Bethel Woods Now Officially Home to Manes Conservatory
In what is being referred to as a 'full-circle moment,' Bethel Woods just officially welcomed another pretty special feature to their historic grounds, and all in the name of creative arts.
More Than A Music Venue
If you've had the opportunity to visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, you know it is way more than just a music venue.
Home to the Woodstock 1969 music festival, the Bethel Woods site obviously has an outdoor amphitheater that has been voted BEST Amphitheater by the USA TODAY 10Best Reader's Choice Awards for the past two years. It also has an amazing museum, beautiful views, grounds for camping and glamping, an indoor gallery and event space, and now add to that list, the Manes Conservatory.
SEE ALSO: Bethel Woods Named Best Amphitheater in US by USA TODAY
The Manes Conservatory Celebrated at Ribbon Cutting
Honoring Dr. Harvey Manes, a 'a pioneer in joint replacement surgery' a native New Yorker who had his own orthopedic practice, is more than just a doctor. A philanthropist, an author, and a champion for the arts, Dr. Manes attended the original 1969 Woodstock festival at Bethel Woods, and has since gave back to the Bethel Woods community in a major way.
Following a $250,000 donation that established the Manes Conservatory at Bethel Woods, a ribbon cutting recently took place to dedicate the space.
Through his philanthropic efforts, Dr. Manes supports the Academy at Bethel Woods which allows under-resourced Sullivan County high school students to gain experience through enrollment in a free four year training in music and arts. In only the first year, The Academy welcomed 40 students from across the county to engage in 120 hours of year-round instruction. The program also 'provided professional grade equipment, mentorship, career exploration opportunities and transportation all at no cost to them or their families.'
We’re so grateful to Dr. Manes for stewarding Woodstock's legacy by investing in the young creators that will carry it forward into more creative futures. Here’s to the next generation of artists, creators, and changemakers.
The Weekend I Lived At Bethel Woods
Gallery Credit: V.Turco
2026 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Concert Lineup
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