Things to Do in the Catskills: Discover the Gallery at Forstmann Castle
Looking for things to do in the Catskills? Discover the Gallery at Forstmann Castle at Frost Valley YMCA. Learn about our creative roots, explore the history of the castle, and experience the gallery. Set on nearly 6,000 acres in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley has long been a destination for connection, creativity, and outdoor exploration. Now, one of the campus’s most iconic and historic buildings has been reimagined as a dedicated space for art and cultural engagement.
Opened in May 2026, the Gallery at Forstmann Castle at Frost Valley YMCA offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience art in a setting deeply rooted in the natural beauty and history of the Catskills. The gallery’s inaugural season featured an artist talk with Hovey Brock, a panel discussion on the Neversink River, and an outdoor screening of Sweet Summer Pow Wow.
Discover the History of the Forstmann Castle
The Catskills, Frost Valley, and a Commitment to Creativity
A place shaped by nature and community
Frost Valley YMCA is rooted in the landscape of the Catskill Mountains, where nearly 6,000 acres of forests, streams, and open space create an environment that encourages connection and discovery. For generations, guests have come here not just to visit, but to experience something deeper, whether through outdoor adventure, shared community, or time spent unplugged from everyday life. This setting naturally fosters reflection, curiosity, and creativity.
Creativity as a core part of the experience
Creativity at Frost Valley has never been confined to a single program or space. It exists in the way campers engage with nature, the way students learn through hands-on exploration, and the way guests of all ages are encouraged to express themselves. From arts and crafts to environmental storytelling, creativity is embedded in the experience, helping people connect more meaningfully to both place and self.
Expanding access to the arts
The creation of the Gallery at Forstmann Castle builds on this long-standing foundation. By establishing a dedicated space for exhibitions and artistic programming, Frost Valley is expanding how visitors engage with creativity. The gallery offers a new entry point for guests, one that invites observation, interpretation, and inspiration in a setting that feels both historic and deeply connected to the natural world.
A growing focus on arts programming
In recent years, Frost Valley has continued to broaden its arts offerings through retreats, workshops, and collaborative programs. These experiences bring together artists, educators, and participants in ways that encourage both skill-building and creative exploration. The gallery serves as a natural extension of this growth, providing a central space to showcase and expand upon these efforts.
History of Forstmann Castle
An iconic Catskills estate begins in 1916
The story of Forstmann Castle begins with Julius Forstmann, founder of the Forstmann Woolen Company, who broke ground on the property in 1916. Set across 2,200 acres in the Catskill Mountains, the estate was designed as a summer retreat for the Forstmann family, a place of respite, gathering, and connection to the natural surroundings.
A family home rooted in craftsmanship and design
For forty years, the castle served as a seasonal home, thoughtfully built and richly detailed. The main house featured 40 rooms, 7 fireplaces, and 6 baths, all fully furnished. Inside, the craftsmanship reflected the era: cherry, butternut, and maple woodwork, along with teak and oak parquet floors, created a space that felt both grand and deeply intentional. Beyond the home itself, the property included a working dairy farm, complete with multiple buildings and livestock, making it a self-sustaining and dynamic estate.
A defining moment: Christmas Eve, 1956
On Christmas Eve in 1956, the future of the property shifted in a profound way. Julius Forstmann and YMCA executives reached an agreement that would transfer ownership of the estate to the YMCA. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, as the property became the home of Camp Wawayanda, laying the foundation for what would grow into Frost Valley YMCA.
A living connection between past and present
More than half a century later, the castle remains a central and symbolic part of the Frost Valley experience. Welcoming over 35,000 visitors each year, it continues to serve as a place where history is not just preserved, but experienced. Walking through its rooms offers a sense of stepping into another era, while its continued use connects generations of visitors to the legacy of the land. Today, the castle stands as an anchor between past and future, now entering its next chapter as a space for art and creative expression.
The Transformation: From Landmark to Gallery
Reimagining a historic space
Transforming Forstmann Castle into a gallery is both a preservation effort and a forward-looking vision. Rather than altering what makes the building special, this evolution highlights its character, allowing the architecture, materials, and atmosphere to enhance how art is experienced within it. The result is a space that feels intentional, immersive, and distinctly tied to its surroundings.
A new way to experience Frost Valley
For many visitors, the castle has always been a place to explore and admire. Now, it becomes a destination within a destination. The gallery introduces a new layer to the Frost Valley experience, one that invites guests to slow down, observe, and engage with creative work in a setting that is both intimate and inspiring.
We are also building a creative community and invite artists to connect with us and submit their work for future collaboration and exhibition consideration.
