Elaine Herron | Jan 24, 2018

Such a great little place. A huge variety of exhibits to enjoy. They also have a great interactive kids corner. There is a cafe that is really reasonably priced in the facilities too. A great places to spend an afternoon. Also a really fantastic gift shop

Walt Wintsch | Mar 4, 2018

Many very interesting exhibits and artwork. I was impressed; if you're not from Albany such as ourselves, the Institute is worth visiting at least annually. Final note, we ate in the small on site bistro. Well priced and excellent food.

Will Juntunen | Nov 24, 2017

I passed two blissful hours engaging over one hundred paintings, mostly major paintings, of the Hudson River School. What a signature achievement for the Albany Institute, which the museum chose to exhibit salon style with numbers keyed to a book. Although flipping through the book made a minor burden, I sat on a bench and read the book entirely before touring the paintings. I delighted when reading and the experience of standing before the work meshed, and I feel I understand this movement far better than ever. A few paintings were on loan for major exhibitions, such as the Gifford exhibition. It helps only a little when one has just a print of the original to engage. What if a reproduction was painted? We must applaud the choice to exhibit Abby's American Girl paintings on the same floor as the superb show of eighteenth century gowns recently curated. Abby's mother worked as a seamstress. In a final American Girl painting, Abby pictured standing reverently by Abraham Lincoln's casket worked well exhibited near a collection of Lincoln items, including an engraving. In an ultimate moment of serendipity, a portrait of Thomas Cole, dressed as a dandy because his paintings were selling, introduced the collection of Cole and his Hudson River peers. The Cole portrait was included in a show of portraiture that one encountered on the way to the Hudson River show, a pleasant introduction. A lovely building constructed of glass panels connects two mansions, a great architectural solution to making two buildings one. However, I got a little lost trying to reach the third floor shows and my conversations showed that I was not alone. We all wound up in the Rice Building area before we asked for help!

Jon Schermerhorn | Jan 8, 2018

Did a family visit and enjoyed everything but having the majority of statues turned around so you could only view the backs of the busts. Think it was one of the strangest ideas I have witnessed in a museum. Think someone should be overruled or replaced. They clearly have lost it.

Robin Wintsch | Mar 4, 2018

Amazing fun scavenger hunt! Great Museum! Lots to do!

Kelly O'Sullivan | Mar 17, 2018

The exhibits change every so often but some are permanent. The staff is well educated and entertaining. They offer free entry on Thursdays from 5-8! Worth stopping in!

G P | Apr 12, 2018

Went on a whim and was surprised at what I found. While it is a rather small museum the quality of the pieces there are quite astounding. The admission price was reasonable, $10 an adult, and parking was free. They have a quaint little cafe that has some delicious desserts. Be sure to try the 7 layer bar. All in all I had a great time.

Dave Wolven | May 8, 2018

This museum is a national treasure. Many east coast museums feature Hudson river art collections. This one is amongst the finest. Don't miss this. It's a good excuse to travel to Albany!

Bates Vandenburgh | Jun 18, 2018

This place is one of the most unsung wonderful places in the city of Albany. It's so well laid out. Very handicap friendly parking and display access. 3 floors of beautiful art work and the history behind many of the pieces is detailed and well written. The Jewel of this summer at the institute is the display of the Hudson River school artists. Painting after wonderful painting presented with an instructive guide provided by the museum, that tells you exactly what each picture is of and who it's by. I found this incredibly helpful. There Egyptian area was surprising. It's nice to know that one doesn't have to go to New York to see an incredible and detailed display on ancient Egyptian culture. Come early and plan to spend several hours here. There is a gift shop,of course and a snack bar that has limited beverages and Rich deserts. But a little thin on healthy snacks and food items. There are displays after interesting displays and one day doesn't seem like enough time to spend at such a rich and enlightening space.

Michael Matatia | Jun 11, 2018

Many transitional exhibits that should be checked out before your visit to make sure you have interest. Some staples like there Mummy exhibit which is interesting to learn how it was a acquired and analyzed with local imaging technologies. Overall a nice well managed museum.

Scott C. Jarzombek | Jun 1, 2018

A jewel of the city. Fantastic curation. All the exhibits are great. Free family days are a plus. Don’t forget the mummies.

Sandra Langer | Jul 10, 2018

They have done an admirable job with the new extension. Tourist friendly elevators gift shop and cafe. The exhibition of the Hudson River School artists is outstanding and the installation of the works sensitive with some wonderful gems to be discovered like Thomas Cole’s Youngest sister Sarah an artist and engraver in her own right.

Sean Kinzer | Jun 20, 2018

Pays full price to see half the artwork, because it was closed off in preparation for a weekend gala... There really should have been a sign, or just don't even open at all for the day. Give advance warning. Serious. What's was available to see, is amazing and interesting stuff. But it's literally maybe 30% of the exhibits.