Socrates Sculpture Park was an abandoned riverside landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of artist Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of public services.

Socrates Sculpture Park is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale work in a unique environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The Park's existence is based on the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival, humanity and improvement of our
urban environment.

In recognition for its contributions to both the international art world and the local community in Queens, Socrates Sculpture Park has received many awards. In 2004, the New York City Department of Small Business Services presented Socrates with a Neighborhood Development Award for Outstanding Achievement in Community Development. In 2003, Socrates was selected to receive the "Downstate Organization Award for Advancing Cultural Development in New York State" by the Alliance of New York State Arts Organizations. In 2001, Socrates was named "Best Sculpture Park" by the Village Voice. In 2000, the Park was awarded both the New York State Governor's Arts Award and a Special Citation from the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter. In 1998 the Park received a National Recognition Award from the America the Beautiful Fund and in 1995 it was named a "Great American Place", selected as one of 63 specially recognized sites from around the country that are exemplary models of our built environment. In 1988 the City Club of New York awarded Socrates the Albert Bard Award in Architecture & Urban Design and in 1987 the Park received a Doris Freedman Award from the Mayor of the City of New York for greatly enriching the public environment. The Park has also been recognized by the Art Commission of the City of New York with a 1985 special recognition award.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at Socrates, please send an email to info@socratessculpturepark.org.

Alyson Baker, Executive Director

Socrates Sculpture Park is open 365 days a year from 10am to sunset.
Admission is free.