Enjoy majestic views of the Hudson River while enjoying art, science, and
history at the Hudson River Museum in
Yonkers.
The
museum was founded in 1919 and is the largest cultural institution in Westchester
County with galleries,
a planetarium, an amphitheater, and educational spaces.
"Our permanent collection features many views of what you see right out
our window, the beautiful Hudson River. We also have changing
exhibitions. Right now, we have the world of Frida featuring over 75 artists
inspired by Frida Khalo," says Laura Vookleas, chair of the curatorial department.
The collections aren’t just for
adults. "We have a variety of wonderful workshops here for the children
much like vanishing portraits where kids are encouraged to create a
self-portrait much like Frida Khalo did herself," says Pedro Betanzos, manager of youth and family programs.
Being on the river, it’s natural that the museum offers great science programs.
"We have ecologically focused activities including what we call seed bombs
to introduce native plants," says Marc Taylor, manager of planetarium and science programs. "I'm so curious what flowers are going to
grow," wonders visitor Eva Bierd. "They help the environment grow
beautiful flowers and if there's bees,
the bees can pick up the pollen
and make it into honey," says student Umair Abdul.
The
museum’s planetarium is a big hit with kids and adults.
"The planetarium we found is an amazing way to bring the sky down to
people so that they really connect to it," says Taylor. "Looking at
the stars is like seeing something cool and when you see something cool you
want to look at it again," says visitor Leah Toran.