Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY
If you're looking for a place to experience art, history, and architecture all at once, then the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY is the place for you! The Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The plaza is home to some of the most iconic buildings in Upstate New York, including the New York State Capitol Building, the Egg, and Corning Tower. Located at the heart of Albany, the Plaza is home to several state government buildings and offices in addition to cultural attractions and nearby shopping and dining options.
History of the Governor Nelson Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
The Plaza's history dates back to the early 1960s, when Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller conceived of it as a way to revitalize downtown Albany. Supposedly, Rockefeller was embarrassed by the appearance of the Empire State capital city after Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands visited in 1959. He envisioned a modern capital that would be both highly functional for government administration, as well as place where the public could enjoy art and culture. Famed architect Wallace K. Harrison was commissioned as the chief architect while Marcel F. Mutin was Harrison's chief designer. A total of 98 acres of streets, houses, and businesses were demolished in the former South Mall district to make way for the government complex. Construction of the Plaza began in 1965 and was completed in 1978 with a total cost estimated at $2 billion. The Legislative Office building was the first to be completed and the plaza was finally finished when the Egg was opened in 1978. However, the Plaza was fully operational in 1976, with the new state government buildings becoming a daily commute destination for thousands of state employees. Standing out from the surrounding architecture, the Plaza's buildings are examples of modernist, brutalist, and international architecture, and the Plaza is decorated with reflecting pools as well as several memorials and modern art sculptures.
Things to See
Art Collection
The plaza was designed to be both a functional space for state government offices and a place where the public could enjoy art and culture. Located both at the concourse level and ground level, the Plaza Art Collection features 92 sculptures, paintings, and tapestries and has been described as the most important state collection of modern American art.
The New York State Museum, Library Archives, & Research Center
The New York State Museum is located inside the Cultural Education Center at the south end of the mall. The largest and oldest state museum in the United States, the New York State Museum offers exhibits on art, history, natural history, and culture. Among the most popular exhibits is the Cohoes Mastodon. This is a great place to spend a few hours learning about the history of the state and its people, and admission is free! The Cultural Center also includes the NYS Library Archives and Research Center.
The New York State Capitol Building
The New York State Capitol Building is at the north end of the plaza. This building is the seat of government for the state of New York. It was completed in 1899 and is one of the most impressive examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States. Visitors can take a tour of the Capitol building to learn about its history and see the many art and architectural features inside.
The Egg
The Egg is a performing arts center that hosts concerts, dance performances, lectures, comedy shows, and other events. It is located on the Plaza level of the Empire State Plaza and has two theaters, the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre and the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre.
The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink
The Plaza's beautiful reflecting pools double as an ice skating rink during the winter months. The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink is open to the public, weather permitting, and is a top attraction for residents. Measuring 123 by 112 feet, the outdoor rink is located towards the north end of the plaza near the Egg and the Capitol Building. Admission is free and skates are available for rent.
The Corning Tower Observation Deck
Named after long-time Albany mayor Erastus Corning 2nd, Corning Tower is the tallest building in the state outside of the skyscrapers of New York City. In addition to being the longest-serving mayor in Albany, NY, Corning was the longest-serving mayor of a major US city and was a key figure in the Albany Democratic political machine, serving 11 terms total and 10 consecutive terms starting in 1941. Although Corning Tower is a state office building, the Corning Tower Observation Deck is accessible to the public from Monday to Friday using a dedicated elevator. Visitors can take the elevator to the 42nd floor, where they can see stunning views of Albany and the surrounding area. The structure soars to 589 feet, and on a clear day, visitors can see for miles from the deck, getting a bird's-eye view of Albany, the Port of Albany, the Hudson River Valley, the Catskills, the Adirondack foothills, and even Massachusetts's Berkshire Mountains.
The Convention Center
The Empire State Plaza Convention Center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including conventions, trade shows, meetings, conferences, and other special events. With over 50,000 square feet of space, the Convention Center can be rented for events of up to 10,000 people.
Vietnam Memorial and Gallery
The New York State Vietnam Memorial was dedicated in 1984 to commemorate the service of New Yorkers who served in the Vietnam War. The gallery features exhibits as well as various educational programs.
Memorials at the Plaza
The Plaza includes several memorials honoring the service and contribution of great New Yorkers. These include the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, New York State World War II Memorial, New York State Korean War Veterans Memorial, New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial, New York State George Washington Memorial, General Philip Henry Sheridan Memorial, and several other Plaza memorials.
The Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop
The Plaza Visitor Center and Gift Shop is open from Monday to Friday and is located in the North Concourse. Tourists can get information on walking tours and the many attractions of the Plaza. They can also pick up a souvenir from the gift shop, which offers unique, custom-designed products inspired by the beauty and history of New York State.
Dining Options & Services
The underground concourse level of the plaza is home to a food court with a variety of fast food options, and there are also several restaurants located around the perimeter of the plaza. In the summer months, food trucks park near the Egg on weekdays for Lunchtime at the Plaza, letting visitors and state employees enjoy the outdoor areas of the New York State Capital Complex. Services available at the concourse level of the Plaza include banks, a post office, a gym, barber shop, jewelry store, and more. Those who want to take a short walk will find nearby parks, restaurants, and businesses. West Capitol Park and East Capitol Park are also just a short walk down State Street on either side of the Capitol Building.
Events at the Plaza
Various events are hosted throughout the year in the Plaza as well as at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center and the Egg. These include live music, concerts, fitness events, festivals, farmers markets, movies, and more. The Capital Concert Series, Empire State Plaza Farmers Market, New York State's Fourth of July Celebration, and various festivals throughout the year are popular among residents.
Tours
Several tours are offered in the Empire State Plaza. These include the New York State Capitol, the Plaza Art Collection, the State Education Building, and the Executive Mansion. Visitors can also take the Plaza Trolley Tour, which travels from Madison Avenue and along Park Avenue, Swan Street, Washington Avenue, and Eagle Street for a full tour of the Capital Complex.
Visit the Empire State Plaza
The Empire State Plaza is a great place to visit for its history, architecture, art, and events. Check out the Plaza's New York State department website for more information on upcoming events to plan your next trip. Or if you're in town for the day, take a few hours to go for a walk, soak up some history and art, grab lunch from a food truck or the concourse food court, and see the views from Corning Tower's Observation Deck. The Governor Nelson Rockefeller Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY, is wheelchair accessible and has several convenient parking locations. If you're planning a visit to Albany, be sure to add the Empire State Plaza to your itinerary!
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