Historic Opening during Fine Arts Weekend
The Gallery at Forstmann Castle officially opened during Frost Valley’s first-ever Fine Arts Weekend, culminating in a public reception on May 9, 2026. This event marked not just the opening of a new space, but the beginning of an expanded commitment to the arts across the campus.
A welcoming and inclusive environment
Designed to be accessible to all, the gallery offers a welcoming environment for families, artists, and first-time visitors alike. Whether attending a formal event or simply exploring during open hours, guests are encouraged to engage with the space in a way that feels comfortable and meaningful to them.
The Inaugural Exhibition: Art Inspired by the Catskills
Hovey Brock’s Crazy River
At the heart of the inaugural exhibition is Crazy River, a series by local artist Hovey Brock. Inspired by the West Branch of the Neversink River, the work draws from memory, personal experience, and moments of reflection shaped by the surrounding landscape. The series captures both the physical presence of the river and the emotional connections it evokes.
A collection of diverse artistic voices
The exhibition also includes drawings by Hannah Iannuzzi, alongside works from YAI Arts Studio artists, including Jimmy Tucker and Tayloe Schinz-Devico. Together, these pieces introduce a range of perspectives and styles, creating a layered and engaging experience for visitors.
Indigenous art and representation
In partnership with the North American Indigenous Center of New York (NAICNY), the gallery will feature wearable art as part of the exhibition, along with a dedicated space highlighting Indigenous representation. This collaboration brings important cultural perspectives into the space, deepening the meaning and scope of the gallery’s programming.
Connecting art to place
Each piece in the exhibition is tied in some way to the Catskills, whether through landscape, story, or lived experience. This connection reinforces the gallery’s purpose: to reflect and celebrate the region through creative expression.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Gallery
A space for ongoing exhibitions and events
Following its opening, the Gallery at Forstmann Castle continuing to evolve with rotating exhibitions, seasonal programming, and opportunities for artists to share their work. This ensures that each visit offers something new, encouraging guests to return and engage with the space over time.
Deepening community connections
As the gallery grows, it will continue to build relationships with local artists, organizations, and cultural partners. These collaborations will shape future exhibitions and ensure that the space remains rooted in the community it represents.
A new chapter for Frost Valley
The opening of the gallery marks an important step in Frost Valley’s evolution. By bringing together art, nature, and community in a dedicated space, it expands how visitors experience the campus and sets the stage for continued growth in the years ahead.
Art from the Inaugural Exhibition
Join Our Artist Community
We’re building a creative community at the Gallery at Forstmann Castle and want to hear from you. We’re interested in collaborating and featuring artists whose work aligns with this vision. If you feel we may be a good match, please send us a form for consideration. If so, we will be in touch. Thank you for reaching out.
Forstmann Castle FAQ
The gallery officially opens during Frost Valley YMCA’s Fine Arts Weekend, with a public reception on May 9, 2026. Following opening weekend, the exhibition will remain on view throughout the summer.
Registration is recommended for special events like Fine Arts Weekend. During general visiting hours, access to the gallery may be included as part of your stay or program at Frost Valley. Check current program details for the most up-to-date information.
Forstmann Castle is located on the Frost Valley YMCA campus in Claryville, New York, within the Catskill Mountains, approximately two hours from New York City.
Yes. The Gallery at Forstmann Castle is designed to be welcoming and accessible for visitors of all ages, including families, campers, and first-time gallery guests.
The gallery showcases a range of work inspired by the Catskills, including paintings, drawings, and mixed media. The inaugural exhibition features work by regional artists as well as collaborations with organizations like the North American Indigenous Center of New York.
Yes. The gallery is intended to host rotating exhibitions, seasonal programming, and special events throughout the year, creating new experiences for returning visitors.
Yes. The Gallery at Forstmann Castle will be featured as part of Upstate Art Weekend (June 25–29), making it a great time to visit and explore both the gallery and the broader regional arts scene.
You can plan your visit by exploring available programs, lodging options, and events through Frost Valley YMCA. Whether you’re attending a specific event or visiting for a general stay, there are a variety of ways to experience the campus.
Continuing the Story of the Castle
The Gallery at Forstmann Castle represents more than a new space, it reflects Frost Valley YMCA’s ongoing commitment to creativity, connection, and community. By bringing together art, history, and the natural beauty of the Catskills, the gallery offers visitors a meaningful and memorable way to experience this unique place. Whether you’re joining us for the opening, visiting during the summer, or returning throughout the year, the castle invites you to explore, reflect, and be inspired.
