What are some major attractions in Albany? The first is the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. The first is the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. The Empire State Plaza was built...
The first is the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. The Empire State Plaza was built during 1970s and is made up of 11 different buildings and its focal point is actually the capital itself. Because the capital building took 25 years to build, it has an awful lot of history in and off itself. Within the Empire State Plaza, which covers 45 acres there is the New York State Museum, which has a variety of exhibits about New York State and also has an exhibit now that is dedicated to September 11th and the Tragedy of the World Trade Center. There is also an observation deck on the top of the Corning Tower, which is 44 stories high. It is the tallest building in New York State outside of New York City.
Both the New York State Museum and the observation deck are free. The Empire State Plaza also houses one of the largest collections of modern art in the world. There are over 96 pieces of sculpture and paintings that are on public display there within the Plaza admission to that is also free.
Also within the Empire State Plaza is a building that is very dominant in the Albany skyline. It is known as The Egg and it actually looks like half of an egg. It has two theaters, there are a variety of performances that go on there throughout the year. In the summertime, free concerts are held outside.
River Front Park, which is right on the Hudson River, is home to a pedestrian bridge that is handicap accessible by elevator. It takes people from downtown Albany into what is now known as the Albany River Front Park. Along the way they decorated the bridge with 30 trompel'oiel paintings, which were made famous by 17th century Dutch painters. Albany having been founded by the Dutch, we really appreciate Dutch heritage, and those paintings are very three dimensional looking. A lot of the paintings depict the artifacts that were found in Albany from the Dutch Times, from the Indians and so on. So, it is very interesting walking along the bridge. We actually give free tours to the bridge to explain a little bit about the construction. The same mural company that painted the bridge also painted the front of the Albany Public Library to look like brick. There is an underpass that is down by the Hudson River that is painted like tiles. If you looked at it, you would very much think that they were real tiles. Various carvings throughout the city are very interesting. Folks can take the Hudson Riverway in the spring, summer, and fall, walk over to the Albany River Front Park and find a variety of events that go on there and they are all free.
There is a Barge Restaurant that is brought in during the spring and summer months called the River Front Bar and Cafe.
