, 631.283.2494, southamptonhistory.org
TODD MERRILL STUDIO SOUTHAMPTON
Todd Merrill Studio is an exhibition-based program representing an international group of established and emerging artists, each with a singular artistic vision and unprecedented point of view. Each artist takes a hands-on approach that intersects contemporary design, fine art, traditional craft techniques and pioneering innovation.
11 S. Main St., Southampton, 631.259.3601, toddmerrillstudio.com
PARRISH ART MUSEUM
The Parrish Art Museum is a place to discover and connect with artists and art, with a focus on the East End's rich creative legacy and its global impact.
279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631.283.2118, parrishart.org
WATER MILL MUSEUM
This historic watermill located in Water Mill Village has been preserved to provide in-depth tours of a functioning Colonial mill.
41 Old Mill Road, Water Mill, 631.726.4625, watermillmuseum.org
THE ART FARM
The Art Farm offers nature-related children’s programming focusing on art, animals, farming and more.
46 A Old Country Road, Westhampton, 631.537.1634, theartfarmhamptons.org
FITZGERALD GALLERY
Here, the collector, decorator and artist work in tandem with expert professional framers with more than 35 years of experience. There are thousands of frame and mat designs available. All work is done on premises, following museum standards. Find a wide variety of antique local images— there are many engravings, postcards and reproduction prints depicting the area.
48 B Main St., Westhampton Beach, 631.288.6419, fitzgeraldgallery.com
GIRALDO GALLERY
This art gallery is the brainchild of its founder, Hanibal Giraldo, and the manifestation of his life’s dream to curate a space where he could exhibit his work along with fellow artists to the delightand enjoyment of his community.
87 Sunset Ave., Unit A, Westhampton Beach, 631.998.3316, giraldogallery.art
THE QUOGUE GALLERY
This gallery showcases the work of prominent, midcareer and emerging modernist artists. Discover figurative and abstract expressionist painters who are recognized historically, as well as talented creatives who may have fallen through the cracks of history. Quogue has been recognized for the quality of its exhibitions by Hamptons Art Hub, Artnet News and other outlets.
44 Quogue St., Quogue, 631.653.6236, quoguegallery.com
“WALKING FIGURE”
This 30-foot-tall aluminum sculpture by Donald Baechler caused much controversy when it was installed near the airport in 2014.
150 Old Riverhead Road, Westhampton Beach
Photography by: Jeff Heatley
