Located on the shores of the Hudson River with gorgeous views of the Hudson Highlands,
Peekskill is a thriving modern city that boasts a rich historical heritage. The city emerged
as an important trading post in the late 1600s, and bustling commercial activity marked its
early days. Its riverside location continued to serve Peekskill well during the Revolutionary
War; George Washington considered the area a crucial strategic point, establishing his
headquarters in the Birdsall House on Main Street. In the 1800’s Peekskill saw an expansion
of local manufacturing and industry. It also served as a key stop on the Underground Railroad,
helping African-Americans fleeing from slavery. This impressive civic record still hasn’t ended;
Peekskill was the first New York State community to have an African-American mayor.
Now this 19th century manufacturing center of stoves, hats and underwear has transformed
itself into a vibrant center for the arts. An artists' district, a Business Improvement District,
renovation and innovative reuse of several sizable buildings have breathed new life into the
streets of downtown Peekskill. Funky restaurants, galleries, boutique shopping, and a weekly
farmers' market entice residents and visitors. Most recently, this June marked the opening of
the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, a new museum that offers a venue to explore,
question, and communicate experiences of our contemporary culture. With the addition of the
HVCCA, Peekskill has truly established itself as a major arts venue in the Hudson Valley.
So, what’s an arts lover to do during a trip to Peekskill?

No trip to Peekskill would be complete without a stop at the Paramount Center for the Arts.
This performing arts center was built in the 1930s as a movie palace, and its marquee and
doors have recently been restored to their former glory. Voted 2004’s “Best Revitalized
Performing Arts Venue” by Westchester Magazine, it is host to a wide variety of activities.
Culturally diverse live entertainment regularly fills the stage of this acoustically acclaimed
theater. Other attractions are movies, gallery showings, and educational programs, including
workshops for children. For more information call (914) 739-2333 or visit paramountcenter.org.

But what makes Peekskill a truly unique place to visit is the Downtown Artist District, where
over 100 artists maintain studio or live/work space. Take the opportunity to meet and talk to
local artists on a Tour of Peekskill’s Downtown Artists’ District, offered every third Saturday.
These tours of art studios, galleries and artists' lofts begin outside the Paramount Center for
the Arts, 1008 Brown Street, at 10 a.m. Fee is $5 per person, for more info call (914) 734-1894.
If you can’t make it to a tour, don’t worry, the artist district is packed with things to see, and is
perfect for strolling through on a warm summer afternoon. Not to be missed is the Flat Iron Gallery,
105 S Division Street, a three-room space that displays a variety of works including pottery, jewelry,
paintings, and sculpture by artists from all over the United States. Visit flatiron.qpg.com. Maxwell
Fine Art is located in a Victorian carriage house at 1240 Main Street, where the exhibition space is
dedicated to the presentation of unique and original works of fine art by both emerging and established
artists. Those selected for exhibition are challenged to produce new works of art on a small scale,
appropriate for the gallery's dimensions and aesthetic, and a new 4-tier sculpture garden allows for the
display of outdoor works. Visit maxwellfinearts.com. There are many more extraordinary galleries, all
within a short walking distance of one another - check out the Peekskill Arts Council at
peekskillartscouncil.org or contact Sally Forest at (914) 737-6039 to find out more.

New to the Peekskill art scene is the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art. Open on
weekends and by appointment during the week, this museum is a must for all those interested in
the world of contemporary art. HVCCA is dedicated to the development and presentation of new works,
exhibits and interdisciplinary programs that enrich our understanding of contemporary art, its contexts
and relationships to societal issues, and offers exhibitions, public lectures, family programs, and
artist-in-residence projects. Currently on view is Symbolic Space, in which HVCCA uses 10,000 square
feet to mount an exhibit focusing on works that successfully use formal architectural language as
powerful symbol and metaphor. Visit hvcca.com or call (914) 788-7166 for more info.

Tired of walking? Then take a break on the scenic Riverfront Green, an ideal spot for picnicking and
watching the kayakers and swans pass on the river below. There’s a playground for the kids, and
special events are held throughout the year. During the summer there is a concert series every
Wednesday from 7-8 p.m., and there are children’s specials, such as magicians, every Monday
from 7-8 p.m. Click here to download a pdf of events.

And if you happen to be in town in mid-September, do not miss the Peekskill Project. This two day festival will take place September 18th & 19th. Nine prominent art curators have selected over 100 artists from New York City and Westchester County to create site specific installations inspired by Peekskill’s rich history, burgeoning artists' district, stunning natural environment and diverse population. Works will be situated in a variety of locations, such as The Paramount Center for the Arts, City Hall, Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, local art galleries, storefront windows, the waterfront, and town parks. The fun will include guided gallery tours and a Saturday night after party. Please call 914.788.7166 for more Peekskill Project info!

Rich with art, history, and fun family activities, there’s no question that Peekskill is a perfect place to
explore for a day or vacation for a week. Peekskill is, without a doubt, a premiere arts destination.