New York

The New York State Capitol in Albany is a palatial behemoth. One of the most distinctive state capitol buildings in the United States, it reflects New York’s importance and contributions to American history in grand style.

Though it isn’t the largest state capitol by area (that honor goes to my home state of Texas), it feels massive once you’re inside. Unlike Texas’s straightforward layout, this capitol is a maze—plan time to explore.

My uncle and I arrived at the New York State Capitol late in the afternoon, having started the day in Montreal with a couple of Vermont stops along the way as part of our Mid-Atlantic and New England Road Trip. Learn more about New York State Capitol highlights and history or plan your visit.

The capitol anchors the northeast end of Empire State Plaza, opposite the New York State Museum. The plaza also includes The Egg Performing Arts Center—yes, that’s really its name, and yes, it looks like half an egg.

It is home to the New York Governor and New York State Legislature, consisting of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly. Each chamber has an elaborate lobby, and while the floors were closed during our visit, we were still able to access both galleries.

The capitol has permanent and rotating exhibits on New York life and history. A list of past exhibits is preserved online, including New York’s Past Present Future, which we caught in the Governor’s Reception Room the day we visited.

The Hall of New York showcases art inspired by New York’s diverse geography and natural landscapes, organized by region. The full collection is also viewable online.

The Hall of Governors features portraits of almost all past New York governors, including four who eventually became President of the United States: Martin Van Buren, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are located in the concourse beneath Empire State Plaza, accessible from the capitol. This concourse connects to other state offices, a food court, and the New York State Museum. The map (PDF) reads more like a shopping mall directory.

Visiting the New York State Capitol reminded me that some buildings aren’t just workplaces—they’re living museums of a state’s identity and ambition.

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