Please contact the State Museum Facilities Coordinator if you have any questions.

Albert Gnidica
albert.gnidica@nysed.gov
(518) 474-0068

Rent the Museum for your next event!

Are you looking to rent a unique space for your downtown Albany event? The New York State Museum offers several spaces for a variety of events – from wedding receptions to conferences and meetings.

From large event spaces like the Fourth Floor Terrace Gallery with sweeping views of the Empire State Plaza and Capitol, to auditorium spaces that seat up to 400 people, the Museum has an ideal space to host your next event. 

Because of the uniqueness of our collection and our facility, the Museum does not allow any activity or event that may result in damage or disturbance to the collection or facility. All activities, events or entertainment at the Museum must be appropriate for the facility and be approved in advance by the Museum. Events may not interfere with public use during business hours. Prohibited events include political events and events that, in the opinion of the Coordinator of the Cultural Education Center Facilities, may present a risk to the public, rental facility or exhibits, or may be, in the opinion of NYSED Management, an inappropriate use of the facility.  

Note:

  • Rates listed below do not include security fees or cleaning fees unless explicitly stated.
  • Please contact us for details.
  • Combined Spaces: 25% off the lower cost space/spaces
  • * denotes that Security and Cleaning fees are included

Catering

The New York State Museum has approved several catering firms available for Museum events. A list of approved caterers is available upon request. All catering arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of the caterer. Alcohol may be served at private Facility Uses. The renter must provide a licensed bar caterer and is responsible for meeting all rules and regulations governing alcohol service. The disorderly use of alcohol or service to minors will not be tolerated. 

For More Information Contact:

Albert Gnidica
State Museum Facilities Coordinator
3rd floor, Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230
albert.gnidica@nysed.gov
(518) 474-0068

Meeting Rooms
museum classroom photo

11th Floor Conference Room

Intimate meeting space for up to 35 people.

Max Occupancy: 
35
Accessible Seating: 
All
Style of Seating: 
Conference Table and Chairs
Food Options: 
No Food or Drink
library tables

Librarian's Room 7th Floor

Historic bookcases in an intimate setting, can seat up to 40 people.

Max Occupancy: 
40
Accessible Seating: 
All
Style of Seating: 
Conference Table and Chairs
Food Options: 
No Food or Drink
office tables

Meeting Rooms A and B

Concourse-level meeting rooms for groups of up to 90.

Max Occupancy: 
59 w/tables or 126 Theatre Style
Accessible Seating: 
All
Style of Seating: 
Folding Chairs and Tables
Food Options: 
No Food or Drink
Facilities
purple lighted event hall

4th Floor Terrace

A dramatic venue appropriate for almost any event, with an amazing view of the Empire State Plaza and Capitol Building. The Terrace is also home to our historic Carousel, which serves as a unique backdrop to any special event. This space is frequently used for wedding receptions, special events, and conferences.

Food Options: 
Catering Allowed
office

Computer Classroom on 7th Floor

14 computers and an instructor workstation.

Max Occupancy: 
14
Accessible Seating: 
All
Style of Seating: 
PC Tables
Food Options: 
No Food or Drink
Lobby

Museum Lobby

Large, well lit open area suitable for approximately many guests.

Food Options: 
Catering Allowed
Exhibition Spaces
banquet photograph

Adirondack Hall

Located near the iconic "Elk Pond" within the exhibit for the Adirondack Wilderness. Suitable for a small gathering of approximately many guests for hors d'oeuvres.

Food Options: 
Catering Allowed
lighted exhibition space

Bird Hall

Bird Hall is home to the Birds of New York exhibition. This space is suitable for a small gathering for hors d'oeuvres or small reception.

Food Options: 
Catering Allowed
Theatres
Stage

Clark Auditorium

A full sized theater, seating approximately 400. The theater has separate restrooms and easy access from the Empire State Plaza Concourse.  The Clark is equipted with a projector, WIFI access and a fully functioning PA system.  

Max Occupancy: 
400
Accessible Seating: 
12 (more w/limited sightlines)
Style of Seating: 
Stadium ( access from top of aud.)
Auditorium

Huxley Theater

A smaller, more intimate theater for approximately 200 people, adjacent to the Museum’s West Corritor.

Max Occupancy: 
240
Accessible Seating: 
10
Style of Seating: 
Stadium( access from stage level)

Lobby Video Wall

The large screen located in the Cultural Education Center lobby can display graphics or video to highlight your event.  Content must be submitted at least one week prior to your event and approved by Museum staff.  The screen can only be used for private events after normal business hours. 

Format for screen content:
.MOV 1080p h.264 quicktime video (filesize must be under 750MB)
.JPG 1920x1080 pixels (less than 5 total slides)