hessel museum of art at bard college

Over the years, I have been viewing the exhibitions at this museum on the Bard Campus. Each show is artfully curated, well installed, and features world class and mid career artists. Additionally, the shows are intelligent and challenge viewers. Do not miss.

It's a good thing the museum was free because I walked out soon after entering. It was the stupidest, dumbest art show I've ever seen. I think the artist just collected junk from garage sales and put them on display. All bags/purses had to be checked in a locker before entering. Really??? You think I would want to steal this stuff? I purchased a coffee at the "cafe" for $2 and it was overpriced. I sat on a bench in the lobby drinking my coffee and the security guard kicked me off the bench saying I can sit there but no food or drink. That was part of the exhibit but there was NO sign saying "no food or drink." Maybe other exhibits are good, but this one was BAD. I felt unwelcome here.

The Museum is beautiful and deserves a serious art exhibit. We felt the current exhibitions to be unworthy of the surroundings.

Don't miss this place hidden away at Bard--the permanent collection has a surprising number of good pieces and the changing exhibitions often feature world class artists.