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Buffalo AKG Art Museum

4.1 (167 reviews)
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Bonnie T.

It's great to have the Yayoi Kusama exhibition in Buffalo. It is small, but includes her most famous work. I enjoyed it very much. I also walked through the rest of the museum exhibit and had lunch at the cafe. Delicious food at reasonable price. I had the Pad Thai lettuce warps with shrimp (they were out of chicken which was listed on the menu, shrimp was not). I got 7 large shrimp, bean sprouts, butter lettuce leaves, watermelon radish, pickled onion and carrots with the peanut based sauce( no noodles, the name was misleading). Not much service, the woman at the ordering counter looked like she didn't want to be there.

Kusama's room of socks.
Diana D.

The Buffalo AKG is a surprisingly well curated regional museum. Clearly, significant funds and care have been expanded in the physical plant. I focused mainly on post Impressionist and later art than those earlier although quick glances showed an adequate collection. The special exhibit was the Yayoi Kusama exhibit. Now if you don't like Kusama, I can understand how this may be not if interest, but I found it fascinating and well presented. The infinity rooms were great fun. They have a beautiful Rothko, very vibrant Louise Bourgeois, lovely Leger and a Soutine I've never seen before. Plus a notable Pollack and the largest collection of Clyford Stills in any US musuem. While several people commented on how expensive the tickets are, I paid $8 for an adult, $6 for a senior and $4 for a child. I go to lots of museums, even travel to just see exhibits and while some musuems are free, this is on the lower end of paid museum. Parking is below and provides easy access to the museum along with free lockers. Had a decent cappuccino but didn't try any food. Worth your time for a visit

Artwork

Wow! This museum is spectacular. I almost have no words to describe how wonderful our visit went. We went on a free tour! I'm not sure if they offer free tours or if the lady did not have any tours for the day. Regardless, she was willing to take us for free but if we had to pay, I wouldn't be disappointed with all the information she gave us. Our tour guide, highlighted all of the beautiful pieces of artwork and gave us wonderful background knowledge on the lesser known pieces as well as the architecture of the museum itself. All of the pieces in the museum were fascinating. They were van Gogh's Picasso's, Monet's, O'Keefe's, and so many more iconic artists. You could tell the museum really cared about the upkeep and preservation of the artwork being that it's the second best collection of contemporary art in the nation! I would highly recommend going if you are in Buffalo, this is a must see place. If you are a veteran, you and your family get in for free. They have wonderful free areas as well if you just want to explore the inside, it is gorgeous and I would be willing to go again because in one visit it's almost impossible to see all of the beautiful pieces.

Architecture
Kiowa M.

Beautiful place, loved the architecture of the whole building. It had some weird pieces but it made it all the more unique. We ate downstairs before walking around and it wasn't too busy and had a beautiful view to see while eating. Expect a lot of walking but 100% worth it

Outside
gary s.

First the good. The Atrium is a fabulous Architectural feature. The restaurant does a terrific job with their food and service Now the bad news. The architect did a terrible shop on the south structure. There are more always and walkways than art rooms. The art itself is very unimpressive,in fact, the worst art museum I have ever been to! Then there is the $14 we paid for parking and the $20 per person admission. Really!!! Not worth the experience I had or others who heard us talking while we were eating. I love Buffalo however, this was a major disappointment on Father's Day. Carol Gold ,our docent did a terrific job!

One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama
Jami E.

First of all - go to the website & download the app! It's full of helpful information. We were there to see the One with Eternity: Yayoi Kusama exhibit with a bunch of friends. The service was excellent all of the staff very helpful as we are not regular museum patrons and needed some direction. We planned to meet at the Cornelia restaurant inside the Knox building. This is NOT your typical museum faire! Brunch was delightful and elevated our experience. The menu offered a wide range of delicious selections to eat and drink (find it all on the app). Although the meal was not inexpensive it was reasonably priced for the level of food and service. I ordered the eggs in purgatory- delicious. The hubs got a traditional breakfast, other orders at the table included lox and bagels & delicious looking salad. There were also mimosas, wine, and a signature cocktail. Love the exhibit, and highly recommend!

David N.

