Things to Do at Empire State Plaza
Complete Guide to Empire State Plaza in Albany
About Empire State Plaza
What to See & Do
The Egg Performing Arts Center
The plaza's weirdest and best building. From outside, it looks like a concrete egg balanced on a pedestal - inside, it seats 982 and the acoustics are tight enough to hear a whisper from the stage. Check the schedule before you visit. Tickets run $25-75 depending on the show.
New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is free, which alone makes it worth an hour. The 9/11 exhibit hits hard - twisted steel and recovered artifacts in a room that stays quiet no matter how crowded it gets. Upstairs, the Cohoes Mastodon skeleton towers over a natural history wing that keeps kids occupied for ages. Budget 90 minutes minimum.
Empire State Art Collection
Scattered throughout the plaza buildings, this collection includes works by major modern artists like Calder, Noguchi, and Nevelson. The outdoor sculptures are particularly striking against the stark architecture.
Observation Deck
The Corning Tower observation deck, 42 floors up, gives you the full picture - the Hudson winding south toward New York City, the Adirondacks to the north, Vermont's Green Mountains to the east. Free. Bring your ID for the security check and go on a clear day or don't bother.
Underground Concourse
Half-mile of underground tunnels connecting every building on the plaza. In winter, state workers spend entire days without going outside. Grab lunch at one of the food counters - the pho spot near the south end is the locals' pick. The art installations down here are easy to walk past, so slow down.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Plaza grounds are accessible 24/7, but individual buildings vary. Most offices are open weekdays 8 AM-5 PM. The observation deck is typically open weekdays 10 AM-4 PM, though hours can change.
Tickets & Pricing
Everything that matters is free. The plaza, the observation deck, the State Museum - all free. You'll need a photo ID for security screening at the Corning Tower. The Egg charges for performances ($25-75), but you can walk the building's public areas anytime during business hours.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings before 11am - the plaza feels alive with workers but not yet crowded with tour groups. The reflecting pools freeze in winter and the marble gets slippery, so spring through fall is better for the outdoor areas. Summer Wednesdays bring free lunchtime concerts on the esplanade.
Suggested Duration
You could spend anywhere from 2 hours for a basic walk-through to a full day if you're visiting the museum and catching a performance at The Egg.
Getting There
Things to Do Nearby
Just across the street, this ornate 19th-century building offers guided tours and represents a completely different architectural era from the plaza.
One of the oldest museums in the US, focusing on the Upper Hudson Valley's history and culture, located about a 10-minute walk from the plaza.
A well-preserved 18th-century mansion that gives you a sense of Albany's colonial past, about 15 minutes south of downtown.
A lovely 19th-century park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, perfect for a walk after visiting the more urban plaza environment.