What a fabulous tour we were given! And for free! So many fun facts and the age and intricacy of the architecture makes this a must see! The only US Capitol building without a dome! We thoroughly enjoyed everything about this place! read more

See all

The Queen of Queens heads to the capitol. I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. A beautiful building that was easily accessible although you will have to go through multiple security checkpoints when navigating through the building. Don't worry, security officers were personable and were happy to direct to where you need to be. I think they rather you ask than aimlessly wander around this pretty important government building. There are shops and places to grab a quick bite. There is also a Dunkin' in there and this was what I needed to refuel halfway through the day. If you like history/public affairs/governmental stuff...definitely worth a visit. I'm sure I'll be back in some capacity. read more

See all

My wife has family in Albany and when there we always make a stop at our states capital. We would visit before we were Married and once there were a concert we enjoyed. Right downstairs from this Plaza is the ny state museum a must see. During the second year of cov vid I proposed to her and we went to city hall in New York Manhattan. And got our license. But had difficulties getting a date to make it official. So my wife decided to call Albany and someone actually answered . And gave us a date in Aug of 2021 . Where we were married and spent the weekend with family. read more

See all

The New York State Capitol is one of the most elaborately constructed buildings in Albany, NY, and the focal point of the state's government. Taking 32 years to build and the work of 5 architects, including renowned designers Leopold Eidlitz and Henry Hobson Richardson, the NYS Capitols intricate architectural styles is a unique blend of designs that boldly stands out within Albany's eclectic cityscape. Fact 1: It is said that Richardson used the Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France as inspiration when designing New York's capital building. The New York State Capitol building is open to the public and free to visit and explore Monday - Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Fun fact 2: The New York State Capitol is only one of ten State Capitol buildings that doesn't feature a domed roof. Originally the architectural designs included both a domed roof and a tower, However, the building became too heavy during construction and started sliding towards State Street. The Exterior Staircase was created to shift the weight of the building back into place. Fact 3: When construction was halted in 1899, the building costs totaled $25 million. Four New York State Governors became President of the United States. it is said to be the most beautiful state capitol in the country. Parking: street parking is available adjacent to the capital building, on both State Street and Washington Avenue. read more

See all

The capitol is closed on weekends (which really limits who can visit since obviously holidays are out as well). But it is a really beautiful building if you are able to visit during the week. The tour guide was knowledgeable to explain the different architectural styles as the capitol was built over time with different period influence. Some parts feel like you're in a medieval church, some are more Romanesque or even like a castle. It's impressive to see the elements work together and learn about the architectural designs and materials and why things were chosen and what was left unfinished. Theodore Roosevelt was the one to say "okay we've spent enough money on this wrap it up" (summarizing) but it's really beautiful, so money well spent. The is a room with great ceiling paintings that segues to the governor's hall. It's a thorough tour and worth going on. Our guide answered all of our question. There is a parking garage nearby so we could get from there to the concourse to the capitol without going outside, which is great for bad and cold weather scenarios. This concourse has a good gift shop, bathrooms, and a Dunkin for all your other needs. read more

See all

Although the tour was brief, the guide did a good job explaining the architecture and history of the building, and showed us around the building and the lawmakers chambers. Building was clean with great stonework on the inside. read more

This is a good tour of the beautiful capital building. Our guide John was knowledgeable, funny and kind. He did a great job telling us about the history of the capital. The capital is one of the most beautiful buildings that I have toured and definitely worth the time. It's also free!! read more

