Dia Beacon

Located in a former Nabisco factory on the shores of the Hudson River, the Dia:Beacon opened in 2003 and proceed to jumpstart the revival of the Hudson Valley town of Beacon, NY. The museum specializes in large scale art installations from the 1960's to the present; Works of art so massive that it would cost a fortune in real estate to display them in New York City. Fortunately, within the 240,000 square feet of the Dia:Beacon, the artwork has all the room it needs and more. The Dia:Beacon features on permanent display works by such contemporary art titans as Louise Bourgeois, Richard Serra, Donald Judd, On Kawara, and many others.

How to get to Dia:Beacon
The museum is located right next to the Metro-North train station, making it easily accessible for those taking the train from New York City. Take the Hudson line to Beacon, exit at the side of the train station that faces the Hudson River, and turn left. Drivers reach the museum via Route 9D; Simply make a left onto Beekman Street if coming from the south (a right if coming from the north,) and the parking lot will be the first turn on the left.

Best and worst times to go to Dia:Beacon
The museum's cavernous interiors guarantee that it never feels crowded. Nevertheless, if you're hoping to have some quiet time with the Richard Serra sculptures, it would be best to avoid summer afternoons. Instead, visit during the week in early June when the courtyard's cherry blossoms are in bloom.

Admission to Dia:Beacon
Admission is $12 general, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for Beacon residents on weekends. Since the museum is lit almost entirely by natural light, its operating hours vary throughout the year. Check the museum's website at www.diaart.org to see when they'll be open.

Must see/do at Dia:Beacon
The massive Richard Serra sculptures are awe inspiring when examined up close, as are the gaping, seemingly bottomless holes that make up the Michael Heizer exhibit. The museum also holds several playful light installations by Dan Flavin, and rotating special exhibits throughout the year.

Other places to visit near Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon is the perfect place to begin exploring the city of Beacon as a whole. On Sundays, the Beacon Farmer's Market can be found next to the museum on the riverfront. Outdoorsy types should stop by Mountain Tops on Main Street to enquire about kayak rentals or to get maps for hiking on Mount Beacon. Hudson Beach Glass holds glass blowing demonstrations and offers handmade glass objects for sale, and those who decide to spend the night in town should head to the far end of Main Street to visit The Roundhouse.

Insider tips for visitors to Dia:Beacon
Two times a year, the museum holds "Community Free Days", during which admission is free for anyone who lives in Columbia, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster or Westchester county.

Author's bio: Brian PJ Cronin is a freelance journalist who lives in Beacon and writes about the Hudson Valley for numerous publications. You can find him online at brianpjcronin.com and on Twitter as @brianpjcronin.