New York's oldest museum is located in downtown Albany and showcases exhibitions that range from colonial history to contemporary art. Come make art, hear a lecture, take a tour, research history, shop for gifts, enjoy cafe treats, and more.
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Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute is one of the oldest museums in the United States. We are dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley.
Operating as usual
A #MuseumMomentOfZen to start #InaugurationDay | In The Grove by Walter Launt Palmer (1854-1932) from 1923 [watercolor, gouache, and pastel on paper, Albany Institute of History & Art, gift of Beatrice Palmer, 1942.34.168] #AlbanyNY #WalterLauntPalmer
Our next Book & Art Club will be Thursday, January 28 at 7pm. Join Albany Public Library and the Albany Institute of History & Art for an exciting book and art discussion that focuses on works held locally by the Albany Institute and complementary books. Led by a museum educator and a librarian, this online program explores the intersection of books and art with examples, insight, and enjoyable conversation. January's book is The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis. This program is free, but registration is required. Space is limited! Sign up here: http://ow.ly/1bdk50DcHsP
Learn more about the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a special livestream tonight at 6pm hosted by the African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region, Inc. "detailing the oft-ignored impact of Dr. King's education at Morehouse College, worldwide social views, and formative teenage years. The presentation will connect viewers to historic Dr. King archives and papers, and firsthand accounts of Dr. King's experience." Check out their page to learn more!
Hello friends!
We proudly continue to celebrate the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this day of recognition. We encourage everyone to look past emblematic quotes and promotional campaigns to discover the true history of Dr. King. In pursuit of this, the Center will host a livestream at 6pm detailing the oft-ignored impact of Dr. King's education at Morehouse College, worldwide social views, and formative teenage years. The presentation will connect viewers to historic Dr. King archives and papers, and firsthand accounts of Dr. King's experience.
We hope you are able to join us!
As always, we welcome you in love.
The African American Cultural Center of the Capital Region
(518) 279 6554
Check out the City of Albany's special presentation in celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr today at 12pm! Learn more on their event page on Facebook.
The City of Albany celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a special video airing on the Albany Events pages at 12pm on January 18th. Featuring the city's annual wreath laying ceremony, messages from area dignitaries, Albany School District students reading excerpts from the "I Have a Dream" speech and musical performances by local artists. This tribute celebrates the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and his impact on our very own community. Hosted by Tamani Wooley from Spectrum News featuring performances from Jordan Taylor Hill, The Age, and JB!! Aka Dirty Moses!
Thanks to our sponsors: Root3d, In our Own Voices, Mirth Films, and Albany Barn.
This program will be presented in our area by WMHT Public Media today at 10am and will also be available to stream and watch online!
New York State Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr honors the life and legacy of the famed civil rights leader. The program is presented as a statewide broadcast and online event. The one-hour tribute to Dr. King showcases some of the people and organizations across New York State that embody the principles of one of America’s most significant leaders for social justice, freedom, and equality.
Watch here on Facebook, online, or on-air at Monday at 10am. http://bit.ly/3sqZg9r
#MuseumMomentOfZen | Untitled (Tangles) by John Yang (1933-2009) from 2003
[gold-toned gelatin printing-out paper photograph, 10 1/2 H x 13 1/2 W oval (image), Albany Institute of History & Art Library Purchase, LIB 2008.33.2, PC 21 Yang Tangles]
#AlbanyNY #MuseumFromHome
#MuseumMomentOfZen | Hazy Winter Morning by Walter Launt Palmer (1854-1932) from 1910 [gouache on artist board, Albany Institute of History & Art, gift of Janet Walker, 1986.11] #AlbanyNY #FromTheCollection #WalterLauntPalmer #Snow
Looking for art activities to complete at home without a lot of supplies? Try texture rubbings! Rubbings are a classic favorite for a wide range of ages. Rubbings can be the start of a larger project too! Visit our Museum Makers blog for ideas: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/texture-rubbings.html #AlbanyNY
This Saturday, January 16 at 2PM, join Erie Canal Museum Educator Derrick Pratt for this virtual discussion of DeWitt Clinton, from his early life to his career in New York State politics, as well as the strong social and economic forces that fostered the idea of a man-made waterway across Upstate New York more than 200 years ago.
This program is free, with a suggested donation of $10. The presentation will be offered live via Zoom with a Q&A session. Registration is required: http://ow.ly/xKeW50D7ANx All participants will receive the Zoom link one hour before the lecture to the email used during registration.
