Wheelchair-accessible car park
No
The Earth Room in New York
Phone: +1 212-989-5566
Site: https://www.diaart.org/visit/vis...
Site: https://www.diaart.org/visit/vis...
Opening hours
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:Closed
- Wednesday:12–3PM
- Thursday:12–3PM
- Friday:12–3PM
- Saturday:12–3PM
- Sunday:12–3PM
Comments (86)
I appreciate the uniqueness of it. Usually I like these type of things, but somehow I was on the impressed with this one. That said I hope it doesnt go away. I may visit again to see if I can get a better feel for it.
This was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had in New York City. It is beautifully ridiculous experience right down town. Be prepared to be amazed. The name while short is a perfect description, this is a room of earth.
Saw it in the early 80s and fell in love with the “idea”. It’s incredibly indulgent considering the cost to maintain it. Plus they had to get special permits to inactivate the sprinkler system because the water would render it WAY to heavy and the floor would collapse. The DIA foundation is the most extravagant art organization with buildings throughout Manhattan. The Rothko Chapel in Houston... incredible ible collection
Very unique exhibition, its been there 41 years! I just wanted to walk on it, but you cant do that, cuz... Its an exhibition, and you would just make it dirt if you walked on it. If you have enough melanin you will just want to touch it too.
The name is self-explanatory: 280,000 pounds of dirt, 22 deep, covering 3600 square feet. Intended for a three-week exhibition in a second-floor Soho loft, it has remained there for the past 42 years. It is both monumental and futile—an affront to capitalist sensibilities. It is free to visit and there is nothing to buy. There isnt even much to see—the lights are not turned on, and visitors stand behind a clear barrier. But the scent—akin to a used bookstore in the stairwell, closer to that of a forest floor as you ascend the steps—transports you. Its worth the trip.
Perceive, smell, see the brown of the earth in the day light of the room – pure peace & beauty, and a fantastic experience. not to miss when your are in SOHO.
Peaceful with a distinct smell. Incredible use of space with lots of natural light. A great installation to visit in SOHO.
One of the truly unique experiences to have in New York. Something everyone should go see at least once, if for nothing more than the absurdity of it all. But really, it’s all about the smell.
Just earth in a room for 50 years
A decades-long, calm, yet ambitious installation. Always a delight. Bill, the buildings super and the gallery overseer, is attentive, friendly, and quick to help out
How could you not love an art installation this out of the ordinary? Its been there for FORTY YEARS and hopefully will be for a long time more. Ring the buzzer, head on upstairs, and you can be there as long or as little as you want--and its worth it for however long you stay.
Really weird piece of artwork but entertaining both getting into it and seeing it. Artist has simply film a room to about the two feet feet and dark rich soil thats it.
Its so weird but I love it. Its an olfactory experience more than anything else.
ATTENTION: DIRT BUT NO WORMS. This dirt is probably FAKE. As a side note, dont even TRY to talk dirty to this dirt. It could care less. REAL dirt presses its dirty lips against your ear and has a rebuttal. By the way, Wikipedia has an entry of famous fictional worms. Here are some of my favorites: Dr. Worm from They Might be Giants, book worm character from various childrens reading programs and a giant worm monster from Whats New Scooby Doo. Do you know what all these worms have in common? You wont find a single one of them at this exhibition. To quote the late, great Aquabats, some worms escaped with their lives. they excreted soil. yeah. yeah. yeah. I can only pray that this is true. I hope you can join me in lighting a candle for the worms. Afterwards, you can meet me around the corner at Mooncake Foods to share a lime rickey.
If youre looking for a quiet place to meditate while fresh soil wafts into your nostrils, this is the place.
Worth seeing if you are in the neighborhood, but dont go out of your way to visit.
Smells good. A nice place to cry.
This was a really interesting place in downtown! Definitely underrated 🔥
Really special spot. Take time to strike up conversation with the groundskeeper.
Free and weird - impressive your out of towners - pop in here - don’t tell them you are heading in - awesome surprise
It is exactly as it claims to be.
Camp.
Closed for now, reopens septber 2019
Very calming, take you back to nature when you’re in a busy city like New York City.
Apparently this place is closed, but forgot to tell anyone.
This is closed for the summer 2019. Opening sept 11. Who is watching the dirt???