See all

I can't rave enough about this building, the architecture, or our tour guide, John! He was so nice and congenial and knowledgeable. You could tell he wanted us all to be interested and to have a good time! Some fun facts: the New York State Capitol cost twice what it cost to build the US Capitol. It was so costly and such a king project, when Teddy Roosevelt became governor, he stopped the project dead in its tracks, declaring it "finished." This was so abrupt that you can see where some of the stone mason work was never completed. Also, the senate chamber is literally wallpapered in 23 karat gold. The tour is free and about an hour, and I highly recommend it, as it's the only way you can see the senate chambers and the governors ceremonial office. The building itself is open 7AM-7PM. There are three grand, picturesque staircases. Grand masonry work everywhere, with surprises around every corner. Art work on ceilings, a hall of governors with artifacts belonging to them. I went on a Friday when neither the senate or assembly were in session, which is how I wanted it, because the building was essentially deserted. You could go on a busier day when they are in session if you'd like to see the assembly debate and vote (can't watch senate right now, as the chamber is smaller and doesn't allow for social distancing). Parking at the Empire plaza visitor parking is 10 dollars (free under 90 minutes). Lots of restaurants nearby. I loved this place and loved the tour, and kudos to John! read more

See all

New York State Capitol is a very interesting building, as it took over 30 years to be built and cost even more than the US Capitol to be made (exceeding 25 million dollars). With 5 different architects working on the design, it has a very different feel and style in part of the capitol and doesn't appear to look like it was done by one person (like most of the other state capitols that I have visited so far). Due to lack of funds being available, a tower was never completed for this building. So this state capitol is one of 9 state capitol buildings that does not have a tower or dome. The million dollar staircase is very unique in which there are many different carvings done by hand with a chisel and mallet. Some faces are of famous people like Frederick Douglass and Teddy Roosevelt. However, with so many carvers (hundreds actually), there are still numerous of faces that the capitol are unsure who they are. It is assumed that the faces could be of the carvers themselves, family and friends, etc. There are many interesting things that you can learn about the state capitol if you join one of the free tours (only available at 10 am and 12 pm Monday through Friday). You can make a reservation online very easy. On my visit to the state capitol on a Friday, my husband and I did do the 10 am tour and then later in the evening we also caught the last haunted tour (at the end of October). The haunted tour was not nearly as interesting and as informative as the tours that are given during the day and there were signs throughout the capitol that had information about various things occurring that was talked about the haunted tour. Honestly if you read those signs, you would get the same experience as the tour. But anyways, for those of you that are interested, the haunted tour talks about a night watchman/ security guard named Samuel Abbott. He died on the night of a fire that broke out in the library in 1911. He was a hero because he had made sure everyone had escaped the smoke and fire but unfortunately was not able to save himself. His body was beyond charred and was only identified by his watch. Some have said that his ghost still haunts the capitol's 4th floor, where his body was found. There was another story that was shared during this tour that a fruit vendor killed himself in 1980 by flinging himself off the 4th floor senate chamber staircase. It was said that they can feel cold spots on the staircase. There are few other stories shared but you get the idea. At the end of the tour, we were shown a hidden devil. The story goes that a disgruntled stone cutter/ carver had carved it after being fired and told he still had to finish the rest of his work shift (lol). When asked how this little devil carving was found, the tour guide had said that if you were to find this little demon on your own, without help from another, then you must be the devil (lol). Overall, my husband and I enjoyed both tours for the most part and found it to be both informative and interesting. Worth a visit if you happen to visiting Albany. But if you were unable to make the free tour, check out the free self guided audio tour on the state capitol's website (https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/tours/self-guided-tour-new-york-state-capitol) read more

See all

Check the website for the free tour schedule! The building is super lavish and I can confirm that all the seating along the way is super plush and comfortable. The architecture is so beautiful (as it should, given the price paid) so soak it up. read more

