174 Museums to Explore in New York

The Canastota Canal Town Museum is a historical museum located in Canastota, a town in Madison County, New York. The museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the area, with a particular focus on the Erie Canal and its impact on the local community.The museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits that chronicle the development and significance of the Erie Canal. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.

The Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, located in Sullivan County, New York, is a dedicated institution that celebrates and preserves the rich history and tradition of fly fishing. The center serves as a haven for anglers and fly fishing enthusiasts, offering an educational and immersive experience that showcases the art, craft, and techniques of this beloved sport.

The Cayuga Museum of History & Art is a great place to discover the rich history of the Finger Lakes region. Located in Auburn, New York, the museum features a wide variety of artifacts, documents, and artworks that tell the story of the area. Visitors can explore the history and culture of Cayuga County through artifacts from the Iroquois Confederacy, the Underground Railroad, and the 19th century industrial revolution.

The Chapman Museum is a captivating cultural institution located in Glens Falls, Warren County, New York, USA. Situated in a historic mansion, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and heritage of the region.The museum's collection includes a wide range of artifacts, photographs, documents, and artworks that offer a comprehensive look into the history and development of Warren County and the surrounding areas.

This hidden gem is jam-packed with exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the region, from the Native American tribes who first called it home to the pioneers who settled here and the industries that grew up around them. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating corner of New York State, the museum is a must-see. Plus, it's air-conditioned—a bonus on those hot summer days when you want to take a break from the heat.

The Cobblestone Museum, located in Orleans County, New York, is a unique and captivating historical attraction that showcases the region's rich heritage of cobblestone architecture. Situated in the charming town of Childs, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and significance of cobblestone construction in Western New York.The museum's main highlight is its collection of historic buildings constructed entirely or partially with cobblestones.

The Columbia County Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Columbia County. The society was founded in 1975 and is based in the Village of Valatie. It promotes and fosters historical education and research by collecting and preserving documents, books, photographs, and artifacts related to the history of the county. They also host educational events, tours, and field trips to historical sites in Columbia County.

The Cradle of Aviation Museum is a renowned aerospace museum located in Garden City. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich aviation history of Long Island, which played a significant role in the development of aviation and space exploration.The museum is situated on the former site of Mitchel Air Force Base, which was a major hub for aviation activities during World War I and World War II.

The Delaware & Ulster Railroad (DURR) is a heritage railroad located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. The railroad operates eight miles of track between Arkville and Roxbury, with stops in Margaretville, Fleischmanns and Bovina. Passengers can experience a ride on vintage railcars, and the DURR also offers a variety of special events such as train rides for families, dinner and dessert trains, and excursions to local attractions.

Dia:Beacon, located in Dutchess County, New York, is a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco box-printing factory. The museum's permanent collection encompasses works from the 1960s to the present day, with a focus on Minimal, Conceptual, and Post-Minimal art. Dia:Beacon's galleries, which span over 240,000 square feet, offer visitors an immersive experience in which to explore the expansive collection of works by artists such as Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, and Carl Andre.

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum, located in Glenville, New York, is a fascinating aviation museum that showcases the history and advancements of aerospace technology. It is a popular destination for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and families seeking an educational and entertaining experience.The museum's extensive collection includes a wide array of aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits related to aviation and space exploration.

The Empire State Railway Museum is a prominent historical attraction located in Ulster County. The museum focuses on the rich history of the railroad industry in the Hudson Valley and its significant impact on the region's development.The museum is housed in the restored Phoenicia Railroad Station, which was originally built in the 19th century. The station itself is a notable piece of history, representing the importance of rail transportation in the area during the industrial era.

The Erie Canal Museum, is a captivating institution that preserves and showcases the history of the Erie Canal, one of the most significant engineering marvels in American history. Housed in a historic building that was once a weighlock building, the museum offers a fascinating journey back in time to the 19th century.The museum's exhibits and artifacts tell the story of how the Erie Canal played a crucial role in the economic development of New York State and the nation.

The Everson Museum of Art is a prominent cultural institution located in Syracuse, Onondaga County. Established in 1968, it is the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to the collection and presentation of American ceramics.The museum's architectural design is a work of art in itself, with a striking building designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei. Its unique structure, featuring a cantilevered roof and pyramid-shaped skylights, adds to the allure of the museum.

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is the premier children’s museum in the Buffalo Niagara region. Located in Canalside, the museum features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of activities to engage and educate children of all ages. Visitors can explore and discover the museum's multiple interactive play zones and experience hands-on learning opportunities, as well as the museum’s onsite theater, music and art studio.

FASNY Museum of Firefighting, located in Columbia County, New York, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of firefighting and the service of firefighters. It is the largest fire service museum in the United States, and features an array of artifacts from the early days of firefighting up to the present. The museum's collections include uniforms, tools, helmets, documents, photographs, paintings, and other items related to firefighting.

The Fenimore Art Museum, located in Otsego County, New York, is a captivating cultural institution that celebrates American art and history, particularly focusing on the art and heritage of the Cooperstown and Otsego Lake region. Situated on the shores of Otsego Lake in the picturesque village of Cooperstown, the museum is housed in an elegant and historic building, adding to the charm of the visitor experience.

Fort Montgomery Museum, is a historical site and museum dedicated to preserving and commemorating the history of Fort Montgomery and its role during the American Revolutionary War.The museum is situated at the site of the original Fort Montgomery, which was a crucial military installation during the Revolutionary War. It was strategically positioned on the west bank of the Hudson River to defend against British forces' advances from New York City.

The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College is an influential art museum located in Poughkeepsie, NY. It houses a collection of over 17,000 works of art, ranging from ancient to modern times, including American, European, African, and Asian art, and works by contemporary artists. The museum also provides educational programming and opportunities for research, with a wide variety of lectures, artist talks, symposia, and workshops.

The Frederic Remington Art Museum, located in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County, New York, is a renowned cultural institution dedicated to the life and works of the renowned American artist Frederic Remington. Frederic Remington was a prominent painter, sculptor, and illustrator of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for his iconic depictions of the American West, particularly cowboys, Native Americans, and scenes of frontier life.