FAQ’s

About the Park

What is the history and mission of the Park?
Click here for more information about the history and mission of the Park. You can also learn more about our exhibitions from anywhere, anytime with our digital guide available on the free Bloomberg Connects app for smartphones and tablets.

What is the significance of Socrates’ name and what does the logo mean?
The Park’s founder, visionary sculptor Mark di Suvero, felt the name “Socrates Sculpture Park” was a fitting tribute to the large Greek immigrant community in Astoria. The Park’s logo is a graphic representation of a steel I-beam. di Suvero is well known for incorporating this industrial material – often used as architectural support – into his sculpture practice. The I-beam symbol is also similar to the Chinese character that translates to English as ‘work,’ ‘project,’ or ‘labor,’ – reflecting the grassroots and hardscrabble ethos of the Park.

Getting to the Park

How do I get to the Park?
Click here for directions.

Where can I park my car?
There is no parking available on-site at Socrates with the exception of a handicap accessible spot at the Broadway main gate. Free street parking is available in the neighborhood.

At the Park

When is the Park open and what is the price of admission?
Socrates is open 365 days a year from 9am until sunset. The Park closes early on US Holidays, Easter, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, a occasionally for special events. Admission to the gardens, exhibitions, and programs is always free and all are welcome!

What is happening at the Park today/this weekend/this month/this season?
To view our event calendar click here, to view our current exhibitions click here, and to view our education programs click here.

Is the Park wheelchair accessible?
The Park has a handicap-accessible parking spot at our main entrance and a paved path around the perimeter of the lawn. Mobi-mats are available for wheel-chair access. For more information please email info@socratessculpturepark.org or leave a voicemail at 718-956-1819. Calls will be returned within 7- 10 business days.

How big is the Park?
Socrates spans five acres (about the size of one square New York City block) on the East river waterfront of Long Island City. The beach at Hallets Cove is also under the Park’s purview. Please note: Hallets Cove is only accessible from the beach gate at 31-10 Vernon Boulevard.

Are there indoor galleries or facilities at the Park?
There are no indoor galleries at Socrates and no visitor center.

Are there public restrooms at the Park?
ADA portable restroom(s) are available for Park guests with an increase in portable restrooms during the programming season (April – October). Restrooms are located in the southern end of the Park. There are also restrooms available to customers of the Costco food court located in the Costco next to the Park. You do not need a Costco membership to patronize the food court.

Can I bring my dog to the Park?
Dogs are welcome at the Park but MUST REMAIN ON A LEASH AT ALL TIMES. Visitors found in violation of this regulation will be fined by the New York City Parks Department. The Park opens at 9am, there are NO early morning NYC Parks off-leash hours or designated off-leash areas at Socrates Sculpture Park. Please visit “Dogs in NYC Parks- Rules & Regulations” for more details.

Can I eat in the Park?
You are welcome to picnic in the Park. Please dispose of any waste in the trash containers located around the Park’s perimeter. Alcohol is not permitted in the Park. There is no barbecuing allowed at Socrates. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed at Socrates.

Is there a playground at the Park?
There is no playground at Socrates. Please DO NOT CLIMB OR TOUCH any of the artworks.

Can I drop my compost off at the Park?
The Compost Collection Program at Socrates Sculpture Park with Big Reuse and Grow NYC ended December 2023. Visit HERE to learn more about NYC’s Smart Composting Bins and other Food Scrap Drop-off sites.

Please do not leave your compostable waste in any area of the Park. Compostable waste that is left at the Park or outside the Park gates when we are closed will be thrown in the garbage.

In the Neighborhood

What else is there to do in the neighborhood?
There are many cultural organizations located nearby the Park in Astoria and Long Island City. The Noguchi Museum is less than a five minute walk away. The Welling Court Mural Project is also within easy walking distance. You can take a longer walk (or short bike or bus ride) to other cultural organizations including Chocolate Factory Theater, Culture Lab LIC / Plaxall Gallery, The Museum of the Moving Image, MoMA PS1, SculptureCenter, and Flux Factory.

Where can I grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood?
Restaurants within easy walking distance the Park include 3 Greeks Grill, Astoria Provisions, Bel Aire Diner, Château le Woof, Coffee Cloud, DAGNY Astoria, Don Chabelo Deli, Hidalgo Mexican Food, Inca Paisa, Melting Pot Cuisine, Rosa’s Pizza, Spring Food Spot, and Vesta.

