Explore the New York State Museum this Summer!
Summer is a great time to visit the State Museum! Take a break from the sun and learn about science, history and art through our exhibitions and programs.

Note: the State Museum is closed on Mondays; regular hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Tuesday - Sunday.
Special Children's Programs
Saturday, July 13 | 1:00 pm
Cubism and Abstraction were two styles that the Woodstock Art Colony artists enjoyed experimenting with. Come learn how the artists incorporated these new and exciting styles into their own works, and try them out for yourself while creating your own art. This program is for children ages 9 and up.
Saturday, August 3 | 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Meet real creatures up close, watch snails and slugs crawl, and figure out which end of an earthworm is the front! We’ll learn about the many ways these creatures use slime—and how they help the Earth. Author Anita Sanchez reads from her book  Rotten! Vultures, Beetles, Slime, and Nature’s Decomposers  during this lively, hands-on program. This program is designed for children in kindergarten through 4th grade.
Albany Teens Create Children's Programs this Summer
The Museum is proud to once again host a dozen high school students from Albany City School District as part of the City of Albany's Summer Youth Employment Program. The students will create children's programs that will be offered throughout the summer. Call our front desk (518-474-5877) to see if the students are offering a special program the day of your visit.
Native Peoples of New York Gallery Closed Through August 5
The Native Peoples of New York gallery , which includes the Mohawk Iroquois Longhouse and the Native Peoples dioramas, is closed through August 5 for required maintenance. We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience. The gallery will reopen on Tuesday, August 6.
Discovery Place and Carousel
Discovery Place, a hands-on learning center, and the historic Carousel are two of the most popular destinations at the State Museum for our youngest visitors.

At Discovery Place children can examine bugs through magnifying lenses, follow young Rufus' adventures on the Erie Canal, solve a giant mastodon skeleton puzzle and more. Discovery Place hours are 10:00 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday.

The historic Carousel features forty animals, including horses, deer and donkeys. The Carousel operates from 10:00 am through 4:30 pm Tuesday through Sunday. Rides are free; donations are gratefully accepted.