Our latest quest to visit all 50 capitol buildings took us to the New York State Capitol in Albany. This has to be one of the most interesting and remarkable state capitols we have seen. Up until this point, I think the one is Salt Lake City was the best, but this one definitely gives it a run for its money. It looks more like a mansion than a state capitol. It took 32 years to “complete” at a cost of $25 million which is approximately half a billion current dollars. As you would imagine, it was the most expensive government building of its time.
New York State Capitol Visitor Information
Address:
State Street and Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 1222
Phone:
518-474-8860
Hours:
Monday- Friday 7 am – 7 pm
Tours:
Guided Capitol tours are currently suspended. I will update once the Wuhan virus is over and everything is back to normal. Here is information on self-guided tours.
Take a self-guided tour of the New York State Capitol and listen to audio as you move along at your own pace. From the magnificent Great Western Staircase to the majestic Senate Chamber, learn more about the history and architecture of New York State’s seat of government.
The Capitol is open to the public Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. All visitors are required to pass through security. Closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Download and use the self-guided map of the Capitol to find the audio tour stops.
Directions:
From the North
Take I-87 South (Northway) to I-90 East (Exit 1E). Take I-90 East to 787 South (Exit 6A). Take 787 South to Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza.
From the South
Take I-87 North (NYS Thruway) to Exit 23. Follow signs for 787 North toward downtown Albany. Take Exit 3 for the Empire State Plaza.
From the East
Take I-90 West to Exit B1. Continue on I-90 West toward 787 South. Take 787 South to Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza.
From the West
Take I-90 East (NYS Thruway) to Exit 24 for Albany. Continue on I-90 East to 787 South (Exit 6A). Take 787 South to Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza.
Parking:
Visitor Lot
Located beneath the Empire State Plaza and accessed through I-787 Empire State Plaza exit. Visitors are required to show photo identification upon entry and all vehicles are subject to search by the State Police. This lot has designated accessible parking spaces.
Hours & Fees Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 10:59 a.m. – $10.00
11:00 a.m. – Until Close – $5.00
60 minutes or less, full refund
Hours & Fees Weekends and State Holidays
$5.00 flat charge, pay on entry
Cathedral Lot
Located on Madison Avenue between the Cultural Education Center and Albany Cathedral, and within easy walking distance to the Empire State Plaza and New York State Museum. This lot has designated accessible parking spaces.
Hours & Fees Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 9:59 a.m. – $10.00
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – $5.00
No charge for entry after 2:00 p.m.
Hours & Fees Weekends and State Holidays
Lot open, no charge – During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
Madison Avenue Lot
Located on Madison Avenue above the Cultural Education Center, and within easy walking distance to the Empire State Plaza and New York State Museum. This lot has designated accessible parking spaces.
Hours & Fees Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 9:59 a.m. – $10.00
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – $5.00
No charge for entry after 2:00 p.m.
Hours & Fees Weekends and State Holidays
Lot open, no charge – During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
Grand Street Surface Lot
Located off Grand Street and within short walking distance to the Empire State Plaza and downtown Albany.
Hours & Fees Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 9:59 a.m. – $10.00
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – $5.00
No charge for entry after 2:00 p.m. on non-event days
Hours & Fees Weekends and State Holidays
Lot open, no charge – During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
Elk Street Surface Lot
Located on the corner of South Swan and Elk Street, behind One Commerce Plaza.
Hours & Fees Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – $10.00
No entry between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
No charge for entry after 5:00 p.m.
No double parking after 2:00 p.m.
Hours & Fees Weekends and State Holidays
Lot open, no charge. – During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
You were in my old neck of the woods! Growing up we lived about 30 miles from Albany, my sister and her family still live there. Thanks for the memories of visiting the Capitol. If you have time check out Friday Story Time by Lia and her pillow she made for Snowball!
Thank you for the message, Martha. It was quite an interesting experience for sure, and one way different than many other capitols we have been to. Looks like a nice area to visit even though we were only there overnight. Maybe next time we will stay near Troy and explore a little more.