Visited in October 2021
Albany, New York’s capital city, sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, just south of where it meets the Mohawk river. As the state’s oldest city, Albany is the cultural and economic hub of the Capital District.
- Empire State Plaza Complex
- New York State Capitol
- Egg Performing Arts Center
- New York State Museum
- Corning Tower
- Albany Downtown Buildings
- Albany City Hall
- SUNY Plaza (aka The D&H Building)
- Alfred E. Smith Building (aka Smith Building)
Empire State Plaza was built between 1965 and 1976 at a cost of about $2 billion. Connected to the historic New York State Capitol, the plaza is home to several major state agencies as well as notable buildings such as the Egg Performing Arts Center, New York State Museum, and the Corning Tower.
New York State Capitol – is the seat of New York State government, located in Empire State Plaza within Capitol Park. Completed in 1899, the building houses the state legislature and has been recognized for its historical significance, earning National Historic Landmark status in 1979. Unlike most U.S. capitols, it does not have a dome; its design is inspired more by Paris City Hall, giving it a European feel.
New York State Capitol, Million Dollar Staircase – is one of the Capitol’s most stunning features, famous for its intricate sandstone carvings that took hundreds of stonecutters more than a decade to complete. Legend says some workers even carved the faces of friends and family into the design. During restoration, the staircase was cleaned using a peel-away resin to remove decades of dirt and residue from the 1911 fire. Originally estimated to cost $1 million, the project ultimately exceeded that budget—earning the staircase its memorable name.
New York State Capitol – Senate and Assembly Chambers – The Assembly Chamber, known as the People’s Chamber, is the largest room in the Capitol, featuring marble-columned entrances, a soaring 50-foot ceiling, an ornate chandelier, bright red carpeting, mahogany doors, and stained glass.
The Senate Chamber, occupied since 1881, sits next to the lieutenant governor’s office. With gold-leafed upper walls, intricate tilework, and richly patterned carpets, it offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into the Capitol’s historic grandeur.
New York State Capitol, War Room Ceiling Mural – Located at the center of the Capitol’s second floor, the War Room sits near the Governor’s Office and the Hall of Governors. The War Room is renowned for its murals depicting warriors both real and mythical, offering a striking blend of history and artistry.
New York State Capitol, Hall of Governors – Located on the Capitol’s second floor, the Hall of Governors showcases portraits of New York’s governors arranged in chronological order. The Hall serves as both a public gallery and an educational stop for visitors and school groups alike.
Egg Performing Arts Center – is a distinctive performing arts center in Empire State Plaza, instantly recognizable for its domed, egg-shaped concrete structure. Completed in 1978 after 12 years of construction, the venue houses two theatres: the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre (450 seats) and the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theatre (982 seats). The Egg hosts a wide range of performances year-round, including music, theatre, dance, comedy, and family entertainment.
New York State Museum – offers free admission to explore New York’s history, art, science, and Native American heritage, with popular exhibits like the Cohoes Mastodon, Iroquois Longhouse, and a working carousel. It was not open for visiting on the day we were in Albany.
Corning Tower – is the tallest building in Albany, housing NY government offices (like Health Dept) and featuring a free 42nd-floor Observation Deck with panoramic views of Albany and beyond. We took the elevator to the Observation Deck to enjoy the views.
Some eye-catching buildings in Albany Downtown
Albany City Hall – is the seat of government for the city of Albany, New York, housing the mayor’s office, the Common Council chamber, city and traffic courts, and other municipal services. Designed by Henry Hobson Richardson in the Romanesque style, the building opened in 1883. The impressive structure features a 202-foot-tall tower at its southwest corner. The tower contains one of the few municipal carillons in the United States, dedicated in 1927, with 49 bells.
SUNY Plaza (aka The D&H Building) – The State University of New York (SUNY), founded in 1948, took possession of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad Building as its headquarters in 1972, moving in after interior renovations in 1977. Though officially known as SUNY Plaza, locals often call it the D&H Building or affectionately, The Castle.
Designed by Albany’s architect Marcus T. Reynolds between 1914 and 1918 in a Flemish Gothic style, the building is frequently mistaken for the State Capitol due to its grandeur. It commemorates Albany’s Dutch heritage and is considered a masterpiece of early 20th-century architecture. SUNY Plaza not only serves as the administrative hub for the university system but also preserves an important heritage and cultural resource, with photographs and drawings from the original construction preserved on site.
Alfred E. Smith Building (aka Smith Building) – Built in 1930, this building is located directly across from the New York State Capitol. This 34-stories Art Deco skyscraper currently houses offices for the New York State government. It was named after Alfred E. Smith, 4-term governor of New York and the 1928 Democratic presidential nominee.
