The Empire State Plaza - Located in the Heart of Albany, NY
Visit the Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza (ESP)! Located in the heart of downtown Albany, New York, the Plaza is a 98-acre complex of several state government buildings and convention centers. Built between 1965 and 1978, the Plaza is a spectacular capital center for visitors, state employees, and locals alike. Enjoy fountains, pools, an observation deck, year-round events, a museum, farmers market, parks, shops, theaters, fine art, and much more.
General Information
Hours:
- Concourse: Open 6am-11pm Daily
- Outdoor Plaza: Open 6am-11pm Daily from April - November; Closed December 1 - March 31 except for the Plaza Ice Rink
Phone: (518) 474-2418 (The Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop)
Parking: Limited paid parking is available at the Plaza. On-street parking is limited, but several parking garages are available.
Take a Tour of the Empire State Plaza
Looking for something fun to do in the Capital City? Spend the day exploring the Plaza! Head to the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center in the North Concourse and learn the history of the Plaza and former Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. Discover the unique architectural styles. View the ESP Art Collection and visit the Plaza Memorials, including the New York State Vietnam Memorial.
Step Inside the New York State Capitol
Enjoy a tour of the New York State Capitol in Albany. This building has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. Tours are currently available Monday - Friday at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. Space is limited for the guided tours, and reservations are recommended but not required for groups of fewer than 10 people. For groups of 10 or more, contact the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418.
Visit the Plaza Art Collection
Discover 92 paintings, tapestries, and sculptures located in the ESP concourse, buildings, and outdoor areas. Said to be "the most important State collection of modern art in the country" by Glenn D. Lowry (Director at the Museum of Modern Art), the Plaza Art Collection is definitely worth seeing!
Catch a Performance at The Egg
Located within the Empire State Plaza, The Egg's unique sculptural curves define Albany's skyline. The Egg houses two theatres, the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre and the intimate Lewis A. Swyer Theatre, both offering superb lighting and acoustics. Enjoy comfortable seating and convenient parking. Comedy, dance, music, film, theatre, and family events can all be seen at The Egg.
Box Office: (518) 473-1845
Administrative Office: (518) 473-1061
See the Sights From the Corning Tower Observation Deck
Open to the public, the Corning Tower boasts the best view of Albany! Head to the 42nd floor for spectacular views of Albany, ESP, Hudson River Valley, the Port of Albany, the foothills of the Adirondacks, Catskills, and the Berkshires. Bring your ID! In order to gain access to the observation deck, you need to present photo identification at the Corning Tower Security Station. Anyone under 16 must be an accompanied by an adult with photo ID.
Quick Fact: Made of glass and marble, the magnificent 42-story Corning Tower is the tallest building in New York State! (outside of New York City)
Enjoy Learning at the New York State Museum
View countless and ever-changing exhibitions and collections at the New York State Museum. Dedicated to promoting knowledge in geology, anthropology, biology, and history, the museum is also a research location with dozens of scientists and historians directing projects.
Take on the Empire "Skate" Plaza
Open in the winter months, weather permitting, try your luck on skates at the Capital Region's best outdoor skating rink, the Empire "Skate" Plaza. With free admission, and affordable skate rentals, it's something the whole family can enjoy. Featuring locker rentals for only 25 cents, you can easily store shoes and other items you may not need out on the rink. Don't forget to check out their refreshment station located across from the rink at the glass pavilion, and bring your skating dreams to life this winter!
Enjoy Year-Round Fun
Visit the Empire State Plaza all year long to enjoy the many events, concerts, craft shows, and food festivals that are held there. Stop by during the warm weather months for "Summer at the Plaza," where you can enjoy a myriad of concerts and gatherings. You can also check out the outdoor Farmers Market from May through October.
In the winter, the Farmers Market moves inside the concourse for shopping. If you need to grab a bite to eat during your trip to the Empire State Plaza, the concourse has an array of cafeterias and eateries from which to choose.