Visit the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza

Visit the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza Official page for Visitor Information & Tours of the and ! Kathy Hochul, Governor, State of New York
Jeanette M.

The New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880’s. Over 125 years old, the building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Built by hand of solid masonry, it took 5 architects and 32 years to complete. Over the years meticulous restoration has been done to maintain and protect the Capitol for future generations of New Yorkers. Our tours

go beyond just the Capitol building, take a tour of the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza and the extensive modern art collection found in the Main Concourse and the Corning Tower. Or visit the Observation Deck on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower, the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City. Or call in advance and book a tour of the New York State Executive Mansion. Moy, Acting Commissioner, Office of General Services

Here comes the General!​We're preparing for the triumphant return of New York State’s very own portrait of George Washin...
06/23/2026

Here comes the General!
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We're preparing for the triumphant return of New York State’s very own portrait of George Washington. Our founding father hasn’t just been out stretching his legs — he’s been off getting a museum-grade makeover for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
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Stay tuned as we chronicle Washington’s epic return. No icy Delaware crossing this time, just a stately journey across the Hudson from the conservation crew at the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center.
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While the Ezra Ames portrait of George Washington is part of the New York State Museum’s collection, it has graced the State Capitol for years. Through a longstanding partnership with the Office of General Services, the portrait remains on view, connecting visitors to the legacy of America’s first President.
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On view in the New York State Capitol State Street Lobby:
Portrait of George Washington
Ezra Ames (1768-1836)
Collection of the New York State Museum

In recognition of Juneteenth, the Empire State Plaza will shine in red, black, and green tonight, Friday, June 19.​Junet...
06/19/2026

In recognition of Juneteenth, the Empire State Plaza will shine in red, black, and green tonight, Friday, June 19.
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Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the resilience, history, and enduring contributions of Black Americans.
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Join us in honoring this day of remembrance and reflection. ❤️🖤💚

The Marriage Equality Act of 2011 amended New York State’s Domestic Relations Law to grant same-sex couples the legal ri...
06/18/2026

The Marriage Equality Act of 2011 amended New York State’s Domestic Relations Law to grant same-sex couples the legal right to marry.

In 2007 and 2009, same-sex marriage legislation passed the New York State Assembly, but it failed to pass the State Senate on both occasions. The bill passed and was signed into law on July 24, 2011, inspiring same-sex couples across the state to marry as soon as they were legally able. The legislation states that “no application for a marriage license shall be denied on the ground that the parties are of the same, or different, sex.”

Delve deeper into New York State’s + history in person or online: on.ny.gov/PrideExhibit2026

🏳️‍🌈 Power & Policy: 2026 Pride Month
📍 Governor’s Reception Room | New York State Capitol
🗓️ On view through June | Weekdays from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The Wednesday place to be!📍 Free live music kicks off at noon under The Egg! 🥚
06/17/2026

The Wednesday place to be!📍 Free live music kicks off at noon under The Egg! 🥚

One year ago, launched the Plaza Food Scrap Collection Program. Together with participating food vendors at the Empire...
06/17/2026

One year ago, launched the Plaza Food Scrap Collection Program. Together with participating food vendors at the Empire State Plaza, we’ve already diverted more than 27,000 pounds of kitchen scraps from landfills, and we’re just getting started.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re recognizing these vendors for their important role in helping turn food waste into a valuable resource. A huge thank you to Herbie’s Burgers, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Kuma Ani, Logan's Deli & Market, Mazzone PRIME, Pho Yum, Taco Libre, Umana Yana, Uncommon Grounds, WV Pizza, FoodScraps360, and the Town of Bethlehem, NY's Compost Facility for their ongoing commitment to sustainability.

👉 Curious about what happens with the food scraps once they’re collected? Learn more about the composting process by checking out the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s "Beyond the Bin" on Composting: https://bit.ly/4fN2akd

Celebrate Juneteenth with stories, history, and meaningful gifts. 📚 Stop by the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gi...
06/16/2026

Celebrate Juneteenth with stories, history, and meaningful gifts. 📚

Stop by the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop to explore a curated Juneteenth collection of books, educational toys, keepsakes, and unique New York-inspired gifts that celebrate freedom, resilience, and Black history.

