Albany Institute of History & Art
Established in 1791, the Albany Institute of History and Art presents collections of art and artifacts from the 17th century to present day.
125 W Washington Ave.,
Wed., Fri., Sat., - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thurs. - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sun. - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Distance from Albany-Rensselaer Station
Photo Courtesy of Andrew Frey
Visit Albany Institute of History & Art
Explore one of the oldest museums in the United States! The Albany Institute of History & Art was founded in 1791. The museum holds the largest collections in the United States to document the life and evolution of the Upper Hudson Valley.
The Institute showcases the region's heritage through its culture, history and art. Collections consist of artifacts owned and used by people of all ages, social classes, economic backgrounds and cultural groups. Featured items range from fine arts to furnishings, personal objects, documents, photography and more.
Albany Institute of History and Art – Romancing the Rails Exhibit | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick
Two great current exhibitions at the Institute are the Romancing the Rails and the Erastus Dow Palmer exhibition. Just as it sounds, Romancing the Rails tells the story of railroads in United States history. This is a New York by Rail favorite considering the exhibition's focus on Amtrak and New York, alongside other railways and states. The exhibition carries a mix of mediums, like videos, model trains and authentic posters from years ago.
The Erastus Dow Palmer exhibition hosts the American sculptor's work from the 19th century. A large arrangement of his sculptures adorn the exhibition and feature a variety of men, women and children.
To learn more about these exhibitions, click here.
Albany Institute of History and Art – Erastus Dow Palmer | Photo Courtesy of Erin McKendrick
Performances and More
The historic museum is well-known for many exhibits, notably the Hudson River school paintings and the Albany Mummies. It also offers a wide variety of performances, lectures, festivals and exhibitions (both long-term and featured ones). Educational and family programs are also available to provide interactive learning programs and connect to the artifacts. Additionally, the museum library holds special collections made up of almanacs, bibles, books, certificates and more.
Admission is free for members. Adult tickets are $10 while senior/student tickets are $8. Children between ages 6-12 cost $6. Children under 6 are free of charge.
"What a lovely museum! We were particularly enthralled by the Hudson River artists room, but the temporary exhibits were delightfully compelling as well."
—ilovebirdsky, TripAdvisor
Take Amtrak to Albany Institute of History & Art
Experience Albany Institute of History & Art via Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany-Rensselaer—Don't forget to use the Amtrak See New York and Save 15% discount!
Get picked up from Albany-Rensselaer Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN Enterprise Rent-a-Car. Click here to reserve your car or call the Albany-Rensselaer office today at: 518-472-1111.
Established in 1791, the Albany Institute of History and Art presents collections of art…