The Albany Institute of History and Art (AIHA) specializes in art and artifacts chronicling the post-colonial history of the Hudson Valley. The Institute’s holdings include much more than fine art, with many household items such as furniture, metalwork, glass and ceramic ware, clothing and textiles, creating an accurate rendering of early life in and around Albany. Most of the items in the collection were owned or crafted by residents of Albany, who in the 18th and 19th centuries included some of the leading artists and craftspeople in the nation.

In addition to objects of art and history, the collection includes a treasure trove of photography and documentation recording every aspect of life in Albany. Most of these items are available for public viewing in the Albany Institute’s Library, which is a non-circulating library, open to the public only a few hours every Thursday, and by appointment. The AIHA continues to collect and exhibit works by Hudson Valley residents, both modern and historical, and even has a small collection of Ancient Egyptian antiquities. Admission, while nominal, is free on Fridays, with a two-for-one admission deal on Saturdays.

Albany Institute of History & Art Information

• Public Transportation: Excellent (Several bus lines available at the Washington Ave. and Dove St. stop, which is steps from the museum)
• Handicapped Accessibility: Good
• Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Sunday Noon–5:00 p.m. Closed Monday, Tuesday, and most major holidays
• Admission: Adults $10; seniors and students (w/ID) $8; children (6-12) $6; children (under 6) and members are free
• Tour: Group tours are available during normal museum hours. Group tours receive a $1 discount off each regular individual admission
• Membership: Individual membership is $50; Dual membership is $75; Student membership is $25. All members receive free, unlimited admission to the museum; free or discounted registration fees for AIHA programs and events; a 10% discount in the Museum Shop; personalized membership card(s); the members’ newsletter and calendar of events; invitations and e-vites to special members-only events; Empire State Reciprocal Membership Program (gives members free admission and museum shop discounts at selected museums in New York State); and reciprocal admission at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga.