The museums in New York City aren’t the only places to see work from famous artists. Throughout the state, there are museums, galleries, and sculpture parks showcasing the work of artists who called The Empire State home. Emerson Resort & Spa is just up the road from one of those spots. Guests looking to see stunning sculptures and statues while taking in picturesque scenery should hop on the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway and make their way to Brunel Sculpture Garden, an outdoor sculpture park in Boiceville, NY.
Who Was Emile Brunel?
At the intersection of Route 28 and DeSilva road, Brunel Sculpture Garden is filled with statues and larger-than-life sculptures created by Emile Brunel. After arriving in America, Burnel set off to explore the American West. He found his love of photography by taking pictures of Native Americans and their way of life.
Brunel opened Le Chalet Indien, and for 20 years, he ran the hotel dedicated to the Native American spirit. From the late 1920s to the mid-1940s, Brunel’s property welcomed famous and well-known guests like Franklin D. and Eleanore Roosevelt, Irving Berlin, and King Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson.
A Guide to Exploring the Park
The sculpture park is located on the site of Le Chalet Indien and is a community-driven cultural center. Brunel’s artwork, inspired by indigenous culture and art he saw while spending time with Native American tribes, fill the grounds. During your visit, see his work built between 1929 and 1941, including:
- The Cabin Totem
- The Eagle Totem
- The Herb Garden Totem
- The Bas Relief
- The Great White Spirit
The park is open for self-guided tours every day from 1 to 5 p.m. Throughout the year, the park hosts a variety of events that enhance any visit.
Discover Local Art during a Stay at a Catskills Resort
Whether you want to explore an outdoor sculpture park or discover local talent at a gallery, there is no shortage of places to view stunning artwork near Emerson Resort & Spa. Located right on Route 28, this Upstate NY resort is the perfect home base for those looking to explore all there is to do in the Catskills, including zipline tours, breweries and distilleries, and waterfall tours. After a day of exploration, relax in your cozy yet spacious accommodations or grab something to eat at Woodnotes Grille. Call 845-688-2828 to learn more about special packages or booking your stay.
All information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to individual websites for the most current information prior to your visit.