Welcome to the New York State Museum
We are excited to welcome you to the Museum! Please review the information provided here to ensure an enjoyable and safe visit to the Museum for everyone.
Museum Hours
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Closed all state-observed holidays*
Thursday, January 1 - New Year's Day
Monday, January 19 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 16 - Washington's Birthday (Observed)
Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day
Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth
Saturday, July 4 - Independence Day
Monday, September 7 - Labor Day
Monday, October 12 - Columbus Day
Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans’ Day
Thursday, November 26 – Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 25 - Christmas Day
Main Lobby Desk:
(518) 474-5877
Admission
Admission to the New York State Museum is free. However, your support plays a vital role in the success of the Museum’s mission. Suggested donation: $5 per individual or $10 per family.
New Lobby Wayfinding and Entrance Updates
Beginning July 28, 2026, guests will notice new wayfinding signage in the Cultural Education Center lobby designed to enhance the visitor experience.
All visitors should enter the Museum from the Madison Avenue entrance, as the concourse entrance will be closed. Stanchions will guide you to the front desk, where a member of our team will welcome you and provide helpful information on your destination.
New Bag Policy
Visitors are allowed a bag up to 16in x 12in x 6in in the Cultural Education Center. This is roughly the size of a medium backpack or diaper bag.
If you have questions or feedback, please contact Visitor Services at groupreg@nysed.gov.
The Museum Shop
The Museum Shop offers a wide variety of thoughtfully curated items inspired by our mission and current exhibitions, while proudly showcasing products from New York–based vendors.
Hours:
Tuesday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Wednesday through Friday – 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Carousel Café
2nd floor Mezzanine
Enjoy a selection of popular beverages alongside kid-friendly options. Items for sale include coffee, teas, hot chocolate, fresh pastries, bagels, made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and chicken nuggets — all served in the signature Stacks style: approachable, high-quality, and proudly local.
Hours:
Wednesday–Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Parking
Parking is available in the Madison Avenue Lot, located on the west side of the Museum and accessible from Madison Avenue. The weekday parking fee is $10, Monday through Friday. Parking is free after 2:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
Additional visitor parking is available in the Visitor Lot/P-3 beneath the Empire State Plaza Concourse and limited metered street parking may be available nearby.
On evenings (after 4:00 p.m.) and weekends, free parking is generally available in the Madison Avenue Lot, Madison East (Cathedral) Lot, East Parking Garage, the Visitor Lot/P-3, Grand Street Surface Lot, and Elk Street Surface Lot. Please see OGS’s Visitor Parking Information for additional details and current parking updates.
Parking availability is subject to change due to event usage, construction, or operational needs.
Amenities
- Public restrooms are available on the first floor of the Museum.
- Wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers are available for public use at no cost. Please check in with staff at the Main Lobby desk for more information.
- In addition to the Carousel Café, further food and amenities can be obtained on the Concourse Level of the Empire State Plaza. Please note, food and/or drinks are not allowed in the Museum galleries.
Museum Galleries and Facilities
Galleries Open for Visitors
- New York Metropolis Hall—The World Trade Center, Henry DiSpirito: Stonemason to Sculptor, Ice Ages, Black Capital: Harlem in the 1920s, Art for the People: Decorated Stoneware from the Weitsman Collection, and more!
- Adirondack Hall—Adirondack Wilderness, Beneath the City: An Archaeological Perspective of Albany, “a small fort, which our people call Fort Orange,” Artifacts for Activism, Minerals of New York, and more!
- Bird Hall
- Cohoes Mastodon
- Fire Engine Hall
- Ice Ages
- First Peoples Hall
- Fourth Terrace: NYSM Carousel
For Your Health & Safety
Please be reminded that simple steps can help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including to:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Location
New York State Museum
Cultural Education Center
222 Madison Avenue
Albany, NY 12230
Wayfinder Map (PDF)
Download this wayfinder map for an overview of the NYSM galleries and exhibits open to visitors.