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*

  • *2024 State-Observed Holidays (click to expand)

    2024

    Monday, January 1 - New Year's Day

    Monday, January 15  - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

    Monday, February 19 - Washington's Birthday

    Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day

    Wednesday, June 19 - Juneteenth

    Thursday, July 4 - Independence Day

    Monday, September 2 - Labor Day

    Monday, October 14 - Indigenous People's Day/Columbus Day

    Monday, November 11 - Veterans Day

    Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving

    Wednesday, December 25 - Christmas

  • *2025 State-Observed Holidays (click to expand)

    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):
PDF icon 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 and fourth floors of the Museum. 
  • Water fountains are also located on the first and fourth floors.
  • 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* (See temporary closure information below)
  • Ice Ages
  • First Peoples Hall
  • Fourth Floor Terrace & NYSM Carousel

Temporary Closures

  • Fire Engine Hall will be temporarily closed for rennovations on the following days:
    December 3-6, December 17-20 (with additional closure days as needed)
  • 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

NYSM Wayfinder Map

Wayfinder Map (PDF)

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