A Visit to Opus 40:
An Amazing Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

Of all the amazing places to visit in the Hudson Valley, Opus 40 is the most unique Hudson Valley sculpture park.

When I made the decision to take my children on a trip to Saugerties NY and visit Opus 40, the chance to see Opus 40 for the first time was definitely the highlight of the year.

The thing was, we had so many places on our Hudson Valley Bucket List and then COVID struck and we had to wait to see when/if everything would re-open.

I was thrilled when I heard that this wonderful sculpture park upstate NY would re-open for ticketed time slots.

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A man and woman sculpture at this Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

Things to Know Before Your Visit to this Special Hudson Valley Sculpture Park:

  • Opus 40 is open seasonally: Spring through Autumn
  • Advance ticket purchase is necessary to visit Opus 40. The ticket allows for a visit of 2 hours maximum.
  • The sculpture itself sits on one piece of land but you may also explore the remaining grounds during the visit.
  • There are picnic tables situated on the property for you to enjoy lunch.
  • There is parking on the premises.

Visiting Opus 40: An Amazing Hudson Valley Sculpture Park


VISITING HOURS: (as the time of this published post)
Opens for the season beginning in April
Fri, Sat, Sun & Mon: 10:30am – 5pm (Last entry is at 4pm)
ADMISSION:
Adults $11; Seniors/Students $9; Children (younger than 4 yrs) Free
WEBSITE:
https://opus40.org/


Where is this one-of-a kind Hudson Valley Sculpture Park?


Before I get into the content about how to explore Opus 40 and how to take the best photos at Opus 40, I’m sure you’re wondering where this Hudson Valley Sculpture Park is located.

Opus 40 is located in Saugerties NY in Ulster County.

Location west of the NYS Thruway (I-87), Opus 40 is situated down a quiet, country road.

How to get to Opus 40:

Because it is located in a rural area within the Hudson Valley, the best and easiest way of visiting Opus 40 is by car. There is no public transportation that takes you directly to the location.

Although Opus 40 is located less than 20 minutes (by car) from the Rhinecliff stop of the Amtrak train and less than 15 minutes from the Kingston stop of the Trailway bus, you will still need a car to arrive at this Hudson Valley Sculpture Park.

According to their website, there is a local taxi service, as well as, Uber and Lyft service in the area. Check the website for the exact details.

About Saugerties NY:

With a population of a little under 20,000 people, Saugerties NY is a town in Ulster County NY. Ulster County NY is north of Orange County NY and west of Dutchess County NY.

Part of this quaint town is situated inside of Catskill Park. In addition to being home to the famed Opus 40, another place you can visit in Saugerties is the Saugerties Lighthouse.


Want to see More of Ulster County NY?

Take a peek at my Ulster County NY Page to see all the places I have been and how I enjoy Ulster County.


ADDRESS:
50 Fite Road
Saugerties, NY

Walking in the Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

About Opus 40: A Unique Hudson Valley Sculpture Park


Facing Overlook Mountain, the 6.5 acre sculpture, meadow and walking trails that make up Opus 40 definitely feels like a world away from New York City about 100 miles away.

Part of the Catskill Mountains, this breathtaking walkable sculpture was created by artist Harvey Fite. He painstakingly worked on Opus 40 by hand, for 37 years, and created this marvel and the sculptures situated around the property.

“Considered by many to be the Stonehenge of North America, Opus 40 welcomes more than 20,000 visitors from the Hudson Valley, New York City, and throughout the state, country and world, each and every year.”
Opus 40 Website

Due to its distance from New York City and because of its gorgeous natural backdrop, Opus is very popular among art lovers and nature lovers alike.

It’s also a place most likely to attract people who may just be going away for the weekend or a long weekend. For many, this may add to the easiness of visiting this historic piece of art and the surrounding area.

Although not an ideal day trip from New York City, Opus 40 can be explored in an afternoon, so it is a doable adventure.

Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

Click below to see some items you should have during your Hudson Valley Outings
and you will be guaranteed a successful outing:

  • If you’re going to be out all day exploring, you never REALLY know what the weather will be like. Even if you think you do know, it can start raining at any time, so this small life-saver is an essential item. This is another great buy on Amazon for under $15.

The Best Things to Photograph at Opus 40


If you’re looking for a list of locations to explore in Ulster County, head HERE. I put a list of the best spots in the county that would compliment a trip to Opus 40.

With so much to explore here, you’re probably wondering where to begin. Lucky for you, this online map found on their website gives you a glimpse of what to expect before your visit to this great Hudson Valley Sculpture Park.

In this article, I want to focus on what to take photos of when you visit this enchanting Hudson Valley sculpture park. If you’re looking for some photography tips, then head on over to this article all about iPhone Photography and tips for taking better photos.

– The Monolith

Looking at the centerpece of this Hudson Valley sculpture park
Hudson Valley Sculpture Park in Ulster County

The centerpiece of this majestic sculpture is the Monolith. After having a boulder transported to the quarry, Fite began to cult the stone.

This 9 ton bluestone sculpture was actually placed deliberately with the the wider part facing the sky. Fite believed this position elevated it further and made it seem grander then having it the other way around.

– The Ramps & Steps

Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

The ramps and steps may be the most impressive part of Opus 40. It’s hard to imagine that someone took time and placed each stone perfectly so in order to build the ramps and steps that are the foundation of the structure.

– The Walkways, Tunnels & Ponds

Hudson Valley Sculpture Park

Opus 40 is an amazing work of art. The way this work of art was created offers an extraordinary experience around every corner.

Full of walkways, tunnels and statues, this quiet stone sanctuary is a perfect place for exploration.

This Hudson Valley Sculpture Park is one of the best places to visit in Ulster County
Walking through this Hudson Valley Sculpture Park.

Discover More Things to do in Ulster County NY:


Until the Next Adventure…

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