Many years ago I lived in New York city, worked/went to school there. Loved it! New York was awesome! My best friend in College lived in Albany, New York. Her mother lived in Albany, New York. I went with her there several times on School break to see her mom & go skiing nearby. Those were the days my friend, those were the days! haha. Anyway, few times with our friends we visited The Capitol of New York. It has always reminded me of Draculas Castle. Very ornate vampire vibes. I have always had a thing for Architecture & especially atriums. I love atriums. The NY Capitol has a very beautiful Atrium. It is a very beautiful opulent, ornate, building, cost double the US capitol building & wasn't even finished. And I agree it should have been cut off financially. Our Government should not have the power to spend the citizens taxes so frivolously. Not on any Government project. We don't need a Government room with 14 karat gold wallpaper, like this over the top Capitol has, to do Government business etc., Our Government had been & still to this day, completely out of control with their spending other peoples money on frivolous bs. When I lived in New York City, it was never better than it was when Rudy Giuliani was in charge. Now it's downhill and beyond there somewhere between street gang chaos, inevitable robbery & possibly death just to walk down the streets. Every time I have visited NYC since I left, it's just more and more dirty looking. Heartbreaking. The crime is off the charts and I really don't ever see myself returning to NYC, or to any city in New York, as their politics are now too progressive for my political beliefs & unsafe for my precious inalienable freedoms. I am very saddened indeed to see New York fall into such despair, but, you get what you vote for. You can do way better than Governor Kathy Hochul, New York. Hopefully a better candidate is in your future, one that doesn't want medical tyranny for all, more unrealistic "let them eat cake" fairytale grandeur just like 14karat gold wallpaper rooms. You don't need to "Build Back Better" After the last two years, I don't see anything built or better. All I see is spending spending spending, out of control policies, out of control unrealistic fairytales of Grander that are only spent on Government buildings & the ELITE government officials that get to use them. These opulent buildings help us naught. Maybe instead of raising our taxes to pay for their la grandeur, let's raise theirs. Cut off their funding, just like this over the top Vampire King fairytale palace, I mean capitol. I want to see all THEIR tax returns on how they got rich in Government not tax returns on Billionaires who got rich in the private sector. And enforce "Insider Trading" Laws again, Martha Stewart was prosecuted & went to prison for far less than they are getting away with today. Until the New York Government learns terms like "fiscal responsibility" and Constitutional rights for ALL again, enforces the constitution as it's written again, I have no plans to ever return to this Capitol or to the Great State of New York. Will not return. read more

I went on a Saturday so I was not able to go inside to view the interior. But this is a lovely building and I enjoyed just looked at the exterior. read more

See all

My 33rd State Capitol and I can definitely report that the Empire State is unique among them. Like others, closed on the weekend. Albany was declared the state capital in 1797 and it was not for over 100 years before this building was completed in 1899. Designed in a classical "Romanesque" style but completed in a Renaissance classical style, so there's that. Intended to support a massive done, but that was never completed. It is one of 11 state capitols that does not have a domed roof. Reading the wikipedia article that talks about the stress fractures, the sliding down the hill of State Street and unstable vaulted ceiling. Welcome to New York! [Review 11511 overall, 1291 of 2019.] read more

New York State Capitol - New York State Capitol, Albany NY - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

Its a beautiful place for an afternoon walk. The building architecture and the staircase are gorgeous. The hall of governors is a great stroll through history. The corridors filled with art works. read more

Absolutely worth a quick self tour. Say hello to anyone you see and ask them what they recommend viewing. They just might show you some behind the scenes stuff. NY read more

See all

The NYSC stands not for "Need You So Completely" (I do bae!) or "No You Shouldn't Come" (which I hear often), but for the New York State Capitol. The NYS Capitol building is unlike any other in the country, and I've seen them all, bar two. It looks French, like some sort of chateau 50 miles outside of Paris. It's really magnificent and easily scores a 5. It doesn't feel like an office building on the inside either, unlike some of the capitols. It's right in the heart of downtown Albany, but with so many other huge splendid government buildings here, both modern and old, you probably wouldn't know this was the capitol unless you saw the sign, or already knew what it looked like. If you come to Albany, visiting this building is a must. It's beautiful - and different - from every angle. read more

New York State Capitol - Having to take a tour of this building was like capitol punishment - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Gorgeous Building, elaborate Romanesque style architecture, with surround gardens and flowers. It's a very quick stop worth taking if you're in the area. read more

New York State Capitol - Capitol Building - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