🛍️ Visit us weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and shop the collection in person.

We're kicking things up a notch this week ! 🥅​Lace up for free fitness classes, tour the Capitol, browse the farmers ma...
06/16/2026

We're kicking things up a notch this week ! 🥅
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Lace up for free fitness classes, tour the Capitol, browse the farmers market, catch the Lunchtime at the Plaza Music Series, grab a bite from the food trucks, or cheer on the world's biggest soccer tournament at Saturday's World Cup Watch Experience.
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Whatever your game plan, have a ball! ⚽
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TUESDAY, 6/16
🏛️ 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm → Free Walk-in Capitol Tours
🧘‍♀️ 5 pm → Free Fitness: Yoga with The Hot Yoga Spot, presented by Highmark Blue Shield
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WEDNESDAY, 6/17
🏛 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm → Free Walk-in Capitol Tours
🍓 10 am → Farmers Market
🥙 11 am → Plaza Food Trucks & Vendors
🎼 12 pm → Soul Provider Band Performs at Lunchtime at the Plaza Music Series, presented by M&T Bank
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THURSDAY, 6/18
🏛 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm → Free Walk-in Capitol Tours
💪 5 pm → Free Fitness: PHIIT2 with DNA BodyWorx, presented by Highmark Blue Shield
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FRIDAY, 6/19 - JUNETEENTH
💡 As the sun sets, the Empire State Plaza will light up in red, black, and green in recognition of Juneteenth.
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SATURDAY, 6/20
⚽️ 1 – 7 pm → New York United 2026 World Cup Watch Experience
Head to West Capitol Park on Saturday for the World Cup Watch Experience and a full afternoon of soccer and family-friendly fun.
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Register for a class or plan your visit at the link: on.ny.gov/SATP
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📧 Want more ? Get the weekly lineup of free events, concerts, fitness classes, markets, and more, straight to your inbox: on.ny.gov/42Hbuzo

New York City’s Gay Rights Bill was formally introduced in 1971 with a goal of adding sexual orientation to the protec...
06/12/2026

New York City’s Gay Rights Bill was formally introduced in 1971 with a goal of adding sexual orientation to the protections covered under the city’s Human Rights Law. It was officially signed into city law in 1986, following a yearslong campaign by LGBTQ+ activists.

Delve deeper into New York State’s + history in person or online: on.ny.gov/PrideExhibit2026

🏳️‍🌈 Power & Policy: 2026 Pride Month
📍 Governor’s Reception Room | New York State Capitol
🗓️ On view through June | Weekdays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Before his defection to the British Army, Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, commander of Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys, l...
06/11/2026

Before his defection to the British Army, Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, commander of Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys, led the charge to capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British in May of 1775. It was a quiet triumph with minimal injuries and zero casualties, but it was a significant moment for the colonial militia, marking its first offensive victory of the war. Both a strategic passageway to Canada and a large arsenal of weapons went to the colonists.

We invite you to explore America250 sites in New York and learn about Revolutionary battles, such as the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, by visiting the “Battlefields of Liberty: Revolutionary War Sites in New York” exhibition in person or online.

📍State Street Tunnel
🕒 Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
🔗 on.ny.gov/4tt0grT

🌈 Pride looks good on New York. Celebrate Pride Month with colorful gifts and locally inspired finds at the Empire State...
06/10/2026

🌈 Pride looks good on New York.

Celebrate Pride Month with colorful gifts and locally inspired finds at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop! From Albany Pride tees and Upstate of Mind gear to rainbow decor, accessories, and more, we've got plenty of ways to show your Pride.

🛍️ Shop the collection in person weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and find your new favorite piece of Pride merch.

Keep the celebration going! Join us this evening at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center for Pride at the Plaza, featuring live entertainment, community organizations, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. 🌈

Get the details here: on.ny.gov/patp

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100 South Mall Arterial
Albany, NY
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