The Museum at Bethel Woods

We are so excited to welcome you back to the historic site! The safety of our staff and guests remains a top priority.

exhibition in the museum at bethel woods

Plan Your Museum Visit

Visiting The Museum? View standard policies, dining options, and purchase your tickets online for a discounted rate!

exterior of museum at night lit up with colorful lights
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Purchase A Museum Ticket

No more than 25% maximum occupancy will be allowed - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance.

museum exhibit at bethel woods
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Open Daily: April 3-December 31; 10 AM - 5 PM.

Please note the Special Exhibit will close at 2 PM on Sunday, May 16.

Schedule

  • The Museum will open to the public at 10:30 AM on the second Saturday of each month because of Sensory-Friendly Museum Days.
  • During Peace, Love & Lights (November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022): 10 AM – 10 PM.

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. As you travel through the exhibit, you travel through time as the Vietnam War unfolds and the Summer of Love blooms. All culminating in the Woodstock festival. 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.

The Museum is now open every day, featuring the 2021 Special Exhibit, Lights, Color, Fashion - we hope to see you soon!

New Augmented Reality Tour

Step outside to the beautiful grounds and historic site. Meet Me At Woodstock gives you the chance to explore and experience the festival on a rented iPad through 360-degree visuals and stories from festival attendees. Hold your device up and watch as a 3D model of the stage appears right where it stood in ’69.  Take a seat and turn up the volume to hear the authentic crowd sounds, stage announcements, and Jimi Hendrix play his iconic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.

Tickets
A crocheted tree next to trail marker signs on the famous Bindy Bazaar Trail
Plan Your Visit
child in the museum at bethel woods with headset on
Exhibits
painted school bus in the Woodstock museum next to the Aquarian Exposition
Events
People enjoying a show at bethel woods on the lawn
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
Collections
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
About
Field photo

We spread peace & love in our community too

We encourage social responsibility among our visitors and supporters through education, economic development, and historic preservation in order 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.

... but we don't spread COVID-19. Read about the modifications we've made to keep you safe, healthy, and happy. 

Go Behind-The-Scenes Of Our Exhibits!

Museum Main Exhibit Q&A

Museum at Bethel Woods Assistant Curator Julia Fell returns to discuss her favorite part of the Main Exhibit, how people who attended Woodstock can become a part of our community, and why younger generations should care about what happened during that historic weekend.

Museum Main Exhibit Q&A
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2020 Special Exhibit Q&A

Exhibit Curator Julia Fell joins us to discuss the Special Exhibit: Lights, Color, Fashion. Learn how museum curators determine an object's authenticity; the type of art the exhibit will showcase; and what it was like working with collector Gary Westford. Please note that due to spatial restrictions, this exhibit will not open until 2021.

bill ham light show
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Earth in Focus Q&A

Earth in Focus is an outdoor photo exhibition curated by talented photographers from around the world. Exhibit Curator Julia discusses the inspiration of Earth in Focus, the legacy of Earth Day, and how everyone has the power to positively impact the world.

Earth in Focus Q&A
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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