When we decided to do a day trip to Buffalo, we figured we should do something other than eat, so we planned out a visit to the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. We arrived mid-morning and the place was hardly crowded at all. We were initially regretting our decision because the gallery seemed to be devoted entirely to modern art, which isn't really to either of our taste. However, a little more walking revealed a whole other area packed with impressive, awe-inspiring work by bona fide masters like Picasso and Van Gogh. I felt like I was discovering a cool new piece of art around every corner, which was an unquestionably awesome feeling. I would heartily recommend Buffalo AKG Art Museum. It's absolutely worth the modest admission price.

Paul L.

The transformation of this museum has been profound: new (albeit, frankly dumb) name, more square footage, the removal of a parking lot, and the beautification of the exterior grounds. It's a big deal. I spent hours over four days hanging out here to identify the tradeoffs within this reimagined series of spaces. What was immediately noticeable is that there are so many more visitors at all hours; attendance has obviously skyrocketed. For a museum with a stellar collection that languished for decades, this is exciting. Visitors seem much more engaged in the experience and the public spaces are well-utilized, too. There is a gleaming new multi-story glass building connected by a bright glass hallway that snakes through the canopy of trees. What has been lost? Oddly, natural light. Well, there is natural light in the public spaces but, on balance, the galleries are darker than before. The glass building hides its galleries behind walls. The contrast going from natural daylight beaming in and into dark galleries is pronounced. The loss of the former Gordon Bunshaft-designed galleries is lamentable because it was one of the premier spaces in any US art museum to see art in filtered daylight. That makes a huge difference. The paintings and sculptures truly popped. Seeing the same art in artificially-lighted galleries has dulled their appearance significantly. I was torn during my time here. The art on display, as a whole, doesn't look as good and yet there are many more visitors. Overall, I think the museum made the right decisions and the process for the redesign involved the local community. How many museums are even willing to do that? The reason I flew to Buffalo, though, was to see the Marisol exhibition. Upon her death, she donated her entire collection and papers to the museum because she believed the museum was responsible for the early success in her career. For me, she has always been an important, influential, but lonely figure in the art world. It was a genuine thrill to see so many of her sculptures again. Yeah, the poor lighting got on my nerves and Marisol's artistic story wasn't as comprehensive as I had expected but I kept walking these galleries over the four days in appreciation of her talent. She was wildly popular in her day but then faded into obscurity so her legacy deserves a fresh look from younger generations. If I could go back in time, I would eagerly and silently want to watch Brancusi and Giacometti work. Marisol may be the first artist that I would have wanted to sit with and chat. I can see how she strived and sacrificed because she didn't capitulate to the commoditization of the burgeoning art market. When art museums transform themselves, it can take some years for them to learn how to take advantage of their new digs. I hope the AKG can work out the kinks. It's been given a lovely canvas to work with. P.S. The gift shop, which was quite good, is now much smaller and limited in what they have on sale. I don't know that I've ever see a museum downsize a gift shop but there you are.

Stacey A.

My first time seeing the new sections of the art museum but the old section was very changed as well. Some gallery spaces are other things now in the old section and some art moved around so a lot of it looked new to me, even the old section. The new buildings are amazing. The walkway with it's long corridor and glass is like walking the halls of the star trek enterprise....a space age feel for sure. The curve of the staircases leading to three different levels was picture taking worthy. It was snowing the day I went and with so much glass it felt like I was in a snow globe....so cool ...and typical of Buffalo. There was a special exhibit that I got to see but it cost extra and you were very limited in how long you could stay in the areas. 45 seconds in one room....that is not enough time when you've waited in line for 15 minutes to get in. I was a little put off by the many, many guards....everywhere you looked...it was a distraction for me. That being said I did love my experience there. The mix of the stately old buildings with the brand new ones was an interesting contrast and made for great pictures. The art itself is amazing. Picasso, Edvard Munch, Hilma Klint, Degas....a wide range of art for all. The rooms are all spacious with plenty of room to gaze at all the sculptures, artwork and I even found a movie running in a kind of closet area. They've added fun activity spaces for kids which I enjoyed too. I was impressed with everything. I had a great time exploring.

