FAQ’s | Socrates Sculpture Park

General

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 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 sundown. Admission to the Park’s 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. At certain events we deploy wheel-chair accessible mobi-mats and offer headphones for assisted hearing. For more information please call 718-956-1819 x105 or email info@socratessculpturepark.org.

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?
The Park provides port-a-johns for public use from April to October. There are no public restroom facilities at the Park from November to March. There are 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.

Can I eat in the Park?
You are welcome to picnic in the Park. Please dispose of any waste in the trash containers or compost bins located around the Park’s perimeter. Alcohol is not permitted in the Park. There is no barbecuing allowed at Socrates except at Paul Ramirez Jonas‘ ‘Eternal Flame.’ 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?
In partnership with Big Reuse and Grow NYC, Socrates offers compostable-waste drop-off in un-manned bins anytime the Park is open, which is every day from 9am to sunset. The bins are located along the gravel path accessible from the main entrance on Vernon Boulevard and Broadway on the south end of the Park. Please comply with the compost guidelines. Do not leave your compostable waste in any area of the Park besides the compost containers. Compostable waste that is left outside the main gate of the Park when we are closed will be thrown in the garbage.

In the Neighborhood

Where can I grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood?
Restaurants within easy walking distance the Park include Château le Woof, Spring Food Spot, Bel Aire Diner, Arepas Grill, Astoria Provisions, and Flor de Azalea Cafe, Hidalgo Mexican Food, Melting Pot Cuisine.

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 The Museum of the Moving Image, MoMA PS1, SculptureCenter, and Flux Factory.

Exhibitions

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.

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. Applications for the 2023 program were accepted through December 6, 2022. Please note: The Park does not have a permanent collection, we mainly exhibit new commissioned artworks.

Activities & Events

Offered by the Park

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. 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 however! Rainey Park, located one block south from Socrates on Vernon Boulevard, is the perfect setting for personal celebrations and gatherings. 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 contact our Director of Development & Communications, Sarah Frazier, sf@socratessculpturepark.org .

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 festival or event please email info@socratessculpturepark.org.

Points of Contact

General

How do I contact a specific staff member?
Click 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 call 718-956-1819 x 105 or email jc@socratessulpturepark.org.

Communications

Can I shoot my film/have my photoshoot at the Park?
Photo and video shoots must receive prior approval from Socrates. Please contact our Communications Manager, Joyce Chan at 718-956-1819 x105 or email jc@socratessculpturepark.org 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.

Who do I contact for an article about the Park/an artist affiliated with the Park?
Please contact our Communications Manager, Joyce Chan, at 718-956-1819 x105 or email jc@socratessculpturepark.org with press inquiries.

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 our Director of Development & Communications, Sarah Frazier, sf@socratessculpturepark.org . 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 our Director of Development & Communications, Sarah Frazier, sf@socratessculpturepark.org .

How can I buy Socrates merchandise and/or exhibition catalogues?
You can purchase catalogues from our online shop. Certain catalogues are also available for free online.

Still have a question?

Please call 718-956-1819 x105 or email info@socratessculpturepark.org and we will respond as soon as possible. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 10AM – 6PM. Please note that our office has a hybrid schedule.

Stay in touch

Follow us on social media and subscribe to our e-blasts for frequent updates about 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.

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