See all

Recently I've visited state capitals in WV, VA, WI, among others. It is really enjoyable to me to explore the various state capital buildings (and the cities themselves). New York is quite lovely. I just took my own self-guided tour, and I found it to be interesting and easy to get around. The hallways were very quiet, and sometimes I felt like I was all alone in the building. I loved everything about it from the grand staircase to the ornate ceilings to the variety of architecture styles. The exterior of the building is just as beautiful as the interior. I'm sure it's haunted inside, and I would love to learn more of the stories of its ghosts. read more

See all

I had no idea the architecture in Albany, particularly at the capitol and all around the capitol square was so great. We were driving out of town from our hotel on the edge of downtown when we stumbled on the entire thing and had to park, get out, and spend an hour or more snapping pictures and simply hanging out and taking it all in. The capitol building is gorgeous and every angle you look at it or the surrounding buildings reveals a new interesting glimpse. If I was a local I think I'd be walking the dog or drinking coffee here as often as possible (and it seems a few folks were doing as such). read more

See all

My review is solely based on the exterior and architectural design of the New York State Capitol because due to the current COVID restrictions, visitors are not allowed. Building was completed on this beautiful building in 1899. At that time, it cost $25M which was the most expensive government building in the US at that time. The beautiful Romanesque style was claimed to imitate the beautiful Hôtel de Ville in Paris. The building was listed on the National Historic Register in 1971. There where guildes tours and Haunting Tours offered in October. Reservations where required. www.empirestateplaza.org read more

See all

This is a beautiful and interesting place to tour. It is fun to see the neat carvings and hear the history. Look for the skull in the scrollwork. With several architects, each section had its own unique characteristics. We had a great tour guide who was very knowledgable about the history. This is a must see for all ages! read more

See all

Pretty damn cool! This one has been on my list for a while and I've toured 38 other capitol buildings. I love the Romanesque style and you could see the detail heavily on the outside. The plaza out front had a pretty fountain and a big park to see all of downtown Albany. Tours needed to enter on the State St. entrance. The tour highlighted the senate and assembly chambers and the guide, Fred, thoroughly highlighted the fine details of the place. Apparently this place went way over budget, equivalent to a couple billion dollars in today's money value. It took over a decade to build and apparently a governor came in and ordered all construction to stop, saying it's been too damn long. Fred showed us a place in the assembly where the stone shaping was literally stopped and you can see some of the missing components. The light fixtures were beautiful and definitely showed the grandiose nature of the place and the reputation of the Empire State. There were also many faces carved into the Million Dollar Staircase, including many unknown people. Speaking of the staircase, it is pretty cool to explore and see why it earned that nickname. The glass elevators were fun to watch and definitely evoked a different time. I'm keeping a list of all the capitols I've toured and ranking them. While I've missed AK, HI, FL, AL, MS, LA, MA, VT, NH, ME, SD as of yet, in ranking with all the others, I would put NY in 4th right after Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. This place could have taken 1st if it was a little bit more colorful (like WI and PA) and if it had art on the walls. There were so many walls that were completely bare. The Governor's Hall was the only place where I actually saw portraits. No other murals could be seen throughout the building. Everything else was great and with a lot of money put into it, it definitely showed. The exterior is definitely the best part. I would highly recommend a visit and a tour! read more

