Long Island’s Gold Coast: Gatsby & Nassau County Museum of Art

Photo Courtesy of Nassau County Museum of Art

Lose yourself in the quiet splendor of the Nassau County Museum of Art located in the heart of Long Island’s Gold Coast. This hidden jewel nestled within a 145-acre nature preserve features an historic mansion-turned-museum, located just 25 miles east of New York City.

At the heart of the museum lies a magnificent Georgian mansion, a timeless symbol of the area’s opulent architectural heritage. This elegant structure, once the estate of industrialist Henry Clay Frick, exemplifies the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Frick, renowned for his extensive collection of European art and antiques, contributed to the mansion’s splendor by incorporating architectural elements and treasures from across the Atlantic. The practice of moving architectural elements or entire rooms from Europe to the United States during this era was not uncommon, particularly among wealthy families like those on Long Island’s Gold Coast.

Venture beyond the mansion’s walls to discover the Manes Family Art & Education Center, a dynamic space dedicated to nurturing creativity and engaging the community in visual art experiences. With art studios, a reading room, and an outdoor classroom, this center invites visitors of all ages to unleash their artistic potential.

But the museum’s charm extends far beyond its interiors. Set amidst 145 acres of scenic natural preserve once owned by poet William Cullen Bryant, the grounds offer a tranquil retreat. Wander through the Sculpture Park, admire the Formal Gardens, and follow the marked trails to uncover hidden treasures. Formal Gardens, Sculpture Gardens & William Cullen Bryant Preserve

The museum’s living collections are found on its 145 acres, officially known as the William Cullen Bryant Preserve and include an arboretum, nature trails, a native plant garden, and a formal garden. The land has a long history. It owes its unique and varied topographical features to the glacier that receded from here more than 10,000 years ago, leaving behind hills and ravines, ponds, and boulders. The Manhasset Indians were its earliest recorded inhabitants, and the 17th and 18th centuries brought Dutch and English settlers and farmers. In the 19th century, it became William Cullen Bryant’s Upland Farm and then a country estate in the late 1890s, before finally becoming a museum and preserve open to the public in 1969.

The Museum’s outdoor sculpture collection boasts over 40 remarkable pieces crafted by 30 sculptors. Among these sculptures is Tom Otterness’s Free Money, depicting a happy couple joyfully dancing on a bag of money. How perfect that this wealthy, happy couple has found a home on the North Shore. 

Spanning a century of artistic expression from 1913 to 2018, the Sculpture Garden’s collection offers a captivating journey through the evolution of sculpture, showcasing how artists have embraced advancements in technology and materials alongside evolving art styles. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary collection set amidst fields, woods, ponds, and formal gardens, where nature and art intertwine. It is a rare opportunity to witness sculpture in a natural habitat, inviting you to explore, reflect, and find inspiration.

Public tours are free with Museum admission and do not require tickets or reservations, but please do check the website for available tours and activities, as they will change with the seasons.  We recommend booking a Private Docent-Led Tour in advance at $25 per person with a 5-person minimum. Click Here and scroll to the bottom of the page to find out more.

If hunger strikes, satisfy your cravings at the Museum Café conveniently located onsite. For a deeper immersion into the Gold Coast Experience, venture to Basil Leaf Café Ristorante, an iconic Italian eatery nestled in the charming Gold Coast hamlet of Locust Valley, just a few miles from the Museum. (Reservations for lunch are recommended.)

Locust Valley and its surroundings are steeped in a “White Shoe” culture, revolving around exclusive polo and golf clubs. It has attracted notable figures like the Duke of Windsor, Cole Porter, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, making it a longstanding social hub for New York’s elite. After lunch, explore the hamlet’s quaint shops and boutiques. The entire area is walkable and concentrated in an upscale shopping area near Basil Leaf Café and a few surrounding blocks.

Morning: Sculpture Garden on the Grounds of the Nassau County Museum of Art

9:00 AM – Sculpture Garden Tour

Grab breakfast at St. Rocco’s Bakery in Glen Cove. It’s right next to the Church of St. Rocco. If you can catch The Feast of St. Rocco (July 25 – 28, 2024) you are in for a real old-fashioned church festival. After breakfast, give yourself at least an hour to wander through the outdoor Sculpture Garden, featuring over 40 remarkable pieces set amidst fields, woods, and ponds.

11:00 AM – Mansion Tour

Enjoy your Private Docent-Led Tour, but if you didn’t book a private tour, you can still enjoy the Museum’s exhibits set in the exquisite Georgian mansion, formerly the estate of industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Explore the opulent interiors and learn about the mansion’s architectural heritage. The friendly museum staff will happily answer your questions. 

12:30 PM – Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Museum Café, amidst the museum’s serene surroundings. For a deeper immersion into the Gold Coast Experience, venture to Basil Leaf Café Ristorante, an iconic Italian eatery nestled in the charming Gold Coast hamlet of Locust Valley, just a few miles from the Museum. (Reservations for lunch are recommended.) 

2:00 PM – Locust Valley

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Locust Valley’s upscale shopping area, filled with quaint shops and boutiques. The shops are right next to Basil Leaf Café, or you can just walk the village blocks surrounding the train station. 

4:00 PM – Coffee Break

Recharge at Karmic Grind with their selection of artisanal coffee and snacks, reflecting on the day’s experiences. Conclude your day with fond memories of Gatsby’s legacy and the timeless charm of Long Island’s Gold Coast.

Note: Plan ahead to ensure the best experience for you and your family at the Nassau County Museum of Art. Review the Programs and Events page to see what’s going on and to plan your visit. We recommend you book a private tour led by a charming and knowledgeable docent. Scroll to the bottom of the Programs and Events page. Group tours are $25 per adult with a minimum of 5. It’s well worth the ticket price.

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