New York State Museum

Located in the capital city of Albany, New York, is a major research and educational institution that, by law, conducts systematic investigations into the geology, biology, anthropology and history of New York. It is mandated to disseminate the results of this work through its educational and advisory services to benefit the economy, environment, health and education of the people of the State. The Museum hosts more than 750,000 visitors each year, making it one of the largest cultural attractions in the state.

It is a research museum, one of a select and vital group of institutions charged by our society with both preserving and investigating the material record of our past. It is the only such institution which takes New York State, its natural and cultural heritage, as its mandate.

The New York State Museum has played a vital role in the discovery of knowledge in the natural sciences and in the dissemination of this knowledge through its exhibitions and programs. Our collections document the dawn of science in North America and established the role of museum collections in documenting its community. This legacy is, of course, a source of great pride for me and the staff of the Museum. With that legacy comes an obligation – an obligation to continue the legacy of excellence in research, collection care and public programming but also an obligation to share that legacy with our public. Season and Hours Open
Monday-Saturday 930am-5pm. Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Don’t Miss This When Visiting
The Adirondack Wilderness
This majestic and pristine region has and continues to be transformed by the interaction of nature and people.

Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection
This exhibition features 40 uniquely decorated stoneware vessels, including jugs, crocks, pitchers, jars and water coolers.

Beneath the City: An Archaeological Perspective of Albany
Discover the fascinating results of several archaeological excavations that have take place in Albany and look at artifacts related to the early Dutch settlement, a colonial rum distillery, the expansion of the city, and the daily life of past residents.

Ancient Life of New York: A Billion Years of Earth History
See New York when dinosaurs were in their heyday.

Birds of New York
See over 170 species of New York birds displayed in their environmental settings.

Black Capital: Harlem in the 20s
This celebrated American community is portrayed in this exhibition regarding the rich and diverse culture of Harlem in the 1920s.

Carousel
This full-sized carousel was made between 1912 and 1916 by the Herschell-Spillman Company of North Tonawanda, New York, one of the leading manufacturers of carousels in America.

Cohoes Mastodon
Excavated in 1866, the conserved and reassembled Cohoes mastodon is a magnificent specimen.

The Day Peckinpaugh
New York State Museum’s floating museum and classroom.

M&T Bank New York State Museum Earthquake Center
The New York State Museum’s new earthquake exhibit features real-time display of earthquakes in New York and around the world.

Fire Engine Hall
Come and visit many examples of fire apparatus of all times from the 18th, 19th and 20th century all with a history of service in New York.

The Governor’s Collection of Contemporary Native American Crafts

Metropolis Hall
This history of New York City and its environs is traced as the natural harbor transforms into a bustling port, open spaces into canyons of skyscrapers and a wilderness into a word city.

Minerals of New York
This spectacular exhibit located within Adirondack Wilderness Hall showcases a fraction of the State Museum’s enormous mineral collection.

Native Peoples of New York
Explore New York’s cultural history and natural landscapes from the last Ice Age 12, 000 years ago to present day ethnology.

Research Gallery
Scientists and historians are working behind the scenes at the State Museum making new discoveries in New York’s natural and human history.

The World Trade Center: Rescue Recovery Response
The World Trade Center: Rescue, Recovery, Response tells the history of the World Trade Center, the September 11 attacks, the rescue efforts, the evidence recovery operation at the Fresh Kills landfill, and the public response to the September 11th events.

Related Sites Or Experiences
New York State Library

New York State Archives

Identify And Describe The Management Organization
The Office of Cultural Education (OCE) operates three major cultural institutions with stewardship responsibilities for collections — the New York State Museum, State Library, and State Archives – and the Office of Educational Television and Public Broadcasting. All three collection-holding institutions ensure that valuable information, knowledge and collections under their care, are preserved and made available for current and future generations.

In addition to collection stewardship and public programs, OCE also administers chartering, technical assistance, program coordination and grant and aid programs serving 7,000 public and academic libraries and 73 library systems; museums, historical societies, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, science centers, and other similar organizations; 26 public radio and television stations; 3,000 historical records repositories and 4,500 local governments.

Suggested Further Reading
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/publications/

Additional Notes And Comments
Admission is free, but donations are accepted at the door.

Fees
no
ADA Accessible
yes
Site is Child-friendly
yes
Site is Pet-friendly
no