The Museum at Bethel Woods

The Basics

Situated in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains, the Museum at Bethel Woods is a perfect day-trip destination for travelers coming from New York City, New Jersey, or Connecticut. For discounted admission, purchase your ticket online in advance. Visitors with tickets to a concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts also enjoy a discount—explore the museum before the show. A free docent-led tour of the main exhibit is included.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The historic and scenic Bethel Woods is a must for music lovers and American history buffs.

• The museum is accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

The most convenient way to reach Bethel Woods is by car. If you’re driving the 90 miles (145 kilometers) from New York City, get on I-87 North to NY-17 West. Take exit 104 and continue on to Bethel Woods, located on Hurd Road. You’ll find free parking across from the museum. If you go when there’s a concert, follow the signs to the designated parking area for museum guests.

When to Get There

In summer, the museum is open daily from 10am to 7pm; the rest of the year, it’s open Thursday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Woodstock festival grounds open on May 1, and are most pleasant to explore in the summer months.

Visiting the Woodstock Festival Site

Don’t forget to stop by the famed site of the Woodstock festival, which is open during regular museum hours. See the festival monument located at the intersection of Hurd Road and West Shore Road, then stroll the grounds, an old festival map in hand. As you wander, check out the original stage, the performers pavilion, and the campgrounds.

Ways to explore

Travelers can visit the Museum at Bethel Woods with general admission tickets or as part of day trips that include transportation and other regional stops. Some tours feature visits to Woodstock-related sites in the Catskills, with time to explore the museum’s interactive galleries and 1960s exhibits at your own pace.

The museum also features a café, gift shop, and rotating exhibitions that complement the core Woodstock collection. Visitors can enhance their day by attending a seasonal performance at the adjacent Pavilion, or by exploring the scenic, 800-acre (324-hectare) grounds that surround the site.

Accessibility

The museum offers ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and limited handicap parking. Service animals are welcome. Sensory-friendly hours run monthly with quiet spaces and visual guides.

Age limits

All ages are welcome—children can explore the exhibits with adult supervision. Admission is free for children under 5.

What to pack

A camera for personal photos (no tripods), a water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers—the museum is air-conditioned year-round.

Not allowed

Flash photography, video recording, and tripods are prohibited unless pre-approved.

Amenities

The site offers free parking, a café with snacks and drinks, a gift shop, and public restrooms. All sales are cashless.

Address

The Museum at Bethel Woods is located in the western Catskills, about 90 miles northwest of New York City. Most visitors arrive by car, as public transportation to the area is limited.

Driving

From NYC, take I‑87 North to Route 17 West, then follow signs for Bethel Woods along Route 17B. Free parking is available in Lots A, B, and C near the museum entrance.

Public transportation

Train and bus services run to nearby towns such as Monticello and Port Jervis, with local taxis or rideshares needed to reach the museum.

Best times to visit

Visit mid-mornings for fewer crowds and quieter exploration.

Best days to visit

Exhibits and galleries are quietest Tuesdays–Thursdays. Second Saturdays of the month are sensory friendly days.

Best months to visit

The museum is open daily from April 1 through December 31 (10 am–5 pm). Visiting during spring and fall, when Pavilion concerts are less frequent, means you’ll experience a calmer campus.

Special events

The museum doesn’t host annual festivals, but occasional exhibit openings, educational programs, and seasonal displays may be scheduled throughout the year.