Really interesting
Best place in the world. I would love to be buried here.
Go here. This is the whole reason we/you live in/come to NYC.
This is the COOLEST place ever! You must see it!
Lots of great art! Its public too
Calm and not crowded, I was visiting it alone.
Closed until September 11
Its a room filled with earth. Five stars for honesty.
Its a room full of dirt. A very cool room full of dirt.
A unique experience and a quick, interesting stop for visitors
Smells good; has a contemplative aroma.
Weird place, free and totally worth a visit
Its a room full of dirt. Think about it.
It works because it is so absurd: a large room filled with earth.
Not worth a special visit but free
A fascinating and beautiful work of art
So cool. So hip. So earthy!
Great art
Interesting art and quiet.
Great installation, worth a stop
Wild. Closed in summers
Artistic, tranquil and meaningful
Closed, No website Info.
The place is closed for summer!
A great site to see
Neat.
Im glad I stopped by.
Loved this space!
I like the smell.
Very Dirty
Not much to see
Worth it. Glad this exists.
Its nice!
A room filled with dirt
Love that dirt!
Unexplainable
Just go and see.
Amazing!!!
Beautiful
Beautiful experience
Classic
Extraordinary
Closed until 2023 FYI
Just a lot of earth in an apartment. What the artist wants to tell us, we could not answer. Somewhat bizarre but also casual again. Costs no entry, you do not have to plan for more than half an hour and if youre in the area, just have a look!
The interesting gallery New York when you have already visited the most typical. The space is very pleasant for a few moments of relaxation and tranquility in the area that is very beautiful
We looked for it for a long time, its very hidden, then we rang the bell and nobody answered, even though we were there during opening hours. Pity!!!!
Nice idea and a nice challenge in the realization. Of course it is bare ground in an open space on the second floor.
I liked it. In any case it divides.
A special performance
Closed until September 6
Total reviews rating 4.5
86 Reviews for The Earth Room 2023:
Review №1
2022-03-16They check your vax card, thank you! This is a lovely place to escape the city noise and energy. It is grounding and a reminder to stay grounded amidst the chaos. Thank you for those who tend to this! No pics, respecting the artists work.
Review №2
2018-09-29Very interesting secret place. Visit if youre having a SOHO walking tour
Review №3
2022-06-11Been there with my girlfriend, very silence. And the manager is really nice and knowledgeable to answer our questions. Book an appointment before going there.
Review №4
2019-03-15Today I went to see the gallery and it was for some reason freaky I freaked out because of how weird the exhibit is I stay for a few minutes and I don’t am speechless because it’s just so weird(don’t criticize me art lovers I’m basing this on my experience)
Review №5
2019-04-25Dont expect a lot coming here but it is certainly something quirky that you can be sure not everyone you know who has visited New York has seen. It is what it says on the tin, no pictures allowed.Not open every day so check in advance.Basically you buzz a door at the address for the Earth room and someone lets you in. You climb a flight is stairs and its there.The area surrounding is nice, so on a warm day go down and check out the surrounding boutiques.
Review №6
2018-01-15Clean atmosphere to settle your thoughts and meditate. Found the smell of soil to be relaxing and your senses are calmed here. Would definitely recommend this place to those who need time to themselves for a bit. Oh and no pictures can be taken here courtsey for the artists work.
Review №7
2020-01-26The smell is everything. Its a transcendent journey to step off the busy streets of Soho into this quiet, natural nook. The gallerists are awesome and very welcoming too!
Review №8
2019-02-10The Earth Room is an interesting installation by the artist Walter De Maria.It is essentially a room filled with raked soil.Photography is prohibited.Its interesting how this piece of art can reveal unique perspectives of the viewer. For example, I found it unsettling that earth was trapped inside the confines of a room but a friend found the sight of raked soil comforting!
Review №9
2019-01-03I guess this is art too.A second floor Manhattan loft completely filled with earth two feet high.You walk in, stand and look, say to yourself what the h....), and walk out. Then you start contemplating on what you saw and experienced.You take something away with you for sure.If you are in the vicinity, go take a look.
Review №10
2018-10-08Located above Poltrona Frau, checked timings as opening times are limited. Dont expect to spend more than 5-10 minutes. Theres one viewing area for the large surface. No picture, as per artist request... Worth stopping by if youre in the area.