New York State Museum, History museum in Empire State Plaza, Albany, United States.
The New York State Museum is a history museum in Albany that spans multiple floors with exhibits covering the natural world, geology, and human cultures of the state. The galleries trace how the region changed from prehistoric times through industrialization to the present day.
The museum was founded in 1836 as one of America's oldest state museums. Its collections document key periods including Native settlement, colonial contact, and the industrial transformation that shaped New York.
The museum displays the cultures of the Haudenosaunee and other Native peoples through objects, clothing, and crafts visible throughout the galleries. These collections help visitors understand how communities shaped and were shaped by this region over time.
The museum sits within Empire State Plaza and is easy to locate, with accessible pathways to all floors. Exhibitions are clearly marked, so visitors can explore the different galleries at their own pace without feeling rushed.
On the fourth floor sits a restored carousel from the early 1900s that visitors can ride for free. This working machine has been delighting guests for decades and remains one of the museum's most memorable features.
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