On June 15, 2015, State Museum Director Mark Schaming presented a renovation master plan for the Museum's galleries to the New York State Board of Regents. The master plan calls for 35,000 square feet of new exhibitions, a changeable wall system and new interactive technology and media. Click here to read the master plan, which includes artist renderings and floor plans. 

There has not been a major renovation of the galleries since the Museum moved to its current space in the Cultural Education Center in 1976. The renovation project presents the Museum with an opportunity to better explain the state's natural and human history. A chief goal of the Museum's mission is to serve the educational needs of New Yorkers - the renovated galleries and new exhibitions will offer a more integrated, updated and memorable educational experience for all visitors.

We are excited to create new galleries and exhibitions for visitors to experience. However, while we are bringing in new exhibitions, we are keeping the best of our current exhibitions, including the World Trade Center exhibition, the A-Train, Sesame Street, the Cohoes Mastodon, Native Peoples of New York Hall, and Discovery Place.

The renovation is funded through a $14 million New York State capital bond item. With the master plan complete, the next stage is the exhibition design process. The renovation is expected to occur over a four-year timeline and will be completed in multiple phases. The Museum will remain open throughout the project, although certain gallery spaces will be closed temporarily while undergoing renovation. 

The Museum encourages the public to participate in the renovation project by submitting their suggestions and feedback to museuminfo@nysed.gov. In addition, the Museum will provide regular project updates through the Museum's website, social media accounts, and email newsletter.