I LOVE NY! Not just a commercial statement anymore. Its a common thing you hear across the state and from tourists alike. What's not to like? Its the 4th most populous state but its a big one, so unless you are in Times Square you probably have plenty of breathing room. While NYC is the largest city in the US, and has over 800 languages being spoken at any given time, other cities and towns in NYS are much smaller and much easier to navigate with a car. Ive lived in NYC and in towns outside of the city and cities across the sate, so Ive had a little of everything. NYC is the home of the UN, has a huge impact on finance and fashion both, and of course has Broadway, setting the tone for theaters worldwide. Nevermind the Opera, Ballet and Museums. The state was named for the Duke of York (yep, a Brit). We have 4 of the 10 most popular tourist attractions IN THE WORLD. 4. 3 are in the city of course, the 4th is Niagara Falls, other end of the state. In NYC Grand Central Terminal, Times Square and Central Park are the others. While those of us who lived there took all three for granted, and likely passed through at least one of them (if not all three) weekly, they remain a significant tourist draw. As the largest point of immigration into the US, NYC has a very diverse population. 800 languages are spoken there. Ellis island remains a place where people go to see their family name on the wall or in the books. So many immigrants passed through there on their way across the US that over 100 million of us can trace our family roots there. Did you know NYS had the first state park, which was at Niagara Falls. Also, the Adirondack Park (great for hiking and camping both) is the largest state park in the US, by a very large margin. So while we have a lot of people, most are in the NYC area, and much of the rest of the state is available for hiking and more by everyone. Those are just some of the reasons I LOVE NY. 2009 read more

Great looking building, I enjoyed the walk at night, had no problems. A few homeless, brain deads leaving the GUCCI MANE concert, otherwise, great walk, especially in the fall.. read more

New York State Capitol - not much going on or to do in downtown ALBANY.. at least this is something to look at - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

Exceeded my expectations 10 fold. The history and beauty of this spectacular building was only outdone by our spectacular tour guide AMY. Her engagement with the participants and her effortless deliver of the information during the hour long tour is truly best in class. A must do for anyone visiting Albany or passing through. I would even suggest that this excursion be added to your list of things to do even if you weren't planning a trip to the area. you will not be disappointed, especially if Amy is your host. Looking forward to returning for a live session at the top of the year. read more

I never thought I would enjoy visiting state capitols, but it's become quite an enjoyable pasttime for me and my fiancée. The New York State Capitol is a beautiful building and it has quite an interesting history. Tours are free and availble quite a few times a day during the week. The architecture is really quite interesting since the building was completed by several different architects over a period of several decades. There are hidden gems all within the building and it's very fun to learn about this building's colorful history. I highly recommend touring this building and the surrounding area in downtown Albany. read more

New York State Capitol - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

Unfortunately it's closed on weekends but the view from outside is well worth the appreciation for the visit. The architecture is really amazing and a beautiful place for pictures. There is free parking on the street on the weekends so take advantage of walking around to view all the historical buildings on a warm day. read more

See all

I've been dragged to a lot of tours of capital buildings throughout the year, but this one was pretty cool. The building is done in 3 different styles from Gothic to Roman to French Renaissance, and is extremely ornate in stone carvings. You can even see where they stopped carving when the new governor declared they'd spent enough and the project was finished. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgable and very loud so everyone could hear him. He had a laser pointer to help point out every little embellishment in the carvings he was pointing out as well. The million dollar staircase was my favorite. No two carvings are alike and it's been recently restored to its original look. They left a few places throughout the capital unrestored so you can see how sooty and grimy it was without restoration. read more

See all

We were here for a quick visit on our way down back to NYC,it was around 6:30PM,and the place was almost empty. We entered through the side entrance,going through the metal detector. The decor inside were mediocre,it had a mismatch school hallway vibe only bigger. We were a bit disappointed ,how could a building looking so grand from outside looked like this on the inside ? But go on,walk further ,pass all the confusing hallway and you will come upon a mesmerizing sandstone staircase. Take photo,admire the arches,columns..Keep walking,walk up the stairs,feast your eyes with the elaborate stone carvings .Walk walk to the highest floor ,walk more and you will see a little section where there were couple of big chandeliers,intricate tile floor and you'll feel transported to another era. It was dimmed,quiet,empty and hauntingly beautiful. Come at night before they close and immerse yourself with this space... I wish they had enough money back then to finish all the decor as intended... read more

