I first stumbled upon Maggazzino’s opening on GQ Style, of all places. The article amiably named it as New York’s Next Great Art Escape, and unlike its predecessors (Dia Beacon, Storm King Art Center, for instance), it was supposed to be effortless to get to by public transportation. For those of us who do not own a car, this was a major selling point.
Note: The blue tape was on every, single, piece of glass. “Be cautious – glass,” it said. Wonder how many people walked into this to warrant this sign.
But like everything else, I put it in the back of my mind and forgot about it. Because let’s face it. no matter how close and convenient it may be, it was still a good 60 miles away.
Fast forward to one of those weeks when the rain fell ruthlessly, and the cool air seemed to seethe through every crack. Feeling I can no longer advocate “New York is the place to be” with a fervent passion, I vowed to get out the minute the weather subsided, if only for a temporary escape.
I found myself reverting back to Magazzino, and though there were hardly any new publications regarding the museum, I decided even a potential colossal mistake was better than sitting around doing nothing.
Just look at this view.
I made an appointment on its official website (you can make one as late as the day before, which I found to be rather thoughtful. Last minute getaway to upstate? Pourquoi pas), checked the time schedule to Cold Springs, and bought my tickets on MTA eTix to avoid the lines in Grand Central. Other than missing the train and had to wait for the next one, and a hesitant call to the museum to reaffirm a shuttle, it was, as the editor boasted, quite easy to navigate.
I managed to score a seat by the window, and spent the next 88 minutes eyes practically glued to the increasingly beautiful scenery outside. For instance:
Peekskill station, complete with a dock. and miles of river. The sunset must be breathtaking.
When the sun came out to play, and made everything a thousand times more pleasant.
The front entrance was reminiscent of the Stahl House, and the sides were eerily similar to the Glass House. In another words, streamlined to a fault.
Magazzino, as the brochure lovingly indicated, meant “Warehouse” in Italian.
Somehow, even the literal translation sounds much better in Italian.
Like any sound exhibit, it was best to view things in its designated order. I was encouraged to begin with the inaugural video first, and move clockwise. Normally I would skip the video, and go on my own adventure, but I persisted. It turned out the video was the perfect guide to the confounding but stunning exhibit. “Artists are like crystals,” she emphasized. “There are different facades, but the only thing that doesn’t change, that is unchangeable, is change itself.”
Rather profound, I thought.
Some of the pieces would look right at home on the walls Dia: Beacon, another, aptly named “Clino,” had a semblance of the Guggenheim. The building itself was a work of art, and therefore, everything in it. Unlike the undulant lights at Dia, it was soothing and predictable here. The textures too, played a monumental role in the transitioning between the 60 odd pieces.
Marble
Metal
Cloth
Everything Nice
A favorite by Calzolari, Rapsodie Inepte. Made from freezer unit, neon, lead, refrigerator motor, and transformer.
Did I mention I was practically the only person in most of the wings? I was there for two perfect hours, and there were less than ten people browsing throughout.
I knew this because I counted. There were seven, scattered around the premise.
The last time I felt this free was when I was browsing the 19th & 20th century European art on the second floor of the Met, and that was only because I went there right when they opened. It was an absolute privilege to enjoy art with exclusively.
So grab someone you like, and if there is no one with whom you can share your enthusiasm, grab me. We will be fun, witty, and profound.
It will be a blast.
Sincerely,
Christina
For reference, I am 5 feet 2 inches. I typically wear XS/S or 0-4 for apparel and 6.5-7.5 for shoes.
- Glamping at Eastwind NY - March 11, 2021
- Effortless Cozy Home Decor Revamp for 2021! - December 23, 2020
- Make a Girl Swoon This Valentines for Under $50! - February 12, 2019
CONTENT & PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRISTINA SU
** This is a non-sponsored GUEST POST. **
Such beautiful photo’s! xx, Erin – http://www.stylebythepeople.com
This looks and sounds quite interesting! I often wonder what life is like without a car btw but even though I walk a lot and use the metro I still love my car lol
My family and I lived in New York for about six months two years ago. We had a grand time exploring as much as possible!
This looks so interesting! I’m glad it wasn’t too busy for you, I hate when places are really busy.
I love art and I could spend hours in museums and galleries. Not really familiar with modern art though but it could be great to see more!
This looks interesting. I went to my first art showing a few weeks ago and it was certainly interesting! I love looking at the items even if I have no clue what it means!
Wow this looks like such an interesting place to explore and can we just talk about that amazing view! It is beautiful.
That sounds like such a cool place to explore. I need to check it out sometime.
Wow, this is so cool. I would have fun exploring it. Everything looks pretty.
What a cool article. I had never heard of Magazzino til now, and I am intrigued!
How awesome to be able to travel on a whim! And to explore a fabulous museum without all the crowds is how I envision celebrities do it. I enjoyed browsing through your photos!
I love that you were able to enjoy the art with freedom. I too am happier when exhibits and galleries are not crowded because it really allows you to connect to the galleries x
It sounds like you had a blast. I’ve been to NY but not by train. I hope to travel by train someday just for te beautiful view.
This looks gorgeous! I love exploring new places, especially with no crowds
I think of New York being so full of life and people. It’s rare to see snippets where it’s so calm. It looks like the perfect way to take in the art so you can really spend time with it.
Wow this is very cool!
I’m loving the different textures throughout.
This is a gorgeous place, with some really interesting art pieces. Also, lovely photos you got there Ophelia!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
What an interesting museum!
I’ve never heard of this before! Beautiful photos!!
I used to live in NYC (now I’m in Cali). And I miss just hopping on a train and going on an adventure. We don’t have trains here really. Kind of crazy the things that become nostalgic. Seems like a fun museum.
Love your photos!!!
Looks like a fantastic gallery. I’ve got a car now and part of me misses the random adventures I’d end up on when I got lost on public transit haha.
Oh I never knew about this before and I would love to include to visit this when I head there. Such a nice place to appreciate arts.
Oh I never knew about this. I would love to include this when I head over New York. Such a great place to appreciate arts.
It looks like a very stylish art gallery, I’ve never heard of it, but I love modern art so definitely somewhere I would love to explore.
The view is stunning! I love how this is such a huge open space! Would love to visit…. and I love GQ as well 😉
I’ve never been to upstate New York. It looks beautiful. That’s pretty funny about the glass
It seems Magazzino is a beautiful place.The natural view is really stunning.Such views can make me relax!