The Museum at Bethel Woods

We are so excited to welcome you to our 1960s museum at the historic site of the 1969 Woodstock festival. Just a couple of hours from New York City or Boston, explore the beautiful Western Catskills of New York.

exhibition in the museum at bethel woods

Here the legends of the 1960s come to life

Some visit to relive the past and their journey to Woodstock. Others come to experience what it was like for the first time. As you step inside the exhibit you hear the echo of 450,000 chanting “no rain” and see the stories of those who were actually there. Through artifacts, films, music - and even a hippie bus - you will be inspired not only by what was the most prolific three-day festival in history, but by the ideals that still remain relevant today.

Please be aware The Museum at Bethel Woods is closed until April.

We look forward to exploring the greatest decade of all time with you then. In the meantime, explore upcoming events here.

Dining

  • Yasgur's Farm Cafe offers variety and a farm-fresh approach to dining, uniquely representative of the bounty of Sullivan County and the Catskills. View the menu here.
  • OPEN DAILY: 10 AM - 2 PM. Please be aware we have gone cashless! MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover Card are accepted.
Exhibits
painted school bus in the Woodstock museum next to the Aquarian Exposition
History of Woodstock
Woodstock photograph with crowd and sound towers taken by Jim Shelley
Photo Archive
Crowd at Woodstock sitting in a crowded farm field
Woodstock Alumni
Woodstock Ticket Photo
Online Shop
exhibits at museum at bethel woods showing a quote from John F Kennedy and Vietnam memorabilia
Memberships
tree next to a road and wooden fence at Bethel Woods
Preservation Efforts
fountain in a pond outside Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in summer
Accessibility
hallway of main exhibit

We spread peace & love in our community too

We encourage social responsibility among our visitors, New York and global-based sponsors, and supporters through education, economic development, and historic preservation. Our collective goal is to make Sullivan County, and the world at large, a better place. To borrow from 1960s ideology: everyone has the power to change the world.

Through programs we brings the lessons of the decade to life, schools, and towns through museum collections and Woodstock’s history. The Woodstock tradition continues to this day at our world famous live events center.

Museum FAQs

  • What is The Museum at Bethel Woods?

    The Museum at Bethel Woods explores the unique experience of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, its significance as a culminating event of a decade of radical cultural transformation, and the legacies of the Sixties and Woodstock today. Through personal stories and profiles, immersive musical and multi-media exhibit displays and experiences, engaging programs, and educational events, The Museum encourages inter-generational dialogue about important ideas and issues relevant to today. It also helps to preserve the historic site on which the Woodstock festival took place.

  • Can I take pictures at The Museum at Bethel Woods?

    Photography is allowed in the museum for personal, non-commercial use. (Policy may vary for some special exhibits). Tripods and other supports, flash and other lighting, allowed ONLY with prior written permission from museum management. For media and commercial use, please contact Bethel Woods Public Relations at mediainquiries@bethelwoodscenter.org

  • Can I visit the Museum and go to a Pavilion Stage concert on the same day?

    Yes, you can visit The Museum and attend a Pavilion Stage concert on the same day. Due to popular demand, museum visitation during a Pavilion Stage concert day is high. The Museum at Bethel Woods offers discounted admission when purchased with a concert ticket as well as when purchased the day of with a valid concert ticket. Discounted admission is valid the day of a concert through noon the following day.

  • Are student groups welcome during the school year?

    The Museum's Education department offers programs aligned with the NY State curriculum which help students make the connection between the museum content and their lives today. For more information please contact us at education@BethelWoodsCenter.org.

    Register for Explore the '60s Programs

  • I would like to bring a group to The Museum and for a concert: Do you have a group sales department?

    We invite you to bring your group of 20 or more to experience the power of live performance or to visit The Museum at Bethel Woods. Check out our available group packages and contact us for more information.

  • How can I donate an artifact?

    If you have an item to donate to The Museum’s permanent collection, please contact Robin Green at rgreen@bethelwoodscenter.org. If you can attach a photo of your item, that would be appreciated. Please DO NOT bring your item to the Museum without first contacting us.

  • May I rent the Event Gallery in The Museum?

    Yes, and you may also rent other locations on our site. Find out more about renting our facilities and submit a request form today.

What our guests are saying...

A Great Place to Spend a Few Hours

We were absolutely delighted by this museum! Take your time and read all the signage. It includes quotes, hidden histories, and a great accounting of an amazing event. Even our teenagers enjoyed "experiencing" the Woodstock Festival

Amie G
August 2020

A great experience and a must-see.

This museum has it all and it takes you back to the 1960s like no other museum does. On the grounds is the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Fair, and also known as Woodstock. It was and still is, the greatest concert in music history. The Museum at Bethel Woods covers that time in August of 1969 in a way that you will feel like you were there. Just a great experience and a must-see.

George H
January 2020

We finally got Woodstock 🎶

The Woodstock concert of 1969 is memorialized in this beautiful setting and structure. Trendy displays of memorabilia and signs depicting the times. Many alcoves running individual videos of newscasts, interviews, and performances. Make sure to stop at the monument which overlooks grounds. Pick up a map of the grounds which shows, then and now, where each event took place, and what is there today. Especially loved talking with staff and visitors who had been there.

Giggy
September 2019

Connect Your Kids With History

What an amazing place, don't miss this one if you are in the area. Great experience and fun way to connect your kids with such important event.

Eran A

Fun and very informative place. Did not expect to spend as much time as i did. I thought that it will be and in and out kind of place, but i enjoyed every moment and i did not skip any of the film they had. Loved the history and i so wished to have libe [sic] during that time.

Randa D

COVID Protocols

My family and I had the privilege of visiting your museum… and its content was fabulous. I felt the need to write to congratulate you on your Covid protocols. At no time did my family nor myself feel in anyway compromised. Thank-you for a wonderful experience.

Deborah K
October 2020