Welcome to the City of Kingston, NY

Kingston, dating to the arrival of the Dutch in 1652, is a vibrant city with rich history and architecture, was the state's first capital, and a thriving arts community. City Hall is in the heart of the community at 420 Broadway, and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except July & August (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Come tour our historic City, with restaurants that are among the region's finest, and local shopping that promises unique finds.

Historic Churches

Kingston is home to many historic churches. The oldest church still standing is the First Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kingston which was organized in 1659. Referred to as The Old Dutch Church, it is located in Uptown Kingston. Many of the city's historic churches populate Wurts street (6 in one block) among them Hudson Valley Wedding Chapel is a recently restored church built in 1867 and now a chapel hosting weddings. Another church in the Rondout is located at 72 Spring Street. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded in 1849. The original church building at the corner of Hunter Street and Ravine Street burned to the ground in the late 1850s. The current church on Spring Street was built in 1874.

Kingston, NY

Kingston became New York's first capital in 1777, and was burned by the British on October 13, 1777, after the Battles of Saratoga. In the 19th century, the city became an important transport hub after the discovery of natural cement in the region, and had both railroad and canal connections.

Kingston, NY

The town of Rondout, New York, now a part of the city of Kingston, became an important freight hub for the transportation of coal from Honesdale, Pennsylvania to New York City through the Delaware and Hudson Canal. This hub was later used to transport other goods, including bluestone. Kingston shaped and shipped most of the bluestone made to create the sidewalks of New York City.

Contact Us

City Hall Address:
420 Broadway
Kingston, New York
12401

Phone:
(845) 331-0080
Email:
info@kingston-ny.gov

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Welcome to the Department of Art & Cultural Affairs

The Department of Art & Cultural Affairs was established in 2018 by Mayor Steve Noble, through partnership with the Kingston Arts Commission. Our mission is to provide the creative community of Kingston with a resource at the local level of government. The Department of Art & Cultural Affairs facilitates exhibitions for the Ground Floor Gallery at City Hall. We also work to connect creatives with funding resources, and can offer assistance in planning for events, festivals, and programs in Kingston.

For more information, please contact our office at City Hall.

Interested in displaying your work in Kingston? Please visit our Tourism section for a complete list of galleries in the City of Kingston. If you are interested in filming in Kingston, please click here to learn more. To see a map of Kingston's cultural assets, please click here to view our Cultural Asset Inventory.

Please note that the Department of Art & Cultural Affairs will be closed May 20 - May 31, 2021.

Contact Information

Director: Adrielle Farr

Phone: (845) 334-3929

afarr@kingston-ny.gov

COVID-19 & The Arts

Under the New York State on PAUSE plan, Governor Cuomo has introduced a 4 phase reopening strategy. The Governor's office will announce the regions of New York State approved to enter Phase 4. Phase 4 will allow the reopening of the following:

Higher Education
Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment
Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment
Media Production
Professional Sports Competitions With No Fans

Click here to be redirected to Phase 4 Reopening Guidance.

Click here to be redirected to our list of COVID-19 artist resources.

The City of Kingston Arts & Culture Master Plan

The Department of Art & Cultural Affairs, and the Kingston Arts Commission are excited to announce the start of work on the Arts & Culture Master Planning Project. The City of Kingston has contracted with Lord Cultural Resources to complete the study, with Director of Art & Cultural Affairs Adrielle Farr serving as Project Manager. The community driven project will also be guided by the Project Advisory Committee, and the Kingston Arts Commission.

Please visit Engage Kingston to learn more, and keep up to date on the Arts & Culture Master Plan.

Any and all inquiries should be made to Adrielle Farr, Director of the Department of Art & Cultural Affairs: afarr@kingston-ny.gov, (845) 334-3929.