Image: Portrait of Governor DeWitt Clinton (1769-1828) by Ezra Ames from 1818 [oil on canvas, ht. 51 1/2" x w. 39 1/2", Albany Institute of History & Art, permanent deposit by the City of Albany, 1971.12.5]
Take a slow art break with us Wednesday, January 13 at 1pm. This month's virtual Art du Jour program features "The Head Waters" by Walter Launt Palmer. Participants will be guided through a contemplative analysis of the painting by a member of the education staff. We will also explore recent conservation treatments to this painting. The guided discussion will be approximately 30-45 minutes, perfect for a break from your busy day at work or at home. No background in art is required to enjoy this program. Reservations are required and may be made online: http://ow.ly/lDyc50D6q9j This program is free, with a suggested donation of $10.
A message from Executive Director Tammis Groft:
Dear Friends,
Last week's attack on the United States Capitol was horrific and traumatic. That, coupled with recent news about COVID in our region, New York State, and across the country, shattered glimmers of optimism that many had for the start of this new year.
As director of an organization that is a repository for historic materials as well as art, I am overwhelmed by the significance of the events that are unfolding and it reaffirms my commitment to projects that build community, promote truth, and speak to our humanity. At a time when it may be difficult to articulate everything we are feeling, I am reminded of the power of the arts to evoke our emotions, to connect us with others when we are feeling lost, and to stir us into action.
History is made every day and our actions today, tomorrow, and all the days after must be to make a more just, truthful, and equitable world. There is so much work to be done and we are committed as an organization to prioritize and implement that work.
Yours sincerely,
Tammis Groft
Executive Director
Image: Morning, Looking East over the Hudson Valley from the Catskill Mountains by Frederic E. Church (1826-1900) from 1848 [oil on canvas, ht. 18 ¼, w. 24 in., in original gilt frame, ht. 26 in., w. 32 in., gift of Catherine Gansevoort (Mrs. Abraham) Lansing, x1940.606.7]
#AlbanyNY
#Sunset by Jasper F. Cropsey (1823-1900) from 1856
[oil on wood, ht. 5 3/8" x w. 9 1/4", Albany Institute of History & Art, gift of Arthur, Bertha and Ethel Lloyd, 1958.1.5]
Starting Thursday, January 7, the Albany Institute will temporarily close to the public. We have been monitoring recent information and recommendations from county officials and take the evolving situation very seriously. Currently, we plan to re-open to the public on Wednesday, January 27.
During this time, we encourage you to stay curious and be creative with our Museum at Home materials, which are available on our website and we will be sharing through our social media channels and email lists. Remember, you can join us for one of our upcoming virtual programs too! Stay tuned for more information, projects, stories, and (of course) some Museum Moments of Zen.
#AlbanyNY #MuseumFromHome #MuseumAtHome
This 18th century painting #fromthecollection is called "Adoration of the Magi" and was painted by an unidentified limner c. 1740. Here's some information about the painting from our collections database on our website:
This is one of more than forty New York "scripture paintings," or painting with biblical subjects. The popularity of scripture paintings and portraiture in colonial New York had its roots in a seventeenth-century painting renaissance in Holland, when people from various economic classes could afford and wanted to buy artwork. The upper classes preferred formal portraits and history paintings such as this. The subject is the visit of the three kings (magi) to Mary and Joseph shortly after Jesus's birth. The holy family sits at right; the kings and their servants pay tribute at left. The tallest king illustrates a Northern European tradition that one king was black and embodies the belief that Christ came to save all races of mankind. New York artists copied European prints and paintings, but the most important source for local scripture paintings were the illustrations in Dutch Bibles. The cypress trees and architectural elements in the background of this painting do recall the Italian influence seen in Northern European paintings, but the composition relates to illustrations in the 1741 Keur Bible.
