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Discover New York at the New York State Museum in Albany

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2018-04-29 13:29:00

Albany’s status as the state capital  comes with some perks. One of the best is the New York State Museum, one of downtown Albany’s prime attractions. Situated in the heart of the Empire State Plaza, the museum is home to all things New York: from history to art to children’s exhibits, special programs, and more, it’s home to the perfect blend of education and fun, a family-friendly experience that adults will enjoy, too.


The museum boasts the distinction of being the country’s largest and the oldest state museum, with millions of cultural and scientific artifacts and objects on display. One of the most famous and well-liked exhibits is the Cohoes Mastadon, discovered in 1866 in the nearby town of Cohoes when a mill was being built on the Mohawk River. It’s become an icon, and visitors love learning about the fascinating facts scientists have uncovered about this particular animals life millions of years ago by studying its bones.


Other exhibits give a detailed look at the state’s rich natural and historical background, including exhibits on the Adirondacks  and their ecosystem; gems and fossils found in New York; New York State birds; native peoples of New York; the archaeology that lies beneath Albany; New York during the ice ages; Albany’s colonial history; and a hall of historic firetrucks, to name a few.


The museum also offers historic exhibits on topics like World War I and Harlem in the 1920s, along with extensive exhibits on 9/11 in the World Trade Center Gallery, with artifacts from ground zero and stories of victims, survivors, and first responders on display.  In 2018, the museum has also hosted special exhibits celebrating a few special New York State milestones, including the centennial of women’s suffrage in New York  and the bicentennial of the Erie Canal.


Some of the museum’s exhibits are permanent, while others are only on display for a short while, so check on the New York State Museum website   before you go to make sure the exhibit you’re looking for is still there.


While you’re in the Empire State Plaza  area, you can stroll the concourse, visit the Corning Tower for panoramic views of the capital city, attend a concert at the Egg, or just go explore all that Albany  has to offer—the options are plentiful, and make an excellent day trip or even weekend getaway for all ages.

 
Museum exterior photo credit: Mark Brennon
Mastadon photo credit: Skunkworks Photographic
Diorama photo credit: NYS Museum (public domain)
 

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