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[title]RECOMMENDED: See all day trip ideas
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 56 miles from NYC
Not having to maintain a permanent collection frees up the Aldrich to present several shows of emerging and midcareer artists at a time; the handmade cameras of Tom Sachs and a group of paintings by Gerard Hemsworth are among the treasures you can see here. 258 Main St at King Ln, Ridgefield, CT (203-438-4519, aldrichart.org).
Dia: Beacon 69 miles from NYC
Go for the beautiful train trip along the Hudson, go for the spacious galleries which are lit only by natural light, go for the gardens designed by Robert Irwin—just go! Opened in 2003 with the mission of displaying Dia's permanent collection, the Beacon branch specializes in the expert presentation of large-scale Minimalist art. 3 Beekman St off Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY (845-440-0100, diabeacon.org).
ICA Philadelphia 97 miles from NYC
This modestly sized institution consistently hosts historically significant exhibitions as well as great contemporary ones. One of the current shows, on the visionary musician Sun Ra, offers a glimpse into the life and times of a legendary figure whose legacy affects countless artists today. 118 S 36th St at Sansom St , Philadelphia, PA (215-898-7108, icaphila.org).
Philadelphia Museum of Art 97 miles from NYC
Try to make it to the PMA (as it's called by locals) on Sunday, when the museum is has a Pay What You Wish admission policy. Current shows include the work of Japanese '70s fashion icon Kansai Yamamoto as well as a group of Buddhist Himalayan artworks. 26th St at Benjamin Franklin Pkwy, Philadelphia, PA (215-763-8100, philamuseum.org).
Hessel Museum of Art/CCS Galleries 106 miles from NYC
This excellent teaching museum, which is associated with Bard College, offers a wide array of curators a chance to organize shows. Currently on view is the first survey show of New York sculptor Rachel Harrison's work, which encompasses ten years of her large-scale installations. Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY (845-758-7598, bard.edu/ccs/museum).
Real Art Ways 120 miles from NYC
Many emerging artists have launched their careers at this community-oriented venue, which sponsors cinema screenings, live events and cocktail hours along with hosting exhibitions. Current shows include Corey D'Augustine's light sculptures and glitter paintings by Queens artist Jayson Keeling. 56 Arbor St at Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT (860-232-1006, realartways.org).
Wadsworth Atheneum 120 miles from NYC
Got a hankering for Hudson River School landscapes? Look no further than this classy gem, which also happens to be the oldest public art museum in the country. While the permanent collection is a big enough draw on its own, contemporary exhibitions cycle through as well.600 Main St between Arch St and Antheneum Sq N , Hartford, CT (860-278-2670, wadsworthatheneum.org).