[oil on canvas, gift of Samuel A. Ten Broeck and Miss Mary Ten Broeck, 1908.9.5]
#AlbanyNY #ThreeKingsDay #MuseumFromHome #Magi #Epiphany #DutchLimner
#MuseumMomentofZen | Spring on the Italian Hill by Madeline Novlotzky (1966) [oil on linen, Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, Contemporary Art Collections Fund, 1993.10.2] #AlbanyNY #FromTheCollection #MuseumFromHome
Brightening up a snowy Monday with this colorful activity from our Museum Makers blog. Make your own found object rainbow at home! See more here: http://ow.ly/UmEa50CZfcY (We'd love to see them, so if you make one be sure to tag us) #AlbanyNY #MuseumFromHome #518RainbowHunt
#MuseumMomentofZen | Dessert Time by Ida Pulis Lathrop (1859-1937) c. 1910 #AlbanyNY #FromTheCollection #MuseumFromHome
(oil on canvas, ht.10 3/8" x w.14 5/8", signed lower right " I. Pulis Lathrop", Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1987.6)
The 2020 Exhibition by Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region closes January 3, 2021. The museum is open today 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. Information about timed tickets and FAQs are available on our website. #MHR2020 #AlbanyNY
Want to learn more of Voyage of Life: Childhood and the early drafts? Check out our ArtStory from our Galleries Plus blog: http://ow.ly/ZM9450CW6SP #AlbanyNY #ThomasCole #ArtStory (Preliminary sketch by Thomas Cole, 1958.28.103)
The museum is closed January 1. Happy New Year! Starting 2021 like...
[Study for the Voyage of Life, Childhood, Thomas Cole (1801-1848), 1839, oil on wood panel, 11 3/4 H x 14 W, Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1942.56.1] #AlbanyNY #2021 #ThomasCole #FromtheCollection
#NewYearsEve #GoodBye2020
From the collection: The Voyage of Life: Old Age by Thomas Cole (1801-1848) from 1839 [oil on wood panel, ht.12" x w.14", Albany Institute of History & Art Purchase, 1942.56.4] #AlbanyNY #ThomasCole
2020 felt a bit...
[The Voyage of Life: Manhood by Thomas Cole (1801-1848) from 1839, oil on wood panel, ht.12 1/6" x w.13 1/16", Albany Institute of History & Art, 1942.56.3] #AlbanyNY #ThomasCole #NewYearsEve #GoodBye2020
Looking to get a bit creative? How about relaxing with some coloring? Here are our #ColorOurCollections coloring sheets for you to enjoy: http://ow.ly/J1fX50CW8EL Feel free to share them with your friends too! (PS—You can also post them online + tag #colorourcollections) #AlbanyNY
An end-of-year treat! Our recent exhibition "A Brilliant Bit of Color: The Work of Walter Launt Palmer" is now available as a virtual tour. Explore more online: http://ow.ly/BVgt50CW5Or #AlbanyNY #WalterLauntPalmer #MuseumFromHome
Looking for a project to do? Have leftover gift wrap? Try out this Tissue Paper Collage from our Museum Makers blog! http://ow.ly/Pinu50CW6nv #AlbanyNY #MuseumFromHome #MakeArtEveryDay
Tomorrow! Join us Wednesday, December 30 at 1PM for a special family-friendly virtual Look & Learn art break! Discover how everyday items can be upcycled into artwork as we look closer at Joan Steiner's Look-Alikes dioramas. Free (suggested donation $10). Register on our website: http://ow.ly/4ZJj50CW5gp
#MuseumMomentOfZen | Chatham Barns by Frances Hynes, 1981, oil on linen, 42 H x 51 ½ W, Albany Institute of History & Art; gift of Frances Hynes, 2017.3 #AlbanyNY #Chatham #FromTheCollection #MuseumFromHome
#MuseumMomentOfZen | Winter Forest, unidentified photographer, 1920s, gelatin silver print, Albany Institute of History & Art, Walter Launt Palmer collection, BV 448, box 7, folder 84, DI 1133 #AlbanyNY #MuseumFromHome #Winter #Forest
We're open today from 12-5pm. Didn't get your timed tickets? Call us to see if we are busy: (518) 463-4478. Don't miss the special display of the recently conserved painting The Head Waters by Walter Launt Palmer in our Hudson River School gallery. Learn more: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/ #AlbanyNY #DowntownAlbany
We're open today from 10am-5pm. Didn't get your timed tickets? Call us to see if we are busy: (518) 463-4478. Be sure to pick up your Art To Go activity at the Admission Desk if you visit! Learn more: http://ow.ly/Vz0B50CTdNc #AlbanyNY #DowntownAlbany #ArtForAll #ArtToGo
The museum is closed today, December 25. From the collection: Answer the Red Cross Christmas Roll Call, c.1917, printed by Ray Greenleaf, ink on paper, Albany Institute of History & Art Library, HW81-20, 14 #AlbanyNY #FromTheCollection
Historic #shopping rush #FromTheCollection: “Nylon Lineup North Pearl”, unidentified photographer, February 27, 1946, gelatin silver print, gift of Michael Buonora, no. 344, B2/F32/PC34_DI1205 #AlbanyNY #DowntownAlbany
