New York State Museum

Shocked at how good this musuem is for being free. The whole left side of the first floor was great and the 9-11 exhibit was very well done. The animal and rock exhibit in the back was a bit dry but still good. Deff didn't need to see the dinosaur exhibit at the top. Overall well worth the time!

We originally came to the New York State Museum for the Barbie-a Cultural Icon Exhibit and ended up leaving with a completely new appreciation and understanding of New York State history. I didn’t even realize a museum dedicated exclusively to the history of New York State existed.. and what an incredible job they’ve done with it! The exhibits are brought to life in such a creative and engaging way. Every section of the museum feels dramatically different from the next, which constantly keeps your attention and makes you excited to see what’s around the corner. I think my favorite area was the fossil and rock room. It was phenomenal. Each display seemed cooler and rarer than the last, and the black light viewing feature made it even more impressive and interactive. Another huge surprise was that admission was completely free. In a state where it feels like everything comes with a fee, that was refreshing and very appreciated. Parking on the street was actually pretty easy to find as well. Overall, this museum completely exceeded expectations and turned into the highlight of our trip to Albany.

The New York State Museum in Albany was a wonderful place to visit with my family. The museum is free, although they suggest a $5 donation, which is very reasonable for what they offer. The main attractions were on the first and fourth floors. The museum was well organized, educational, and easy to walk through. On the fourth floor, there was a nice children’s area with interactive dinosaur exhibits, which made it fun for kids. You can also see the Capitol building from the museum, and the view was beautiful. Another nice surprise was the carousel inside the museum. It was a fun addition and made the visit even more memorable for the family. When we visited, the museum was quiet and not too crowded, so we were able to enjoy everything comfortably. Overall, we really enjoyed our time there. If you are visiting Albany, New York, I strongly recommend stopping by the New York State Museum. It is definitely a must visit place.

Our family has always enjoyed visiting the NYS Museum over the years. In addition to the permanent exhibits, they regularly offer special programs, events, and temporary exhibits. On our recent visit we had the opportunity to explore and enjoy the new childrens Discovery Center. It was great and had lots of hands on activities for youngsters. I personally adore the new Mary Elizabeth Banning exhibit on Fungi. Be sure to always check out any events that may be going on at the Empire State Plaza, while visiting the museum. February/March usually hosts the Martin Luther King Jr. art and essay exhibits as well as the Lunar New Year Celebration, which is an absolute family favorite! There is now an ice skating rink open for use central to all of these amazing historical buildings. Tours of the Capitol building are available throughout the day, making for an easily full schedule of memorable experiences. Ample room in the facility parking garages or in nearby overflow lots for minimal fees. (Credit card). Food courts with a variety of eatery options, with restrooms in the concourse. Elevators, escalators, and maps, make for very easy navigation.

Great educational and inspiring experience I recently visited the New York State Museum in Albany, and it was an amazing experience. The museum is completely free of cost, and even Sunday parking is free, which makes it very convenient for visitors. There are many interesting exhibits, including displays related to 9/11 New York, various firefighting equipment, and rich historical collections. I really enjoyed every minute of my visit. It took me about 2 to 3 hours. The museum is filled with a wide variety of historical artifacts, so there is something interesting for everyone—history lovers, science enthusiasts, and families. Highly recommended if you are visiting Albany. A great place to learn and spend quality time!