Art historians have called the Empire State Plaza Art Collection “the greatest collection of modern American art in any single public site that is not a museum.” The Collection was formed under the direction of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller during construction of the Empire State Plaza (1966–1978). Ninety-two works of Abstract Expressionist art are on permanent display throughout the Plaza.

• A History of the Collection
• View the Collection

David Smith, Voltri-Bolton Landing Series, 1962-63. Art © Estate of David Smith/Licensed by VAGA,New York, NY. www.vagarights.com

The Plaza Art Collection is housed in public spaces throughout the Empire State Plaza and is available for viewing when the Plaza is open to the public. For more information, please contact the Plaza Visitor Center at (518) 474-2418.

The Plaza Art Collection is a public collection owned by the people of New York State and cared for by the New York State Office of General Services. Part of OGS’ mission is to provide educational programming for students of all ages that explores this great cultural resource. All programs are free of charge! For information, or to arrange an onsite program or tour, please contact the Plaza Art Collection office at (518) 473-7521 or E-Mail: curatorial.services@ogs.ny.gov

• Learning to Look/Looking to Learn (all grades)
• Line! Shape! Color! (grades pre-K–2)
• Non-Stop Optical Illusions (grades 4–7)
• Mathematics & Art (grades 4–6)
• Art Collection Slide Show for Educators