We are open our regular hours through the end of the year, but will be closed December 25 and January 1. Making plans to visit? Check out our website for timed ticket information and a list of FAQs. Want to "visit" from home? Explore our Museum at Home activities on our website. Out for a walk in downtown Albany? Enjoy some snow scenes from our collection in an outdoor exhibition (like this one: Ice Skating on Washington Park Lake, Albany). Learn more: https://www.albanyinstitute.org/
[Unidentified photographer, 1912, gelatin silver photographic print, Albany Institute of History & Art, PA 81]
Next week! Join us on Dec 30 at 1pm for a special family-friendly Look & Learn art break as we look closer at Joan Steiner's Look-Alikes dioramas. Discover how every day items can be upcycled into artwork! Free (suggested donation $10). Register: http://ow.ly/xYqm50CT900 #AlbanyNY
...And the snow scenes are now a snow scene ❄️ #AlbanyNY #DowntownAlbany #Snow
125 Washington Ave
Albany, NY
12210
CDTA
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 17:00 |
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These stunning fashions were made from recycled materials like scrap papers and used tea bags. Explore more in the exhibition Recycled & Refashioned: The Art of Ruby Silvious on view through August 23. Visit our website for timed ticket information and our new policies and procedures. #albanyny #rubysilvious #recycledart #papershoes #printmaking #onview #papershoes #exhibit
Lunchtime inspirations | Paper shoes by artist Ruby Silvious and currently on view in the exhibition Recycled & Refashioned: The Art of Ruby Silvious through August 30. #getcreative #rubysilvious #makearteveryday #papershoes #recycledart #fashion #albanyny
One last glance in the galleries... and we are officially open! 🥳 We are so excited to welcome you back to the museum. ➡️ If you are planning to stop by, check out some helpful information in the Visit section of our website https://www.albanyinstitute.org/visit.html and find out all about our new policies and procedures (🎟 like timed tickets). We’ll check in with you throughout the day! #albanyny #museum #thingstodo #walterlauntpalmer #openingday
Today is #InternationalSculptureDay and we’re looking at one of the sculptures we have on view in the museum’s atrium. This sculpture is one of volunteer Barb R.’s favorite objects in the museum’s collection: “One of my faves is George Rickey’s Star (L'etoile)...I try to start all my tours with it. I love that it is kinetic and reflective, as most of his sculptures are. I have my group look up at it and I ask them what they think it is or is supposed to represent, what it is made of. I tell them that it was originally outdoors (again, as many of his pieces are) and ask whether they would like it better outdoors or where it is now...and why. (If you are a Rickey fan another of his pieces is outside at the Empire State Plaza “Two Lines Oblique”) #AlbanyNY #sculpture #GeorgeRickey #FromtheCollection #kinetic #MuseumMomentofZen #ISDay
Ruby Silvious will be at the museum on Saturday, March 7 at 2pm for a special tour of her exhibition "Recycled & Refashioned: The Art of Ruby Silvious." The talk is included with museum admission. Check out this video from WMHT's AHA! A House for Arts that was produced last year and learn more about Ruby's work: "I want the viewer to consider the art of the possible." Ruby Silvious is fond of repurposing materials in her art. She paints on eggshells, folds paper, and even colors pistachio shells. A few years ago, when Ruby was making tea with her sister, the idea to paint on used teabags popped into her head. She had no idea that this "innocent experiment" would change her life and garner her international acclaim.
Our new exhibition Recycled & Refashioned: The Art of Ruby Silvious opens TODAY and runs through June 7, 2020. Check out this video from WMHT's AHA! A House for Arts that was produced last year and learn more about Ruby's work: "I want the viewer to consider the art of the possible." Ruby Silvious is fond of repurposing materials in her art. She paints on eggshells, folds paper, and even colors pistachio shells. A few years ago, when Ruby was making tea with her sister, the idea to paint on used teabags popped into her head. She had no idea that this "innocent experiment" would change her life and garner her international acclaim.
What are we doing this weekend? Pulling out bins of blocks and hosting creative minds for our annual LEGO Building Challenge! Fun for the whole family, we are offering three sessions over two days and the $5 per person registration fee includes museum admission. This year’s theme is sailboats! Learn more and register online: www.albanyinstitute.org.
