Albany Institute of History & Art

The Albany Institute of History & Art (AIHA) is a museum in Albany, New York “dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region”. Founded in 1791, it is among the oldest museums in the United States. AIHA has over 20,000 objects in its permanent collections, including 1600 paintings, 1100 drawings, 4000 prints, 600 sculptures, 500 pieces of furniture, 1200 ceramics, 4000 pieces of clothing and accessories, and 5450 other historical artifacts. Its library collections house 140,000 printed volumes and 85,000 photographs. To supplement its permanent exhibits, the institute hosts a number of traveling exhibitions yearly.
Season And Hours Open
Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday: Noon–5:00 pm; open Tuesdays for groups only
About This Building And Site
The Albany Institute of History & Art comprises three connected buildings: the original structure (housing museum exhibits), the Rice Building (housing the gift shop and meeting rooms), and a glass connecting structure (where visitors enter and pay admission). In 2001, the institute completed an extensive renovation in which the entrance building was constructed and new climate-controlled storage space for the collections was built.

Don’t Miss This When Visiting
Through four centuries, the Albany Institute’s renowned collections and exhibitions have comprised the definitive expression of the cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of this historic region. From its world-renowned Hudson River School collection, to the famous Albany Mummies, to the wide range of performances, lectures, and festivals, to its outstanding educational and family programming, each year this dynamic and engaging institution provides tens of thousands of visitors of all ages and interests with a splendid museum experience.

Related Sites Or Experiences
New York State Museum Albany, NY

The Hyde Collection Glens Falls, NY

Identify And Describe The Management Organization
The Albany Institute is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley. The museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhibitions, education programs, library, research projects, publications, and other programs offered to the general public.

One of America’s oldest museums, the Albany Institute of History & Art was founded in 1791, during the presidency of George Washington, making it older than the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Suggested Further Reading
Albany Institute of History & Art: 200 Years of Collecting

Fees
yes
ADA Accessible
yes
Tours Are Offered
yes
Site is Child-friendly
yes
Site is Pet-friendly
no

Location
Collapse
Nearby
Latitude: 42.655717 Longitude: -73.760244 Elevation: 192 ft
Nearby Sites or Experiences
Season and Hours Open
Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday: Noon–5:00 pm; open Tuesdays for groups only
Contact Information

AIHA
518-463-4478
125 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12210 US

Visit Website
Don’t Miss
Through four centuries, the Albany Institute’s renowned collections and exhibitions have comprised the definitive expression of the cultural, historical, and artistic heritage of this historic region. From its world-renowned Hudson River School collection, to the famous Albany Mummies, to the wide range of performances, lectures, and festivals, to its outstanding educational and family programming, each year this dynamic and engaging institution provides tens of thousands of visitors of all ages and interests with a splendid museum experience.
Fees
Yes
ADA Accessible
Yes
Tours are Offered
Yes
Site is Child-Friendly
Yes
Site is Pet-Friendly
No
Identify And Describe The Management Organization
The Albany Institute is dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley. The museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhibitions, education programs, library, research projects, publications, and other programs offered to the general public. One of America’s oldest museums, the Albany Institute of History & Art was founded in 1791, during the presidency of George Washington, making it older than the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

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