Near the N/W “Broadway” MTA Subway Station: 
Aliada, Broadway Station, Bund Dumpling House, Dino’s Pizzeria, Gata Galosa Astoria, King of Falafel & Shawarma Astoria, Kinship Coffee, New York City Bagel & Coffee House, New York Pão de Queijo, Osaka Sushi, Sanford’s, Tamashii Ramen

Our Program

How do I learn more about the artworks, exhibitions, and artists at the Park?
To view our current exhibitions click here. To view past exhibitions click here, and to search our artist archive click here. You can also learn more about our exhibitions from anywhere, anytime with our digital guide available on the free Bloomberg Connects app for smartphones and tablets.

Please DO NOT CLIMB the artworks.

Your Work

How can I exhibit my artwork at Socrates?
Each fall, the Park has an open call for applications for “The Socrates Annual” Fellowship Program, which culminates in ‘The Socrates Annual’ exhibition. Please join our mailing list and follow us on social media for the open call release. Please note: Socrates does not accept exhibition inquiries. The Park does not have a permanent collection, Socrates exhibits new commissioned artworks under the direction of the curatorial team.

Offered by the Park

What is happening at the Park today/this weekend/this month/this season?
To view our event calendar visit here, to view our current exhibitions visit here, and to view our education programs visit here.

Will the Farmstand return?
The Socrates Farmstand ended in 2024 and is currently on hiatus until further notice. The Hellgate Farmstand has elected not to operate at Socrates and ended in 2023.

Will the Outdoor Cinema Series return?
Our Outdoor Cinema Series, in partnership with Film Forum and Rooftop Films, ran from 1998 through 2019. This series is currently on hiatus until further notice.

Planned by You

Can I bring my group to visit the Park?
Reservations are not required for group visits. Group visits are self-guided. Please visit with your appropriate number of chaperones needed per group. Please note facilities and accommodations from our FAQ’s and Plan Your Visit pages. Some areas of the Park may be closed while in-between exhibitions during the year. Please note that areas of the Park have uneven ground and can get muddy (with watering or after storms), please wear appropriate footwear. Current exhibitions on view can be found here. If you need further accommodations, please email info@socratessculpturepark.org.

Can I have my event/party at the Park?
We do not allow personal events like birthday parties at the Park. We do not allow weddings. Proposals and engagements are welcome! More information can be found on the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation page: https://www.nycgovparks.org/rules/section-2-08

In select circumstances we rent out the grounds for corporate events, which helps raise money for the Park’s free arts and culture programming. For more information about corporate rentals please reach out to info@socratessculpturepark.org. 

Rainey Park located one block south from Socrates on Vernon Boulevard has reopened for personal events.

Can my band/theater group/yoga studio etc. have an event at Socrates?
All programs and performances at Socrates are curated by our staff. If you have an inquiry about being a part of an existing Socrates program please email Richard Morales, Director of Public Programs & Community Engagement.

General

How do I contact a specific staff member?
Visit here for our staff list and contact information.

Is there a lost and found?
The Park’s lost and found is kept in the administrative office. If you would like to inquire about a missing item please contact Duke Yun, Director of Operations. The administrative office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM.

Who do I contact for corporate rentals?
Please email development@socratessculpturepark.org.

Who do I contact about public programs & events?
Please contact Richard Morales, Director of Public Programs & Community Engagement.

Support Us

How can I support the Park as an individual?
Socrates is a 501(c)(3) organization! The production of artwork and presentation of events would not be possible without our amazing supporters. If you would like to make a contribution to Socrates Sculpture Park click here or contact Sarah Frazier, Senior Director of Advancement. All donations are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

How can my company/business support the Park?
If you would like to learn more about our corporate volunteer opportunities and/or brand-visibility corporate support packages, please contact Sarah Frazier, Senior Director of Advancement.

How can I buy Socrates merchandise and/or exhibition catalogues?
Merchandise and select catalogues are available for purchase during select public programs and days. Please email info@socratessculpturepark.org for inquiries. Certain catalogues are also available for free online.

Communications

Who do I contact for a Press & Media relations?
Please contact Sarah Frazier, Senior Director of Advancement.

Who do I contact for image requests and approvals?
Please contact Sarah Frazier, Senior Director of Advancement.

Can I shoot my film/have my photoshoot at the Park?
Photo and video shoots must receive prior approval from Socrates. Please contact Sarah Frazier, Senior Director of Advancement, regarding filming or shooting at Socrates. Please provide date, time, size and scope of shoot, operational support from Socrates, budget for location use if applicable. Inquiries will be returned within 7-10 business days. For inclusion of Artwork in photoshoots and b-roll, please allow a response within 4 weeks.