Don't miss these new creative opportunities for adults at the museum: Drawing Interior Perspective 10/19- https://tinyurl.com/Adult-Art-Drawing Paint & Learn Winter Stream 11/14- https://tinyurl.com/Adult-Art-Paint Sketch Club 10/6- https://tinyurl.com/Sketch-Club
We’re getting ready for our FREE family day this Saturday, sponsored by M&T Bank. History Expedition Family Day will explore the world of Alexander Hamilton and the Schuyler Sisters with hands-on history, art activities, a costume station (thanks @the.costumer!), and a new museum scavenger hunt. Then, get ready to clap and sing as we host Hamiltunes karaoke! 🎶🎤
We've been having fun in the Art Studio this summer with our Artful Mornings and Tute for Tots classes. (Snack and play break in the Scuplture Garden are always fun too!)
A little sneak peek preview of tomorrow’s opening exhibition, The Schuyler Sisters & Their Circle! #newexhibition #albanyny #HamiltoninAlbany
Our Junior Interpreters have taken over our social media! Head on over to our Instagram or Facebook stories to hear what they have to say about the museum!
Here’s how to explore the galleries in 10 seconds 😂😂 #ExploreMW #museumweek
Do you have a young artist in the family? Join us at the museum this summer! Budding artists aged 6-12 will enjoy our Artful Mornings program, while ages 3-5 explore art along with an adult in the bright and busy 'Tute for Tots program. Learn more here:https://www.albanyinstitute.org/summer-art-programs.html
Did you know the Albany Institute runs Scout programs? Book a lively hands on program for your scouts and join us at the museum! To learn more visit https://www.albanyinstitute.org/scout-programs.html
Reminder: The museum will be closed on Tuesday, December 25, 2018. Regular hours resume on Wednesday. Be sure to check out our exhibitions 'A Menagerie of Whimsey: The Art of William B. Schade' and 'Birds & Beasts: The Scary, Magical, and Adorable Animals of the Albany Institute' before they close on December 30, 2018.
"Riding up the winding road of Saint Agnes Cemetery in the back of the rattling old truck, Francis Phelan became aware that the dead, even more than the living, settled down in neighborhoods." [Opening sentence of Ironweed by William Kennedy] Performance artist Tim Youd is here at the museum this week retyping Ironweed (1983) by Pulitzer Prize winning author, journalist, and screen writer William Kennedy as part of his 100 Novels Project. Full schedule is on our website: http://ow.ly/sSrI30kXy7X
Our summer Artful Mornings programs are open for registration! Visit https://tinyurl.com/AIHAart to see the full listing and to sign your young artist up for an artful summer!
Our summer Artful Mornings programs are open for registration! Visit https://tinyurl.com/AIHAart to see the full listing and to sign your young artist up for an artful summer!
The anticipation grows...what's next for these nineteenth century fashions? A photo shoot before they are placed on platforms and readied for the exhibition opening on October 7! We're looking forward to seeing Well-Dressed in Victorian Albany: 19th Century Fashion from the Albany Institute Collection and we hope you are too!
When one exhibition closes, you start getting ready for the next...We're starting to move some of our dressed mannequins into the galleries as we continue to prepare for the opening of Well-Dressed in Victorian Albany: 19th Century Fashion from the Albany Institute Collection (opening October 7, 2017). #TextileTuesday
Behind-the-scenes: Steaming out some wrinkles in The Dressing Room (our temporary work space) this week as we continue to prepare for Well-Dressed in Victorian Albany: 19th Century Fashion from the Albany Institute Collection (opening October 7, 2017).
This week we are painting the Hearst Gallery as we prepare for The Hudson River School: Landscape Paintings from the Albany Institute exhibition to open on July 8! Stay tuned for updates...
Buddy the reindeer came for a visit today! He will be back tomorrow (Nov 26) from 11am-3pm.
Check out our new commercial for the Kid Stuff exhibition!
Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is New York’s oldest museum. Visitors enjoy exhibitions that range from colonial history to contemporary art. The museum is best known for its Hudson River School collection and the “Albany mummies.” Visit our website for current exhibitions, special events, family programs, lectures, art classes, and more.
Black Heritage Tours - New York State
P.O. Box 2534Underground Railroad Education Center
194 Livingston AvenueIrish American Heritage Museum
21 Quackenbush SqDiscover Albany Visitors Center
25 Quackenbush SqAfrican American Cultural Center of the Capit
135 S Pearl StSchuyler Mansion State Historic Site
32 Catherine St
University Art Museum, University at Albany
1400 Washington Ave