The Parrish Museum officially opened its new $25 million home in Water Mill on Friday, November 9th, celebrating with a cocktail reception for 600, including showcased artists filled the 600-foot-long structure, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

For the first time in the Museum’s 115-year history, dedicated galleries will showcase masterworks of art from the permanent collection. Ranging from the nineteenth century to the present, the Parrish’s holdings include more than 2,600 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by many of America’s most influential artists, a selection of which will be on view year-round.

The Museum presented its inaugural special exhibition of Malcolm Morley: Painting, Paper, Process, a career-spanning exhibition of more than 40 works by the British-born artist, who has maintained a house and studio on eastern Long Island since 1983.

“We are filled with excitement at what is certain to be a life-changing experience,” commented Parrish Director Terrie Sultan. “With the opportunity to permanently showcase our remarkable collection, along with our innovative temporary exhibitions, special projects, programs, and educational outreach, the Parrish will be the East End’s vital center for cultural engagement, a catalyst for creativity, a place you will want to visit over and over again.”

We loved strolling through the seven beautiful skylit galleries, comprising 7,600 square feet, are devoted to the Parrish’s collection. Each gallery provides a narrative framework within which visitors can see and experience masterworks of art, organized to convey and celebrate the story of America’s most enduring and influential artists’ colony—Eastern Long Island!

Make sure you check out the gallery of “Selected Recent Acquisitions: Building a Collection” which showcases paintings and sculptures never before exhibited at the Parrish, including works by Louise Nevelson, Dorothea Rockburne, and Keith Sonnier. This gallery reflects the exponential growth of the Parrish’s permanent collection and the vision and generosity of donors who have made it possible.

The museum sits on 14 acres off Montauk Highway with seven enclosed galleries, an open gallery, an auditorium, cafe, gift shop and space for archives. The new building reportedly was built with a budget of $26.2 million, [95% of which has been raised to date] and A LOT of Hamptonites are buzzing: Does this LOOK like a building that cost $26.2M?

Be sure to check it out as soon as possible and make your own decision~ KDH loves it!

Location: 279 Montauk Highway Water Mill, NY 11976 T 631-283-2118 F 631-283-7006

http://parrishart.org/