See all

The New York State Capitol is worth seeing. It is weird and wonderful. It's design and construction was a clusterf*k that lasted for decades. It was vastly overbudget. It probably is, as our guide asserted, the most expensive state capitol every built. (Tours are free and our guide was very knowledgeable.) Construction was overseen by three different architects, each with his own design ideas. The last two were unconcerned with what had been done prior to their arrival. Architecturally, it's a mess, but it's an impressive mess. You'll find faux Gothic next to faux Persian next to -- what? Nothing is Baroque, yet the overall impression is a kind of mad and massive Baroque. Unless you're a taxpayer who helped to foot the bill -- doubtless all are dead by now -- you won't know whether to laugh or cry. To this day, it's incomplete. When Teddy Roosevelt arrived as Governor of New York in the late 1800's, he was having none of the ongoing cost overruns and simply declared it complete. Construction stopped. The building is functional; but your guide will point out, for example, some of the stonework decor that wasn't carved or finished. See also our review of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. read more

If u come to the Capitol, take a free 45 minute tour. Of course u can walk around the floors on ur own and go into any of the Senate and Assembly sessions yourself but it's a pretty big building. Beautiful architecture, lots of artwork and history, an fun to sit in on the sessions. read more

An absolute marvel. The view from the plaza is timeless. Had no idea the state capital building was so wonderful. Worth the visit.

I'm still not entirely sure what I saw. One minute I'm on the highway, then I see signs directing me towards an underground parking lot, so knowing no better, I pay the $5, and because it's the weekend I park close to the few other cars in the area. I take the elevator up and I'm in this sort of hybrid museum/underground courthouse with art on the walls and directions towards an ice rink and 90% of the doors are locked and I have no idea where I'm going. Eventually I make my way to street level and begin my climb up to the fountain and then I guess it's a museum at the top of the stands or something, but I'm sitting up there looking at the few people enjoying the views of the impossibly-large-but-aesthetically-mismatched buildings and I thought to myself "this is really something," not knowing if some or all of those words should be in italics. read more

... Loving the creepy faces engraved everywhere (the designer had a good sense of humor) there's even a dog face somewhere in the walls. But be aware may seem a bit spooky and judgmental when on Psychedelics. You may find yourself questioning ... yourself "Why do they always leave the lights on in this area?... Is there anyone in there? It's past 4 so no... Ahhh a face... They know" read more

New York State Capitol - from the observatoery - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Albany, New York

I was so bored!!!! No one was around to guide or even talk. I walked up and down the corridors and you saw a live person once in a while. Honestly, it was dreadful. I can say I came here but it was just blah. The building was pretty and I did get some really nice pics and in all of them you see not a soul... read more

See all

Now, Albany isn't the most exciting place, and it gets bitterly cold there, but the capitol is absolutely beautiful! The capitol is filled with amazing and diverse architecture, the pinnacle of which is the state capitol building. Absolutely gorgeous. Although its not a skyscraper, the building looks MASSIVE...so imposing, and exuding authority. A really must see for architecture lovers (as is the rest of Albany). read more

It's a great old building, I'll give you that. But sadly, I cannot overlook the behavior going on inside. Perhaps the non-deductibility of State taxes just might bring some changes. I'm not counting on it, but hope springs eternal. read more

Be prepared to be amazed. This NY State Capitol is one of the better ones in the USA. From the moment of entry we were greeted with warm & welcoming folks. Just walking around we were in ah of the great grandeur. Unfortunately my wife & I only did the self guided tour. But to our surprise we encountered no less than 5 persons (public servants) who took a moment to show & or guide us to the different treasures of the Capitol. Rightly so, everyone we spoke too was very proud of this building. My only regret is not scheduling enough time to do the free guided tour & visiting more in the area. read more

Really very fascinating. Enjoyed the tour and while our guide was knowledgeable but next time, I'll try the audio tour so that may have more details. We walked past the deli in the building to try the food trucks out back read more

A real treat for architecture buffs! This stunning and ornate landmark has been recently restored and looks spectacular inside. We wish we had gotten there in time for the guided tour, but with a copy of the self-guided tour brochure you can explore the historic House and Senate chambers, magnificent staircases, stained glass windows, and lavish wall and ceiling treatments. Don't miss it if you're passing through Albany! read more