A multi-year modernization of the State Museum begins

The first phase of a “sweeping renewal” of the New York State Museum has begun, part of a $150 million infusion into the Albany institution, state officials announced Thursday.

Initial changes to the museum will feature new exhibits, a dedicated area for kids, the reopening of its cafe and gift shop and the formation of a group to guide the overhaul of what’s been described by some as a staid destination.

The “multi-year modernization” is made possible by a $150 million commitment made by Gov. Kathy Hochul and approved by state legislators in the last state budget.

The renovations are being guided by Hochul, state Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa and recently appointed Museum Director Jennifer Saunders in partnership with Empire State Development and the Office of General Services.

“The transformation of the New York State Museum marks the beginning of a groundbreaking new era for our state,” the governor said in a statement. “Finally, families across New York can enjoy a dedicated space for learning and engaging with our state history.”

The museum will present at least four and up to six in-house and external exhibits a year.

The first – “Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition” – actually opened in December. Upcoming collections will feature the 200th anniversary of abolition in New York, the history of vice in the state, the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and others. A major exhibit exploring the 250th anniversary of the United States will debut in June.

The museum’s fourth-floor terrace will soon offer a new Kids Zone located beside the existing carousel.

Stacks, a new cafe partner, will open “in the near future” inside the Cultural Education Center, state officials said. The museum’s gift store reopened last month.

A group of state partners, museum pros, educators and business leaders will make up a Visioning Task Force to help guide the site’s revitalization.

Saunders, the museum director appointed in July, said, “From the Kids Zone to new exhibition experiences for all ages to new visitor amenities, we are laying the foundation for a museum that is educational, interactive, and responsive to the world around us. We aim to be the go-to destination for visitors of all ages and can’t wait to share all that we have planned.”