New York State Capitol

Discover the New York State Capitol.

Visit the Million Dollar Staircase, the Senate Chamber, or the War Room, and you will understand why people call it the most beautiful state capitol in the country. This elaborately carved stone building was constructed between 1867 and 1899, with help from five different architects. When construction was halted in 1899, the building costs totaled $25 million. Four New York State Governors went on to become President of the United States. Today, free tours of the building are available Monday through Friday. Visitors are treated to a complete history of the building – ghost stories, unfinished carvings, famous inhabitants and all! Tours of the Empire State Plaza, Executive Mansion and the Plaza Art Collection are also available. 

Explore the Empire State Plaza

Visit the New York State Capitol

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Museums

Albany has a unique place in American history. Albany was a cradle of liberty during the American Revolution. (Did you know Alexander Hamilton walked these streets?) As the country grew, Albany became a site of important discovery. The telegraph, electric motor, and celluloid plastic were all pioneered here. Albany was also the point of origin for the first long distance airplane flight and the first passenger railroad.
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Arts & Entertainment

Albany has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene waiting to be discovered. Home to world-class museums, historic theaters, art galleries and endless public art projects, creativity is around every corner.
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Albany Heritage Tourism

Albany was settled by the Dutch more than 400 years ago when Henry Hudson's ship, the Half Moon, first sailed up the river that now bears his name. Over the past four centuries, Albany has grown from a small Dutch settlement into New York State's Capital City in the heart of burgeoning Tech Valley.
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