There are so many great museums in the Capital Region. The finest of the Empire State can do everything from teach us the geology of the state, to show us original Dancing with the Stars costumes. This year, New York State is giving us more to love about every museum, as they launch the first ever New York State Museum Week from May 31 to June 6.
That’s right! During this special week, the state wants to celebrate everything we love about the many museums, by providing discounted admissions and promotional offers. There will also be special events and activities!
From the upper reaches of the Adirondacks, to the Finger Lakes, to New York City, curators and historians are celebrating what it means to contribute to the rich culture of our state. Through history, science, or even pop culture, over 100 of the Empire State’s museums will participate in this week.
Locally, you can look forward to the following museums all taking part in this special week:
Albany Institute of History & Art – Albany
Albany Visitor’s Center – Albany
ALCO Heritage Museum- Schenectady
The Children’s Museum at Saratoga – Saratoga Springs
The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) – Troy
Empire State Aerosciences Museum – Glenville
Gallery of New York Traditions: Folk Art, Folk Music and Folklife – Schenectady
Irish American Heritage Museum – Albany
National Museum of Dance – Saratoga Springs
- At the beginning of Museum Week, the National Museum of Dance will be opening a new photography exhibit as part of it’s Art in the Foyer series. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival resident photographer Christopher Duggan will show large fine art prints that reflect the grandeur of the Jacob’s Pillow Inside/Out experience–watching dance atop a mountain, under the open sky–and feature an array of dance styles and companies. The Museum opened for it’s 2012 season with two brand new exhibits: En Pointe! and Tails & Terpsichore. Come check out these new fun, family friendly exhibits during NYS Museum Week!
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame – Saratoga Springs
New York State Military Museum & Veterans Research Center – Saratoga Springs
New York State Museum – Albany
- On June 2nd, as part of the week, the New York State Museum will open an the 2012 Best of SUNY Student Art Exhibition which will feature many pieces from talented New York State Students.
Rensselaer County Historical Society – Troy
- During Museum Week, the RCHS will offer free admission to the galleries. The current exhibit is “The Air was Full of Smoke & Cinders” Troy’s Great Fire of 1862. Additionally, on Saturday June 1st, join the RCHS on a history walk of downtown Troy, exploring the architecture of the city. The tour is $5 per person and departs from the Troy Farmers Market at 10:30 am.
Roger Island Visitor Center – Fort Edward
- Roger Island will be free and open to the public during Museum Week. They will be giving tours, as well as showing a video about Robert Rogers and the French and Indian War. The anchors dredged from the Hudson River are available for viewing. Don’t forget the kids! Rogers Island Visitor Center will also be having a children’s history mystery.
Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium – Schenectady
Slate Valley Museum – Granville, NY
Ulysses S. Grant Cottage – Wilton
USS SLATER/Destroyer Escort Historical Museum – Albany
- The USS SLATER was designated a National Historic Landmark this year by the Department of the Interior. The anniversary of D-Day, June 6, marks the end of Museum Week, so what better way to remember our troops by visiting this landmark. As part of the Blue Star Museums Program, active military duty will receive free admission.
Washington County Historical Society – Fort Edward
Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center – Waterford
- The Wateford Museum has an Open House and Chili Contest planned for June 1st of Museum Week. Submissions for the Chili Cook-Off will be accepted up until the 31st. Admission to the museum will be waved during the open house. For more information call (518)238-0809
The Wildlife Sports and Education Museum – Vail Mills
For a complete list of museums around the rest of the state, visit the I Love NY website.
What’s your favorite area museum? Will you be headed there? Or, will you try out something new during Museum Week? Tell us your plans!
