Get a state-oriented perspective on everything from the natural world to human history and habitation at New York State Museum. Established in 1836 as the State Geological and Natural History Survey, it opened to the public in 1845. The vast first floor houses permanent and temporary exhibits. Metropolis Hall is devoted to New York City and allows you to visit Harlem in the 1920s, see a subway car, visit the 9/11 exhibit and examine a recreated Chinatown herbalist store. Stop by the Birds of New York display and the Native Peoples of New York exhibit, which focuses on the prehistoric and historic culture of the region. From here, you can head to the fourth floor and ride an antique carousel. To find out how to plan a trip to Albany, use our trip itinerary maker.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
New York State Museum reviews
-
Plan on more than 3 hours for your trip. A great place to learn about the history of NY state. There so much to see and read, just plan enough time. And it was free admission, just donations...
Plan on more than 3 hours for your trip. A great place to learn about the history of NY state. There so much to see and read, just plan enough time. And it was free admission, just donations... more »
-
I was catfished by this museum. The website made it look sleek, modern, and full of topics I was interested in. It advertised an exhibit on Harlem as well as multiple other exhibits centering on...
I was catfished by this museum. The website made it look sleek, modern, and full of topics I was interested in. It advertised an exhibit on Harlem as well as multiple other exhibits centering on... more »
-
What a gem. It's actually quite massive - we were there for a couple of hours and only got to see half. Maybe even less. The 9/11 exhibit is detailed and quite emotional- I couldn't even take any pictures. There are exhibits on various eras that are detailed and well documented. Even if you don't want to read so much, they are wonderfully well put together. You don't have to follow any chronology, but it's set up so that you can if you want to. Really well thought out and lets you really appreciate our state. Note: its free to visit. We did not have to reserve time slots online either. The people at the front desk are super helpful. Outside, there are some wonderful memorials as well, and the space is lovely, you can sit and reflect for a few minutes.
-
I've always loved museums for the New York State prison into something to do during covid-19 you had before that so many interesting things I still haven't been the whole place the bad thing is they close down the gift shop that sucks. I really should reopen it maybe a couple of days a week they don't have to be open all the time it's going to be missed they had so many neat things in there gift ideas and knowledgeable stuff to have it oh yeah thanks for somebody that actually lied to our country so many things have gone down the tubes on freaking believable at least the museum still remains open to the public you have to wear a mask
Plan your trip to Albany
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Albany
Side trips from Albany
Hidden gems in Albany
Historic Sites in Albany
Nearby attractions in Albany
Museums in Albany
Featured attractions
Trips in New York State Museum by other users
2 days in Saratoga Springs
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark
Saratoga Race Course
Congress Park
21 days in Hartford & Albany
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Hartford
Albany
10 days in Lake George
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
The Old First Church
The Clark Art Institute
Prospect Mountain
6 days in Lake George & Albany
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Lake George
Albany
4 days in Saratoga Springs
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Congress Park
Saratoga Race Course
Hudson Crossing Park
14 days in New York State
BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Buffalo
Watertown
Lake Placid