Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens
New York City, US
- Location
- New York City, US
- Category
- museums galleries
- Coordinates
- 41.0342, -73.6908
- Best time
- Morning or early afternoon
- Weather tip
- Check the local forecast before visiting.
Overview
The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, situated on the corporate campus of PepsiCo in Purchase, New York, offers a distinguished collection of 20th-century outdoor sculpture set within 168 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Established by former PepsiCo CEO Donald M. Kendall, the gardens were conceived to integrate art, architecture, and nature, providing a unique environment for both employees and the public. Visitors can explore over 40 large-scale works by renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Auguste Rodin, strategically placed amidst rolling hills, ponds, and wooded areas. The collection emphasizes modern and contemporary pieces, allowing for a contemplative experience as art interacts with its natural surroundings. This destination is a notable example of corporate art patronage and serves as a significant cultural attraction, making it one of the premier places to visit for outdoor art enthusiasts and those seeking serene things to do near New York City.
General information
The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens, situated on the corporate campus of PepsiCo in Purchase, New York, offers a distinguished collection of 20th-century outdoor sculpture set within 168 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds. Established by former PepsiCo CEO Donald M. Kendall, the gardens were conceived to integrate art, architecture, and nature, providing a unique environment for both employees and the public. Visitors can explore over 40 large-scale works by renowned artists such as Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, and Auguste Rodin, strategically placed amidst rolling hills, ponds, and wooded areas. The collection emphasizes modern and contemporary pieces, allowing for a contemplative experience as art interacts with its natural surroundings. This destination is a notable example of corporate art patronage and serves as a significant cultural attraction, making it one of the premier places to visit for outdoor art enthusiasts and those seeking serene things to do near New York City.
Did you know
- The gardens were established by Donald M. Kendall, former CEO of PepsiCo, who believed that art could enhance the corporate environment.
- The collection features over 40 large-scale sculptures by internationally acclaimed 20th-century artists.
- The landscape design for the gardens was developed by Edward D. Stone Jr., complementing the architectural design of the PepsiCo headquarters.
- The entire collection is displayed outdoors, integrating art directly into the natural landscape.
History
The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens were formally established in 1970, concurrent with the construction of PepsiCo's world headquarters in Purchase, New York. Donald M. Kendall, then CEO, initiated the project with a vision to create a stimulating environment for employees and a cultural asset for the community. Kendall personally oversaw the acquisition of many of the initial sculptures, focusing on modern and contemporary works that would harmonize with the campus's architectural and natural elements. The collection has grown steadily since its inception, reflecting a commitment to showcasing significant artistic achievements within an accessible, outdoor setting. This corporate initiative predates many similar endeavors, marking it as an early and influential model for integrating art into the corporate landscape.
Cultural significance
The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens hold notable cultural significance as a pioneering example of corporate art patronage in the United States. By integrating a world-class collection of modern sculpture within its corporate headquarters, PepsiCo, under Kendall's leadership, demonstrated a commitment to making art accessible beyond traditional museum walls. This approach democratized the viewing experience, allowing the public to engage with significant works by artists such as Henry Moore and Alexander Calder in a unique, open-air context. The gardens serve as a testament to the belief that art can enrich daily life and foster a more inspiring work environment, influencing subsequent corporate art programs and contributing to the broader dialogue on the role of art in public and private spaces.
Geography and landscape
The Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens are situated on a 168-acre campus in Purchase, New York, within Westchester County. This location, approximately 35 miles northeast of Midtown Manhattan, provides a distinct suburban setting characterized by rolling topography, mature woodlands, and carefully cultivated gardens. The landscape design, executed by Edward D. Stone Jr., intentionally incorporates ponds, streams, and diverse plantings to create a series of distinct outdoor 'rooms' and vistas. These natural features are integral to the display of the sculptures, with each piece thoughtfully positioned to interact with its specific environmental context. The deliberate integration of art into this expansive, manicured landscape offers a serene and contemplative visitor experience, emphasizing harmony between human creativity and natural forms.
More facts
- Imported from Wikidata