Learn more about the arts and history at these Albany museums

Visit one of the fine Albany Museums in Albany, New York.

Albany Institute of History & Art Mission Statement "Albany Institute of History and Art is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting, and promoting interest in the history, art and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley Region.
The museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhibitions, education programs, library, research projects, publications and other programs offered to the general public".

Continuing exhibits include:
-19th Century American sculpture art of Erastus Dow Palmer, Launt Thompson and Charles Calverley.
-The landscape that defined America: The Hudson River School
-Traders and Culture
-Ancient Egypt
-Sense of Place: 18th and 19th Century paintings and sculpture.
125 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12203. (518) 463-4478

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New York State Museum Founded in 1836, this Albany museum has the longest continuously operating state natural history research and collection survey in the U.S. Windows on New York features a historic working carousel. The World Trade Center: Rescue Recovery Response, anchored by one of the first fire pumpers at the scene on September 11, 2001, continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Other permanent exhibitions include the Adirondack Wilderness, Native Peoples of New York, with a full-size re-creation of an Iroquois longhouse and New York Metropolis, featuring everything from an actual subway car to part of the stage set of Sesame Street. Natural history displays exhibit 100-million-year-old fossils, the bones of a prehistoric mastodon, minerals, and 170 species of native birds.

The Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions including the Bank of America Great Art Series, which showcases great masterpieces from the state's leading art museums. Kids from 1 to 92 enjoy the excitement of hands-on-learning at the Discovery Place. A variety of exciting programs are held here including world-class concerts and other performances in the Clark Auditorium.

Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877. The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is a program of the New York State Department of Education. Located at the Cultural Education Center of the Empire State Plaza on Madison Avenue in Albany, New York. This Albany Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free and the Museum is fully accessible.

Schuyler Mansion was once home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, United States Senator, business entrepreneur, and descendant of one of Albany’s affluent and powerful Dutch founding families.

The Georgian structure—reflecting Schuyler’s English tastes--was built on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. Originally situated on an 80-acre tract of land, the grounds once included an orchard, a formal garden, and a working farm. Throughout the Schuyler family occupancy from 1763-1804, the mansion was the site of military strategizing, political hobnobbing, elegant social affairs, and an active family life.

Tour schedule of this Albany museum: April-June: Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. July-August: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. September-October: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tours are offered on the hour, and the last tour of the day begins at 4 p.m.
32 Catherine Street, Albany, NY, 12202. (518) 434-0834.

Shaker Heritage Society keeps a memorial to the 1st Shaker Settlement in the United States. This Albany museum is open year round. 1848 Shaker Meeting house, 875 Watervliet Shaker Road, Suite 2, Albany, New York, 12211. (518)456-7890.

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