New York State Museum

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!

If you never been to this museum it's worth your trip to go and experience what a remarkable place it is. And one good thing it's free admission, and very educational and fun, for all ages. You can see the history of New York and how it evolved from the the first settlers to the building of New York by immigrants that came through Ellis Island, to make this state and country. The 911 exhibit is very heart wrenching, I recommend it very highly.

Great Museum! Many excellent displays. The 911 display, the fire truck display and the New York City neighborhood displays were the most interesting. Also have Mastodon on display. Temporary Barbie exhibit as well.

What an amazing museum!! About all of nys history and things about nys there are a lot of exhibits (my favorite being the 9/11 exhibit) and it is FREE! There are so many cool things here some of the exhibits are Barbie, Taxidermy, Lakes, Ice Age, Birds, Minerals, old nyc, 9/11 and if you have 1-2 hours definitely check this place out!

The museum was great. So much to look at and new things to see. We love coming here. The only reason I gave 3 stars is because of the parking. The museum parking during the week is used by state employees. So we couldn't park in either of them. The street parking is also taken by employees or other visitors, that are metered. Plus, on Tuesday's you can't park in most of the spaces until after 2pm. We were lucky enough for someone to help us find a parking garage that wasn't to far from the museum. About 5 minute walk.

My best friend and I came to visit this museum for the Barbie exhibit recently, but we were surprised with WAY MORE 😍 PLEASE CHECK THIS MUSEUM OUT! It has a little of everything for everyone. It’s well curated, exciting to explore, filled with tons of great corners of exhibits and knowledge. It’s a really wonderful place for all! It’s free too!

Going here was really fun. They have al sorts of things here. I learned a lot here also, like what animals were in New York State once. They also had cool minerals and rocks, paintings, and they also had a carousel. And for all those kids who loved and love Elmo. They have a section.