Parrish Art Museum

Parrish Art Museum is a major art museum in Water Mill on the South Fork of Long Island. Located along Montauk Highway in the Hamptons, the museum is devoted to American art with a particular connection to artists who have lived, worked and created on Long Island’s East End.

Founded in 1898 in nearby Southampton, the Parrish has evolved from a private collection displayed in a single exhibition hall into one of the East End’s most prominent cultural institutions. Since 2012, the museum has occupied a purpose-built contemporary facility in Water Mill designed by the internationally known architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron.

History of the Parrish Art Museum

The museum traces its beginnings to Samuel Longstreth Parrish, a lawyer and art collector who regularly spent time in Southampton. Parrish began collecting art in the 1880s and later commissioned architect Grosvenor Atterbury to design a museum where his collection of Italian Renaissance art and reproductions of classical sculpture could be displayed.

The original museum opened to the public in Southampton in 1898 as the Art Museum at Southampton. The institution expanded over the following decades, and after Parrish’s death his estate eventually transferred the building, grounds and founding collection to the Village of Southampton.

During the mid-20th century, the museum increasingly turned its attention toward American art and artists associated with the East End. An important part of that transition came through the collection of Rebecca Bolling Littlejohn, which included works by William Merritt Chase, Thomas Moran and Childe Hassam and helped establish the foundation of the museum’s American art holdings.

Move to Water Mill

By the late 20th century, the Parrish had outgrown its Southampton building. In 2005, the museum acquired a large site in Water Mill and selected Herzog & de Meuron to design a new facility. Groundbreaking took place in 2010, and the new museum opened to the public on November 10, 2012.

The relocation placed the museum along Montauk Highway in a setting that reflects Water Mill’s mix of agricultural landscapes, historic architecture and contemporary cultural institutions. The nearby Windmill at Water Mill is another recognizable landmark associated with the community.

Architecture and Grounds

The Parrish building is itself one of the museum’s most distinctive attractions. Herzog & de Meuron designed the long, low structure to evoke the barns, sheds and artist studios historically associated with the East End. Its parallel wings, broad roof, concrete walls and extensive use of natural light create a building that sits low against the surrounding meadow rather than dominating the landscape.

The approximately 34,400-square-foot building contains about 12,200 square feet of gallery space. Skylights provide natural illumination in many of the galleries, while large areas of glass create visual connections between the interior and the surrounding grounds.

The museum sits amid expansive meadows designed as part of the overall architectural experience. Native grasses, wildflowers, trees and planted drainage areas help connect the building to the agricultural and natural character of the East End.

Permanent Collection and Exhibitions

The Parrish Art Museum’s permanent collection includes more than 3,600 paintings, sculptures, works on paper and mixed-media works. Its holdings place particular emphasis on American artists and the artistic history of Long Island’s East End, a region that has attracted generations of painters, sculptors and other creative figures.

Rather than functioning solely as a permanent-collection museum, the Parrish presents changing exhibitions throughout the year. Exhibitions may draw from the museum’s own holdings or feature historical, modern and contemporary artists from outside the collection. Because works on view change regularly, visitors should check the museum’s current exhibition schedule when planning a trip.

Visitors interested in exploring more cultural destinations across the region can also browse LongIslandGuide.com’s guides to museums on Long Island and art galleries.

Programs, Events and Education

The Parrish operates as more than an exhibition space. Its programming includes artist and curator talks, gallery tours, films, live performances, workshops, educational programs and activities for adults, children and families.

The museum includes an art studio used for classes and workshops as well as the 200-seat Lichtenstein Theater, which accommodates lectures, films, performances and special programs. Outdoor areas and terraces are also used for cultural events and seasonal activities.

Planning a Visit

The Parrish Art Museum is located at 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976 in Suffolk County. Regular museum hours are Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the galleries closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The museum grounds are generally open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular adult admission is currently $20, while several groups qualify for discounted or free admission. Children age 18 and younger and students with valid identification are among those admitted free. Admission policies, exhibitions and operating hours may change, so visitors should confirm current information through the Parrish Art Museum’s official website before traveling.

Free parking is available behind the museum. The building is accessible, wheelchairs are available upon request, and the museum also operates a café and museum shop during regular museum hours.

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Parrish Art Museum

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Key Facts & Details

Detail	Information
Name	Parrish Art Museum
Type	Art museum
Location	Water Mill, Suffolk County, Long Island
Region	The Hamptons / South Fork
Address	279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, NY 11976
Founded	1898
Founder	Samuel Longstreth Parrish
Original Location	Southampton
Water Mill Facility Opened	2012
Architect	Herzog & de Meuron
Building Size	Approximately 34,400 square feet
Gallery Space	Approximately 12,200 square feet
Permanent Collection	More than 3,600 works of art
Regular Hours	Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Regular Adult Admission	$20
Parking	Free on-site parking
Phone	631-283-2118
Website	parrishart.org

With a collection rooted in the artistic history of the East End, changing exhibitions, extensive educational programming and a distinctive contemporary building set within the Water Mill landscape, the Parrish Art Museum is one of the most important cultural destinations in the Hamptons. Its combination of art, architecture and regional history makes it a natural stop for visitors exploring Southampton, Water Mill and the surrounding South Fork.