News
December 1, 2020Winter Amusements at The Albany Institute Of History & Art
The Albany Institute of History & Art is excited to announce Winter Amusements, a season of safe and enjoyable activities at the museum this winter. Kicking off Thanksgiving weekend and extending through February 2021, Winter Amusements showcases special seasonal displays at the museum, including a new pop-up outdoor exhibition, traditional favorites, festive decorations, and art activities to go. Most activities are included with museum admission. Visitors are encouraged to refer to the Visit section of the museum’s website for up-to-date information about open hours, timed tickets, and current exhibitions, as well as a list of frequently asked questions and information about new guidelines and safety protocols.
Pop-Up Outdoor Exhibition
November 2020-February 2021 | Free
New this year! Stroll along Washington Avenue in downtown Albany and explore a special display of winter-themed images from the museum’s collection.
Traditional Favorites
November 27, 2020-February 21, 2021 | Included with museum admission
The Albany Institute is excited to once again display the popular dioramas made by artist and children’s book author Joan Steiner, which were created for her series Look-Alikes®. A dozen displays are installed throughout the museum for visitors to enjoy. These dioramas have become a seasonal favorite for visitors of all ages. (Above: Detail of Joan Steiner’s found-object diorama The Nutcracker)
Festive Decorations | November 27, 2020-January 3, 2021 | Included with museum admission
The lights and decorations of the season have dazzled visitors for years as part of the museum’s Home for the Holidays event, and this year festive decorations have returned for some added sparkle in key locations in the museum galleries.
Art Activities To Go | Available during regular open hours | Included with museum admission
Traditionally at this time of year, the museum helps hundreds of families make holiday-themed crafts together. This year, the museum is keeping that spirit alive and is offering all museum visitors the opportunity to bring home a kit to make a special craft project. These activities-to-go are part of our Art for All: Art To Go program, change monthly, and are offered each day the museum galleries are open. November’s project: Wreath
Holiday Shopping | Great gifts in store!
There is no admission charge to visit the Museum Shop
This season, stop by the Albany Institute for some shopping! The Museum Shop carries a great selection of toys, books, jewelry, and specialty items that make great holiday gifts.
The Albany Institute thanks leading sponsor Omni Development Company, Inc. for their support of Winter Amusements. A full list of sponsors will be available on the museum’s website.
The Albany Institute of History & Art is located at 125 Washington Avenue in Albany, New York. Free parking is available in the museum’s lot at the corner of Elk and Dove Streets.
The exhibition galleries and Museum Shop are open Wednesday through Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm.
The Research Library is open by appointment only. Please contact Archivist/Librarian Hannah Cox at coxh@albanyinstitute.org or call (518) 463-4478 ext. 415 for more information.
Timed tickets are strongly encouraged and may be purchase through a link on the Visit page of the museum’s website: www.albanyinstitute.org/visit. There is also a list of FAQs for the museum’s new policies and procedures available on that page.
Current admission rates are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students with ID, $6 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Albany Institute members are admitted for free. There is no charge to visit the café or museum shop.
For more information, visit www.albanyinstitute.org or call (518) 463-4478.
