Welcome to the New York State Museum

We are excited to welcome you to the Museum!  In accordance with new safety guidelines, visitors will notice that some galleries and exhibit features are closed and we have new safety rules in place. Please review the information provided here to ensure a safe visit to the Museum for everyone.  

Notice of Closure: Saturday, July 15, 2023

The New York State Museum will be closed to staff and the public on Saturday, July 15, 2023, for preventive maintenance on electrical systems in the Cultural Education Center. The Museum will resume its normal hours of operation on Sunday, July 16, 2023. 

Museum Hours

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Closed all state-observed holidays*

  • *2023 State-Observed Holidays (click to expand)

    2023

    Sunday, January 1 - New Year's Day

    Monday, January 2 - New Year's Day (Observed)

    Monday, January 16  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

    Monday, February 20 - Washington's Birthday

    Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day

    Monday, June 19 - Juneteenth

    Tuesday, July 4 - Independence Day

    Monday, September 4 - Labor Day

    Monday, October 9 - Columbus Day

    Saturday, November 11 - Veteran's Day

    Thursday, November 23 - Thanksgiving

    Monday, 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. 

 

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.
     

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.

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. 

 

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

NYSM Wayfinder Map

Wayfinder Map (PDF)

Download this wayfinder map for an overview of the NYSM galleries and exhibits open to visitors.