There is nothing better than enjoying the day with your family exploring a place you may have visited before but, didn’t see everything it had to offer. Many of us on Long Island have probably visited the gorgeous grounds at Heckscher Park that is centrally located in the middle of Huntington Village. You have probably even taken the kids on the incredible playground next to the pond. But, have you gone inside the Heckscher Museum of Art?
This beautiful building which was founded in 1920 by Anna and August Heckscher is filled with art history and is home to an art collection of over 2,300 pieces. These pieces are not all displayed at one time since there is limited space within the museum but, you can enjoy pieces from the collection through various exhibits they change over from time to time.
Right now they have two great exhibits that all ages can enjoy and will be on display until May 3rd, 2026.
- Lines of Influence – Artists Teaching Artists celebrates artists educating and learning from one another.
We love the art in this exhibition and were excited to take part in the free open-ended project in the lobby where kids can create their own piece of art that is inspired by one of the pieces they will see displayed in the gallery.
2. Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at The Heckscher Museum 2026 is also an exhibit you will love to check out and it is one that is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary. Students are challenged to select artwork on view in the museum to create their own piece of art. All visitors are encouraged to help choose the Visitors Choice Award. All the young artists whose work is showcased are incredibly talented and I had a hard time choosing a favorite.
One piece that won First Place, Celebrate Achievement Best in Show was awarded to Maria Gavrilov. Her piece is called:
The Keys to the Whole
Acrylic on wood, spare keys, valves of instruments, wire, screws
Ward Melville High School, Grade 12
Art Teacher: James Swierupski
Jess Morse (Digital Content & Administrative Manager) , who was so great to talk to and so knowledgeable about the museum and the art on display is standing with me next to Maria Gavrilov’s award winning piece. Having this time with Jess to learn about the museum and share that information here on the blog, was such a great experience.
I do not want to forget to mention how much my kids enjoyed the digital action painters where kids can “paint” on large screens in the lobby. I hear it is a HUGE hit with all guests and we can see why. We spent a lot of time here.
Kids can enjoy the art workshops available. This photo was taken by the museum at their Spring Workshop that was held this past Friday. The kids and instructors have a fun time creating fun art that the kids take home at the end of their day.
Coming this Summer:
Summer Drop-In Art Workshops for Kids
Wednesdays & Fridays, July 8 – August 14, 2026
10:30 – 11:30 am
Children ages five through ten are invited to the Museum to create fun works of art in a variety of materials inspired by artwork in the Museum! Each week’s project will be exciting and different! Programs will be held both in the Museum and in Heckscher Park, weather-permitting.
$10 per child- Free for Members
No advance registration required
Know before you go that:
*the museum and grounds are stroller and wheel-chair friendly
*my kids love the pond and seeing the ducks and other wildlife. But, please no feeding them.
*there is a handi-cap accessible bathroom with changing station
*there is a beautiful playground on the grounds
*there are public restrooms next to the playground, as well
*there is no food or drinks for sale but, there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy a picnic with food you bring or purchase from a local spot in the village.
*Parking: there is a small parking lot adjacent to the Museum (handicapped accessible) and there is street parking on Prime Avenue (on the west side of Heckscher Park) and adjacent side streets
Learn more about Heckscher Park
We can not wait to go back for a visit and I know you and your family will love visiting here, too.
“The Heckscher Museum of Art, located in Huntington, NY, creates opportunities for everyone to experience art that broadens our understanding of the past, fosters community connections to our present, and creates diverse possibilities for our future.”
Admission is free for all who visit thanks to a generous grant from Bank of America.
The museum is open Thursday – Sunday
12pm to 5pm
