The building originally served as a water pumping station for Albany.

The entrance to the Visitors Center is laid in stone and brick, with floor to ceiling windows and an entranceway leading to the garden courtyard.

The museum galleries offer a variety of permanent displays exploring the history of Albany from its beginnings to present day, the USS Albany Heritage Exhibit featuring ships named for the capital city from 1846 to the present. In addition, special exhibits and events featuring the history and culture of the Capital Region are scheduled throughout the year.

The Henry Hudson Planetarium, located at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, is a curved theatre with a domed ceiling, permanent projection screen and sixty comfortably cushioned seats.

Assistance and suggestions for visitor information is also available.

The Albany Gift Shop is open daily.