Facilities & Policies
OVERVIEW
Socrates Sculpture Park, located at 32-01 Vernon Boulevard, spans five acres (about the size of one New York City block) on the East River waterfront in Long Island City, Queens. The beach at Hallets Cove, is also under the Park’s purview and is accessible via the beach gate at 31-10 Vernon Boulevard.
ENTRANCES / EXITS
You can access the Park at either the Main Gate, located at the intersection of Vernon Boulevard and Broadway, or the North Gate on Vernon Boulevard between 31st Drive and 31st Avenue. The gates are opened every morning at 9AM and closed every evening at sunset (with the exception of certain programs or events). Admission is FREE and no tickets are required for access. Visitors are welcome to enter and exit the Park at their leisure during our open hours.
GROUNDS
The Park has a flat grassy lawn with decorative plantings around the outer edges. A grove of trees populates the south-western edge of the landscape. The Park is home to many deciduous, perennial, and herbacious plants and flowers. For more information about Socrates’ horticulture visit HERE>>>
PARK POLICIES
View Covid 19 Rules & Regulations–>
Dogs
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 NYC Department of Parks and Recreation page ‘Dogs in NYC Parks- Rules & Regulations‘ for more details.
Social Gatherings
Picnicking is okay, but parties or large social gatherings are not permitted. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed. Barbecuing is not permitted.
Parking
There is no parking at Socrates with the exception of one handicap-accessible space outside the main gate. Free street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
Off Limits Areas
- The outdoor artist studio at the southern edge of the Park is off-limits to the public.
- The education area, Sticks, is off-limits when not in use for a designated program.
- The Park’s walled-in decorative gardens and rocky shorelines are off-limits.
ACCESSIBILITY
Socrates Sculpture Park is free and fully accessible to visitors of all abilities, including but not limited to individuals with physical, visual, and auditory disabilities, owners of special care animals, and wheelchair users.
Individuals or groups with special needs are always welcome and are encouraged to contact us with any specific questions regarding your visit or to request special accommodations by leaving a message at 718-956-1819 x105 or emailing info@socratessculpturepark.org
Notes
• There are no steps or stairs within the five-acre landscape, and there is a wheelchair accessible paved pathway around the perimeter.
• There is a designated parking space for people with an accessibility permit at the Main Gate of the Park at Vernon Blvd and Broadway), which accesses the paved pathway.
• Temporary, portable bathrooms are provided seasonally from late April to October, including one ADA/wheelchair accessible portable bathroom.
• At certain events, the Park utilizes wheelchair accessible mobi-mats on the grassy lawn. Please email rm@socratessculpturepark.org to inquire about specific events.
AMENITIES
Free Wi-Fi
The free Socrates Sculpture Park Wi-Fi network is generously provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bloomberg Connects
Enhance your visit to the Park or explore virtually with our digital guide via the free Bloomberg Connects app for smartphones and tablets! Download the app to learn more about the Park’s 30-year history of exhibiting bold public art projects, hear from artists, and watch videos about exhibitions and artworks.
Info Box
There is an info box with materials about the Park’s exhibitions and programs attached to the Main Gate at the intersection of Vernon Boulevard and Broadway and at the North Gate on Vernon Boulevard between 31st Drive and 31st Avenue.
Restrooms
Portable restrooms – including one wheelchair accessible portable restroom – are available from May–October and are located at the southern end of the Park. There are no public restrooms at Socrates from November–April.
Composting
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 outside the gates of the Park when we are closed will be thrown in the garbage.
Seating
Public benches are spaced at intervals around the Park’s perimeter.
Pathway
A cobblestone path runs around the perimeter of the Park. The path is wheelchair accessible.
Doggy Bags
The Park provides free doggy bags in a dispenser located inside our main gate at Vernon Boulevard and Broadway.
Performance Space
A raised cobblestone platform is located at the north-eastern edge of the Park. All spaces in the Park are programmed and coordinated by Socrates Sculpture Park Staff.
Education Studio
Our education studios, Sticks & Sticks 2.0 are designed by Hou de Sousa – winner of our 2016 Folly/Function architectural competition in partnership with The Architectural League of New York. Sticks & Stick 2.0 provides shelter from the elements for participants in our education workshops. These structures are off-limits to the public when not in use for a program.
Artist Studio
Socrates’ outdoor artist studio is fully equipped with the resources and tools our artists need to realize ambitious public art projects for exhibition in the Park’s landscape. This area is off-limits to the public at all times. Opportunities for artists are released yearly during the Fall with our Annual Fellowship Open Call.
OTHER
Park Rentals
The Park grounds are available for rental in select circumstances. For more information about private rentals, please contact development@socratessculpturepark.org.
Lost Items
If you believe you may have lost something at the Park please contact duke.yun@socratessculpturepark.org or leave a message on the administrative office voicemail at 718-956-1819 x105. The administrative office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM. Please allow 7-10 business days for responses.
For answers to FAQ’s about the Park click here