Nice place. Layout is kinda strange. NYS history is interesting.
I passed two blissful hours engaging over one hundred paintings, mostly major paintings, of the Hudson River School. What a signature achievement for the Albany Institute, which the museum chose to exhibit salon style with numbers keyed to a book. Although flipping through the book made a minor burden, I sat on a bench and read the book entirely before touring the paintings. I delighted when reading and the experience of standing before the work meshed, and I feel I understand this movement far better than ever.
We must applaud the choice to exhibit Abby's American Girl paintings on the same floor as the superb show of eighteenth century gowns recently curated. Abby's mother worked as a seamstress. In a final American Girl painting, Abby pictured standing reverently by Abraham Lincoln's casket worked well exhibited near a collection of Lincoln items, including an engraving.
It predates the Met! Focusing on region history, culture and fine arts, this is a must when visiting Albany!
In an ultimate moment of serendipity, a portrait of Thomas Cole, dressed as a dandy because his paintings were selling, introduced the collection of Cole and his Hudson River peers. The Cole portrait was included in a show of portraiture that one encountered on the way to the Hudson River show, a pleasant introduction.
This is a very small museum, but it's worth the visit. Since Albany had been the state capital for such a long time they have quite a few artifacts. The staff of very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you have. The museum is two buildings that have been looked together, one older and one modern. It's worthwhile to go up or down the staircase in the older building. The busts and sculptures are best viewed from all angles.
A lovely building constructed of glass panels connects two mansions, a great architectural solution to making two buildings one. However, I got a little lost trying to reach the third floor shows and my conversations showed that I was not alone. We all wound up in the Rice Building area before we asked for help!
Small but FULL of breathtaking art and historical exhibits. Especially recommend the Hudson River School exhibit currently on display and the mummy! There is also a kids' room where they can play and interact with different artistic & historical items.
Could spend 2-3 hrs here
A few paintings were on loan for major exhibitions, such as the Gifford exhibition. It helps only a little when one has just a print of the original to engage. What if a reproduction was painted?
Albany Institute Of History Art is a US Museum based in Albany, New York. Albany Institute Of History Art is located at 125 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12210, USA.
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