Albany Institute of History and Art - Has a diverse collection of more than 20,000 objects which reflect the significance of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region in American history and art history.
Hours: Museum and Rice Gallery: Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m., year round.
McKinney Library: Wednesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m., year round.
Admission: Free to all on Wednesdays. Members and children 12; 7 under are always free. Thursday-Sunday: adults $3, seniors/students $2.00
125 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY
518-463-4478

New York State Museum - Has one of the most significant collections of New York State's natural and human history. Features realistic environmental settings that explore the natural and cultural evolution of New York State. Open 10-5 daily.
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY
518-474-5877

Junior Museum - A hands-on museum featuring astronomy exhibit, historical exhibits and live animal habitats. Open Wednesday-Friday from 1-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and Thanksgiving. $2 per child with 2 free adults.
282 Fifth Ave.
Troy, NY 12182
518-235-2120

Watervliet Arsenal Museum - The oldest continuously operating U.S. arsenal. It houses exhibits tracing cannon design and development, arsenal manufactured equipment and leather goods. The arsenal, founded in 1813, today produces cannons for tanks and other weapons. The arsenal museum is free and open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Located on Broadway in Watervliet.
518-442-4035