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*
Notice of Temporary Closure:
The New York State Museum will be closed on Saturday, May 31, 2025, as we host the 2025 Statewide Mathematics Championship. The Museum will return to normal hours of operation on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
Wednesday, January 1 - New Year's Day
Monday, January 20 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 17 - Washington's Birthday (Observed)
Monday, May 26 - Memorial Day
Thursday, June 19 - Juneteenth
Friday, July 4 - Independence Day
Monday, September 1 - Labor Day
Monday, October 13 - Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day
Tuesday, November 11 - Veterans Day
Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas
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.
Parking and Amenities
Parking is available in the Madison Avenue Lot adjacent on the west side of the Museum, accessed from Madison Avenue. The parking fee from Monday to Friday is $10, with free entry after 2:00 p.m. and on the weekends. An additional paid parking visitor lot, V-LOT (P-3) is available under the Empire State Plaza Concourse. Limited metered street parking is also available.
View/Download Directions to Parking Facilities near the New York State Museum (PDF):
empire_state_plaza_visitor_parking_map_a.pdf
For additional parking information, visit: https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking/
Amenities:
- Public restrooms are available on the first floor of the Museum.
- To promote reduced contact, drinking fountains are temporarily unavailable.
- While the Museum Café and Shop are temporarily closed, food and additional 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.
Updates and Changes to 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
- Native Peoples Hall
- Fourth Terrace & NYSM Carousel
Temporary Closures
- Museum Shop
- Museum Café
We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.
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.