Albany Institute of History & Art - (518) 463-4478

This is our favorite Albany area museum. Art is wonderful and excellent quality. Special exhibits are tops. The current Dutch food exhibit is fabulous and excelletly researched and presented. We plan to go back and spend more time on it. The gallery colors and placements are well thought out , appropriate and pleasing. The new building and facilities are a great improvement to an already excellent museum.

This museum is a true"gem" in the Capital District Region. The updated Egyptian exhibit is a must see for museum visitors of all ages! After an extensive renovation, the Albany Institute has a "new look." Architecturally speaking, the addition of an atrium space, updated gallery space, and a lovely new gift shop, combine to make this museum particularly inviting and unique. If you're looking for a fun and enlightening experience, this is the place to visit!

This museum gift shop offers unique items based around the exhibits currently being offered at the Museum. Their items include home decor pieces such as framed artwork and mission style wall hangings. They also offer handcrafted jewelery, art related notecards, calendars and books. The store is small, located on the 2nd level, but packed with fun and exciting items. The gifts they offer are all moderate to expensive, but some discount can be earned by having a museum membership. PROS: Unique and interesting items offered CONS: Can be expensive