Explore the New York State Museum: A Cultural Gem in Albany, NY
Fun, free, and family-friendly, the New York State Museum is a must-visit destination if you’re in Albany. Get a rundown below on the wide range of exhibits, amenities, and additional attractions to check out while you’re exploring the museum at the Empire State Plaza.
What to Know Before You Go
Admission
The New York State Museum offers free admission, but they do accept donations. You’ll find the donation box close to the entrance to the museum, on the opposite side of the lobby area as the gift shop.
The Empire State Plaza
The Museum is housed within the Empire State Plaza. The plaza is an architectural marvel, and you’ll enjoy walking around and getting a feel for the facilities - indoors and out!
The Carousel
If you have children, make sure to bring them up to the fourth floor to check out the Carousel, which runs at select times between 11am and 4pm, Tuesday through Sunday. This carousel was constructed in 1914!
Parking
Parking is available in the Madison Avenue Lot, accessed from Madison Avenue. The fee is $10 Monday through Friday, with free entry after 2pm under the Empire State Plaza Concourse. Limited metered street parking is also available.
Hours
The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm, and is closed on all state-observed holidays.
An Overview of the Exhibitions
Adirondack Wilderness
Step into the picturesque beauty of the Adirondack Park in Adirondack Wilderness. Life-size dioramas showcase the diverse plants, animals, boreal forests, lakes, and more throughout the 6-million-acre park.
Native Peoples of New York
Learn all about New York State’s Indigenous communities and their important influence on the region’s history and culture. Artifacts, artwork, and multimedia presentations bring these people to life - including a longhouse you can step into!
Birds of New York
Although you’ll find many different animals in Adirondack Wilderness, birds deserve their own section in the Museum. Expertly crafted displays convey the habitats, migratory patterns, and more that make up the lives of New York State birds, including some that are extinct.
New York Metropolis
You can’t have a New York State Museum without New York City! This exhibition takes you on a journey through the history and development of the Big Apple, from its early days to the evolution of the global hub we know the city as today.
World Trade Center
There is a special spot next to the New York Metropolis where you’ll find a World Trade Center exhibition, which offers a comprehensive look at the history of the World Trade Center, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the rescue and recovery operations that followed.
Minerals of New York
Each exceptional mineral and gem displayed here has a placard explaining where in the state it was found. Don’t miss the Fluorescent Materials exhibit, where you can push a button to observe how minerals change when exposed to different spectrums of light!
Discovery Place
Although children and teens of all ages will appreciate the entire New York State Museum, Discovery Place is designed for young kids in particular. Indulge in hands-on activities, nature exploration, and the arts as you touch fossils, learn about the Erie Canal, and find giant insects.
Fire Engine Hall
Vintage fire engines and trucks await in the Fire Engine Hall, where you can see the transformation of these vehicles from the colonial period through the mid 20-century.
More to Explore
The above breakout offers a great indication of what to expect with the Museum’s ongoing exhibitions, but there are also rotating exhibits, like Unveiled: Wedding Wear in New York, 1910s - 1940s, which is up in the New York Metropolis section through December 31, 2025. There are also special events, programs, and more to explore!
Hear It From the Visitors
Patrons typically spend about two hours at the museum. Here are a few Google reviews that highlight what guests love:
- “The New York State Museum is an absolute treasure trove for anyone interested in history, science, and art.”
- “Very vast and informative! I loved the mineral collection the most! There were some stunning specimens.”
- “This is an incredible gem that I feel not enough people know about.”
Make a plan to visit the New York State Museum with the family today!
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