Did you know that PepsiCo’s world headquarters is in Westchester County, New York? Neither did I, until a few years ago soon after we moved out to Westchester from New York City. I learned of it because I had read about the Donald M. Kendall sculpture gardens, located at the headquarters. I was about to take my family for a visit, when – shoot – it was closed due to renovations. Not just closed for a few months, but a few years! Now, 4 years later, they have finally reopened again to the public. And so this past weekend my family and I finally went.
If you’ve been following my blog then you know I’m a big fan of places where nature meets art, such as Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley and Wave Hill in the Bronx. The Donald M. Kendall sculpture gardens are situated on 168 acres of beautiful land in Purchase, New York and are an oasis for anyone who enjoys both art and the outdoors. The idea for the sculpture gardens was conceived by Donald M. Kendall, former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, in the 1960’s and includes works by famous twentieth century artists including Alexander Calder, Max Ernst, Henry Moore, and Louise Nevelson, among many more.
The gardens themselves are an art form in their own right and serve as the perfect backdrop for the 45+ sculptures. There are vast fields and lawns to walk around, as well as smaller, more enclosed gardens with all types of flowers, trees and foliage. There is a path called the “Golden Path” which weaves throughout the property and sculptures, taking you through trees, a large pond, grass lawns and fountains.
The sculpture gardens are a great place to take the family and let the kids run around, take a break by the pond and watch the fish swim by, cool off from the spray of the fountain, and of course, look at the sculptures. You can spend as much or little time there as you want – if you’re looking for a quick jaunt to split the day up that works, and if you want to make a longer run of it and pack a picnic there are picnic tables. Either way, the sculpture gardens are a nice retreat from the every day, in a beautiful setting, and a place to unwind and take in the serenity and art.
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PepsiCo Sculpture Gardens, 700 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, NY 10577.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed during inclement weather.
Linking up with FARAWAY FILES
Sculpture trails and gardens are ideal for families, well for my family anyway. We love getting outdoors but it’s a focus and a goal, and see something a little different.
Author
We love them too. Any place the kids can stretch their legs and see some culture :).
I had no idea this existed! Much less so close!
Author
I know! I didn’t know either when we first moved out. We love it!
We love places like this too – walking outside and then coming upon some quirky artwork is such a fun thing to do.
So happy they finally reopened, such a lovely place.
Sculpture gardens like this are such a great day out with kids: a bit of culture, a taste of nature and a lot of space – perfect! That bear looks pretty scary though! And why were they closed for so long? Lack of funding? Renovation? Anyway, glad they have reopened – the world cannot have enough beautiful places like this. #FarawayFiles
Author
Renovations that went way long..so glad they’ve re-opened!
The greenery this place offers is spectacular! I would really love to visit it soon!
Author
Thank you! Yes it’s gorgeous!
The gardens are so green and lush. We just visited the sculpture gardens in Oslo and they are so much fun. I’d love to stop by here one day. The photo opportunities with that bear are endless! #farawayfiles
Author
Uggh there was a total line for the bear it was driving me crazy!
What a beautiful green space this is! I love parks with sculptures dotted around – the combination of art and nature is perfect. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Author
Thanks – yes nature and art is my favorite combo!
I love outdoor art where it becomes part of the environment rather than being in a gallery. This looks a beautiful place for a stroll with something of interest to see round every corner. #FarawayFiles
Author
Agree – the outdoor environment for art is such a nice thing!