Embark on a Journey of Discovery During New York State Museum Week

More than 200 Museums participating in first-ever celebration, May 31 – June 6

New York State is celebrating the diversity and richness of its museums by inviting residents and visitors alike to discover the fascinating worlds of art, photography, history, science, pop-culture and more. From May 31 to June 6, more than 200 museums across the state will be part of the inaugural New York State Museum Week and will be offering special events, activities and promotions to give guests a sample of the exhibitions and programs available at the nearly 2,000 museums located throughout New York.

"As the summer season kicks into gear and vacation ideas come to mind, let’s not forget the wonderful resources we have in our own ‘backyards’, especially our museums," said Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson).  "One needn’t travel far for a culturally and educationally enriching experience.  New York’s diverse array of museums, historic homes, zoos and botanical gardens offer something for everyone and every family.  Celebrating Museum Week will be fun; I look forward to seeing this promotional effort grow in the years ahead."

"Museum Week offers New Yorkers and travelers from around the world an opportunity to visit what is collectively the most impressive and unique cultural experiences anywhere to be found, from ancient treasures to the ‘I Love Lucy’ sound stage," said Edward Maitino, Director of Tourism for Empire State Development, which administers the I LOVE NEW YORK program. "Not only do these institutions celebrate and preserve our historic and cultural heritage, museums enrich our communities and play a vital role in the state’s economy."

"The New York State Council on the Arts is proud to be part of the partnership that has brought Museum Week to citizens and visitors of New York State," said Mr. Aby Rosen, Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts. "New York State has a long and proud history of public funding for museums in recognition of their important and unique role in education, tourism and community development. Museums make incredibly rich and lasting contributions to the economic and social vitality of cities and villages throughout the entire state. The participating organizations are fine examples of the variety of cultural and artistic expression offered to the general public in a broad array of settings and contexts. It is not often one can truthfully boast: Museum Week offers something for everyone."

"We are delighted by the overwhelming enthusiasm the state's museums and heritage organizations are bringing to the inaugural New York State Museum Week," said Anne Ackerson, Director of the Museum Association of New York, "They want New Yorkers to discover them, fall in love with them, and come visit again and again."

From living art exhibits in zoos and botanical gardens to art centers, historic homes and sites, and children’s and transportation museums, New York State offers enriching experiences to suit all tastes.

Local museums participating in New York State Museum Week include:  Hudson Highlands Nature Museum, Hudson River Maritime Museum, Knox's Headquarters State Historic Sites, Motorcyclepedia Museum, New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site, Orange County Firefighters Museum, Washington's Headquarters State Historic Site.