Discover the Best Museums and Art Galleries Near Greenport, NY
If you find yourself in the picturesque village of Greenport on Long Island’s North Fork, you should consider checking out the local museums and art galleries the area is famous for.
Scratch that, you
need to see some of these exhibits before you leave. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, both, or neither, there’s so much more to North Fork than just beautiful beaches and quaint shops.
Finding some of the lesser-known museums and galleries can be tricky. Some of them are camouflaged right into the historic neighborhoods they’re a part of, but we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the best places to visit while you’re here in Greenport.
Parrish Art Museum
Location: Water Mill, NY (about 45 minutes from Greenport)
Hours: Typically open from 11 AM to 5 PM (check their website for updates)
Let’s kick things off with the
Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill. This place is all about American art, especially pieces from artists who found their muse on Long Island’s East End. Think Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and more.
The building itself is a stunner, designed by the architects Herzog & de Meuron. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions that are as diverse as they are inspiring. Plus, they have
programs and events perfect for everyone, from art novices to aficionados.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, featuring open, flexible spaces.
- Collections: Works by Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Fairfield Porter.
- Reasons to Visit: Diverse exhibitions, engaging programs, stunning architecture.
Southold Historical Museum
Location: Southold, NY (about 15 minutes from Greenport)
Hours: Usually open from 1 PM to 4 PM, Thursday through Saturday
Next up, let’s dive into some local history at the
Southold Historical Museum. Just a short drive from Greenport, this place takes you back in time to experience what life was like in early Long Island.
Wander through historic buildings like the Ann Currie-Bell House and the Thomas Moore House, each packed with artifacts and photos that tell Southold’s story. They cover everything from colonial times to the present day. And if you’re into
special events and walking tours, they’ve got plenty of those too. It’s an engaging history lesson that’s worth the visit.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Historic buildings like the Ann Currie-Bell House and Thomas Moore House on full display.
- Exhibits: Artifacts, photographs, and documents from colonial times to present.
- Reasons to Visit: Rich local history, special events, walking tours.
East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation
Location: Greenport, NY
Hours: Open from 11 AM to 5 PM, Friday through Sunday
Located right in the heart of Greenport, the
East End Seaport Museum is a must-see. This museum is all about celebrating the maritime heritage of the East End. Check out the cool exhibits on lighthouse history, boat building, and the local seafaring culture.
The star of the show? The Fresnel lens from the Long Beach Bar “Bug” Light. Plus, they’ve got model ships and all sorts of maritime artifacts. Don’t miss their special events – they’re a hit with both locals and visitors. If you're looking for a fascinating museum to explore right in Greenport, this is it.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Fresnel lens from the Long Beach Bar “Bug” Light.
- Exhibits: Lighthouse history, boat building, maritime artifacts.
- Reasons to Visit: Lighthouse cruises, engaging maritime history, local culture.
Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages
Location: Stony Brook, NY (about 1.5 hours from Greenport)
Hours: Open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.
Okay, so this one’s a bit of a drive, but trust us, it’s worth it.
The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook is like three museums in one – you’ve got American art, fascinating history, and an incredible collection of over 200 horse-drawn carriages.
Ever wondered how people got around in the 19th century? This is the place to find out. They’ve also got rotating art exhibitions and
family-friendly events, making it a perfect day trip for everyone.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Extensive Carriage Collection with over 200 horse-drawn vehicles.
- Collections: American art, historical artifacts.
- Reasons to Visit: Rotating art exhibitions, family-friendly events, rich historical insights.
Alex Ferrone Gallery
Location: Cutchogue, NY (about 20 minutes from Greenport)
Hours: Open from 12 PM to 5 PM, Friday through Sunday
If contemporary art is more your speed, head over to the
Alex Ferrone Gallery in Cutchogue. This sleek gallery specializes in photography and photographic-based art. The exhibitions change regularly, so there’s always something new and exciting to see.
They also host art talks and
workshops so you can dive deeper into the creative process. It’s a fantastic spot to discover cutting-edge art right here on the North Fork.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Specializes in photography and photographic-based art.
- Exhibitions: Regularly changing, featuring contemporary artists.
- Reasons to Visit: Art talks, workshops, cutting-edge contemporary art.
