Judy C.
Yelp
The Dan Flavin Art Institute is a cozy little museum located just off the main drag in Bridgehampton. It's the type of building that makes you want to give it a big hug, if only your arms were long enough Built over a hundred years ago as the village firehouse, it also did duty as a church before finally settling in as home to the Flavin Art Institute. How cute is it? Look at the address: Corwith Avenue off of Main Street. The official address is nothing but an intersection. That is seriously small town.
The museum houses nine of Flavin's flourescent lighting sculptures. That's right, I did say "flourescent lighting sculptures." It's an amazing medium that Flavin playfully embraced for much of his career. By manipulating the colors and intensity of the lights, Flavin is able to extend each sculpture beyond it's direct physical presence, such that every nook and corner of the museum acquires its own mood. Because the museum is dedicated to Flavin, the works can be installed in a way that they are seen to best effect. If you know Flavin from other museums, come here to see his art taken to the next level of intensity.
The museum also has a gallery that houses temporary exhibitions. When I was there, the exhibition was "Dan Flavin and the Hudson River School" and it included his drawings and paintings of the Hudson River, as well as works by artists who had influenced him during this phase of his career. It was fascinating to see, so different from the light sculptures that made him famous.
If you come, plan some other activities. The museum is small and even if you linger, you'll likely be done within an hour. If nothing else, take the time to explore the small shops of downtown Bridgehampton.
Bottom line: for art lovers who are in the area, the Flavin Institute should not be missed. For people already admire Flavin, it is a must-see, even if you do have to travel for a day.