Adirondack Arts

For centuries, painters, poets, and photographers flocked to the scenic waterways and far-as-the-eye-can-see mountain peaks of the Adirondack Region. From museums to art centers, explore art in the Adirondacks. 

On the shores of Lake George, with its vast shoreline and picturesque views of the Adirondack Foothills, the landscape became the muse and subject of artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz. The famous American artist and her equally famous photographer husband lived for a time at Stieglitz's family estate on Lake George. The Adirondacks proved an inspiration to the couple and O'Keeffe tasted her first success as an artist during her residency in Lake George.

Performing Arts & Cultural Centers in the Adirondack Park

The performing arts are a vital part of many Adirondack communities, offering year-round entertainment and delight for all ages. The Depot Theatre in Westport moonlights as a theater and serves as a fully-functioning train station during the day. If a train whistles in during a theatrical production, actors "freeze" for several minutes as passengers disembark before continuing on once more. 

Saranac Lake is home to a thriving artist enclave, which organizes 3rd Thursday ArtWalks during the summer months. Enjoy the annual Adirondack Arts & Heritage Festival and a variety of hands-on workshops that aim to develop the talents of burgeoning artists.

On the shores of remote Blue Mountain Lake, the critically acclaimed Adirondack Experience - The Museum at Blue Mountain Lake offers exquisitely detailed exhibitions showcasing the arts, history, development, and heritage of the Adirondack Park. Exhibits take visitors back in time, to the Golden Age of the Great Camps and through the history of Adirondack -architecture, art and more.

ADK Arts – From Seaway to Coast

For centuries, the Adirondack Mountains have inspired endless artistic reveries. Along the Adirondack Seaway of the St. Lawrence River, discover the artwork of Frederic Remington, a native of Canton who captivated the world with his depictions of the Wild West and Native American tribes. Each September, the Adirondack Seaway hosts a festival honoring the art and life of Remington.

On the Adirondack Coast of Lake Champlain, explore the influence of the rugged landscape on famed American artist Rockwell Kent, who lived in the Adirondacks for a number of years, finding inspiration in the vast wildness of the region. Kent's farm, Asgaard, now operates as an award-winning goat dairy farm and artistic retreat for visiting artists.

Historic Theaters in the Adirondacks

Looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day or date night, check out one of the historic theaters in the Adirondacks. The Palace Theatre in downtown Lake Placid, which opened in 1926,  boasts ornate hand-painted detailing in the foyer, lobby and main theater. 

A true downtown movie house built in 1937, the  historic Indian Lake Theater offers current moves and hosts community events.  

Originally built as a Vaudeville theatre in 1924, the Strand Center for the Arts in Plattsburgh is on the National Register of Historic Places. See concerts, artisan markets, gallery events and more.

Other historic theaters in the Adirondack region include the art deco Strand at Schroon Lake, State Theater at Tupper Lake, Depot Theatre in Westport and Park Theater in Glens Falls.