The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
Location: Sag Harbor, NY (about 1 hour from Greenport)
Hours: Open from 10 AM to 5 PM, daily
The
Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum is a treat for those who love the nautical history of sailboats. Housed in a stunning Greek Revival mansion, this museum takes you back to when Sag Harbor was a bustling whaling port.
Explore artifacts from the whaling days, and get a feel for the local history and maritime traditions. The building is also a piece of history, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They also feature art exhibitions and
cultural events that showcase the traditions of the area.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Housed in a Greek Revival mansion.
- Exhibits: Artifacts from the whaling industry, maritime history.
- Reasons to Visit: Explore whaling history, stunning architecture, cultural events.
Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center
Location: East Hampton, NY (about 1 hour from Greenport)
Hours: Open by appointment, Thursday through Saturday
Art lovers, this one’s for you.
The Pollock-Krasner House in East Hampton is where abstract expressionism legends Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner lived and worked. The house and studio are preserved just as they were, giving you a rare peek into their creative world.
Guided tours provide insights into their artistic techniques and influences, and the wild paint spills that cover the floors and walls of the studio have been left untouched. This is a unique opportunity to see their artistic process as it really was, and we wouldn’t miss it.
Main Points:
- Unique Features: Preserved home and studio of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.
- Tours: Guided tours providing insights into the artists’ techniques.
- Reasons to Visit: Walk through art history and enjoy an inspiring artistic environment.
North Fork Art Collective
Location: 207 Main St., Greenport, NY (inside the historic Fiedler Gallery)
Hours: Open Saturdays 12 PM – 5 PM, Sundays 11 AM – 4 PM, and by appointment on weekdays. Hours sometimes expand to Fridays for new-show weekends, so check Instagram or the Collective’s site if you’re visiting off-peak.
Last but not least, don’t miss the North Fork Art Collective when you’re in Greenport. Relaunched in December 2023 by local chalk artist Kara Hoblin, this community-driven gallery has breathed new life into the beloved Fiedler Gallery space. Inside you’ll find a constantly changing lineup of contemporary work—from large-scale paintings to sculpture, photography and eco-minded mixed-media pieces—created by more than 100 artists who live or work on Long Island’s East End. Recent group exhibitions such as “Best Kept Secret,” “A Sense of Place” and the anniversary show “100 East End Artists” turn the two-story gallery into a vibrant snapshot of local talent.
The Collective isn’t just about hanging art: it’s a hub for creative connection. Regular happenings range from opening-night parties with local wine partners to artist talks, hands-on workshops, and the popular “Palette-to-Palate” farm-to-table dinners that pair a chef’s multi-course menu with works on the wall. Seasonal pop-ups and holiday markets give visitors even more chances to meet artists and take home one-of-a-kind pieces.
Whether you’re hunting for original North Fork art, hoping to meet the makers, or simply looking to soak up the area’s creative energy, this collective-run space is a must-see stop on any Greenport gallery crawl.
Unique Features:
- Community-run collective showcasing 100+ East End artists in the historic Fiedler Gallery building.
- Two-level space often surprises visitors with an “upstairs secret” gallery room.
Programs & Events:
- Rotating themed exhibitions every 6–10 weeks.
- Artist talks, workshops, and collaborative “Palette-to-Palate” art dinners.
- Holiday markets and pop-up shows that partner with local wineries, farms and eateries.
Reasons to Visit:
- Discover fresh work from painters, sculptors, photographers and eco-artists who call the North Fork home.
- Mingle with artists at lively opening receptions (usually Friday evenings).
- Support a grassroots creative community and maybe head home with a piece that captures the spirit of Long Island’s East End.
Book Your Stay with Harbor Knoll Bed & Breakfast
From the maritime marvels at the East End Seaport Museum to the contemporary creations at Alex Ferrone Gallery, there’s something for everyone near Greenport. No matter where you end up, we guarantee you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the history and culture of Long Island’s North Fork.
Whether you’re here for a day or a week, be sure to book your stay with Harbor Knoll Bed and Breakfast. Located in a historic mansion near some of New York’s best wineries, our seaside retreat is the perfect compliment to a day of experiencing the history and culture of North Fork.
Each of our uniquely furnished rooms provide breathtaking views of the harbor, and our world-class service will leave you feeling perfectly relaxed.
Book your stay at Harbor Knoll today!