The New York State Museum: The Gem of Albany

Albany's New York State Museum is a true wonder. Outside, it appears deceptively modest, but don't fall for it. Once you walk in and do not pay admission-it's FREE, you are on your way to a fantastic trip through New York State history, art, archeology, science, and anthropology. I have I've been to all the major museums in New York City and some museums in other states and other countries and The New York State Museum is right up there on the top of my list.

This museum is for everyone, a rare quality among museums. Children will love the antique carousel on the 4th floor. It's almost 100 yrs, old, it's gorgeous, fun, with nice music-not that offensive carnival type usually associated with carousels. Children will also enjoy the special hands on room on the first floor where they can touch a mastodon's tooth, examine minerals, and much more. Almost everything else in the museum will also interest kids, although the very young will may not enjoy the art sections.

The museum is located on the first and fourth floors accessed by escalator and elevator. The middle floors are museum offices. The first floor houses most of the museum, with the carousel the main attraction on the fourth floor. The fourth floor also has large mineral rocks, airplanes, a hansom cab, and quite a few other interesting exhibits on the fourth floor. Start on the fourth floor if you have young kids, they'll love it.

If you start on the first floor, walk to your left and start your tour of the museum. As you walk though all of the exhibits, you will end up full circle at the museum shop and then the lobby. The exhibits encompass ancient history of New York up to a Sep. 11 tribute. Many archaeological finds can be seen, fossils are in abundance, some are set out to be touched. Life size anthropological models frozen in a moment of time- from Native Americans to Sesame Street. They are so well done that at first glance some look real. Many cultures are depicted as well as an Ellis Island school house showing where everyone came to learn to be an American.

A pleasant surprise is the many vehicles on exhibit. From outside the museum, it's hard to believe so many could fit in there. You can see the history of fire engines on NY, some with gorgeous steam engines, all in excellent restored shape. Incredible old cars, including one 1940's mayoral car. By far our favorite vehicle was the nostalgic subway train car from the 1940's. You can go inside, sit on the seats, walk around and check out all the old parts. Up front, behind a glass, there's a life size scene of people on the subway in the early 50's.

If you or your children are into minerals, you will be amazed at the New York State mineral exhibits. One is of fluorescent minerals which allows you to press a button and see he minerals light up in the dark. Even if you know nothing about minerals, don't pass this exhibit, it's really fascinating and many of the stones are beautiful. You can purchase small ones at the gift shop later on.

The tribute/exhibit to Sep 11th takes the tragedy from the TV screen where most of us witnessed it and brings it to us as a tangible event. Well done and understandably sad, it's also inspiring. You can read about the selfless people who saved others, and a dog too who saved people-there's a statue of him. Various artifacts are on display, including a rusty crushed fire truck and a mangled steel part of the World Trade Center frame. This exhibit is appropriate for school age children, probably from 4th grade and up.

I caution parents to be careful about an exhibit on the Holocaust which is set up like a walk through exhibit on a side wall. There is no mention of Holocaust on the outside, only once you enter, the subject is evident. DO NOT allow young children in there, and seriously consider your older child's sensitivity level too. I have emailed the museum about this and they will hopefully put a warning sign outside the exhibit.

Make sure to buy a little something at the gift shop and if you feel like leaving a donation for this wonderful museum, you can do so on your way out.

Albany can be a day trip if you live in the NY/NJ area. We went there mostly because it was cheap and there's a bus stop near us. We were pleasantly surprised and although we saw the capital building and a bit of the National Library, the museum was our favorite.