Among other things, the Saugerties countryside is known for abandoned quarries of the bluestone industry. One quarry was transformed into a monument commemorating the industriousness of early quarry workers and the enduring beauty of the local bluestone.

Opus 40 was conceived of by artist/sculptor Harvey Fite. He built an environmental sculpture of native bluestone over the course of thirty-seven years (1939 to 1976). Originally conceived of as forty-year project, his nearly completed work was halted by his accidental death in 1976.  His work is one of the most impressive and vast sculptures ever created by a single person.

In addition to the outdoor sculpture, a small museum is open to the public.  Opus 40 has served as a venue for concerts, cultural events, educational programs, weddings, and other events.  It is open to the public from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, except when special events are scheduled. 

The museum displays quarrying tools collected by Harvey Fite.  Visit the Opus 40 Web site for the latest schedules of events there.