Rick T.

Parking sucks here very much so but it's worth it once you get a space. Beautiful unique artwork here. Highly recommended visiting this art museum anytime.

Vicky B.

My recent visit was my first time back since they reopened and I was really impressed with the updates. The new building is absolutely gorgeous and if you enjoy taking photos, there's lots of opportunities for that in here. This building houses their special exhibits. The older buildings house the cafe, gift shop, and permanent art collection. Combined, it's an expansive museum that you could spend hours in to see everything.

Mmmmm, soup
Hannah K.

I hadn't been to the AKG since before the remodel - I think 2019 specifically, and my last review of the gallery is quite dated as well, so along with a fresh new Gundlach face, this revewer needs to write a new review. I LOVE Buffalo's rich history and our historic architecture, so I was admittedly nervous when the AKG announced the rebranding, and the fact that they were adding a new building to the site. I was worried it would take away from the amazing history of the Delaware Park area - but I'm so glad my worries were put to rest here! Not only does the Gundlach building add SO MUCH MORE space for displaying the AKG's extensive collection, but it really fits right in with the site overall. I have to say, I LOVE the pedestrian bridge that leads into the original Albright building; the way it reflects its' surroundings helps the new construction blend well with the gorgeous nature of the area. The art gallery got a serious update in services and displays, and it was so, so worth it. I was able to purchase our tickets ahead of time on their website. They have "time slots" for you to show up during, but you really have free reign when it comes to arrival time. We parked in the underground lot (you get a discount to park when you are visiting the museum) which was SO COOL because while I knew it had existed, you absolutely cannot tell where it is from the street. Literally we pulled in, and it took a minute to realize just where the underground parking lot was. From the underground lot we entered the new Gundlach building, meeting with a front desk person on the underground floor. There's three(?) floors to this building, with a mix of gallery space as well as the first floor front desk, and a whole coffee shop!! We walked through the pedestrian walkway back into the main building, and I was very pleased to see that other than the new building on the property, much of the original interior of the Albright has been maintained. Also, we house so many great works of art from so many prominent artists here in Buffalo, and the AKG proudly displays them. There was plenty of staff in practically every room, keeping an eye on everyone but not being overbearing about it. Overall this place was so much fun to explore, especially since I haven't properly visited the space in a very long time. I am very much looking forward to if/when they rotate the artwork, or get to display amazing collections (I remember one year we housed a bunch of Van Gogh paintings, my FAVORITE artist!!). AKG is so great to bring out-of-town friends to.

Steven C.

This review is based upon the AKG art museum as a venue for their concerts rather than as the world class art museum about which I have written separately. We have been coming here for as long as the Albright Knox has sponsored jazz concerts, indoors and outdoors, at least since the 1980s. The venue is absolutely wonderful. Even on snowy days like today, we sat in the comfort of the auditorium where the acoustics were fine, the audio systems worked perfectly and the lighting enhanced the performance of outstanding musicians. The artists who are selected to perform here are always masters of the craft, whether or not I enjoy every particular piece. Music is deeply personal and this review is about the quality of the venue, which is simply marvelous. The AKG has recently undergone a tremendous renovation which includes an underground parking garage, which is pricey, but very convenient. There are places to get quick snacks and a cup of coffee or full meals within this complex. The AKG keeps getting better and better.

Several types of tours for the public

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What's not to love - so wonderful collections . I highly suggest a membership it pays for itself - you can use at many other galleries etc..

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Buffalo AKG Art Museum Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Buffalo AKG Art Museum

Is AKG fully open?

Yes.

I plan to be at the AKG Art museum on Friday(June 23rd).Will I be able to see your paintings by the 19th and 20th Century French Painters(Boudin,Monet,Degas,Pissarro,Matisse,and Picasso,etc.).? I live in Florida,I enjoy the AKG very much

It depends on where these particular paintings are located, in which building. As of June 22, the… Read more

Hello, looks great to go check out! im flying out after 5, is there a place to store my small carry on suitcase?

Hi Salvador: We look forward to welcoming you for a visit! We offer free lockers at the museum that fit some large bags. If your suitcase is too large for a locker, our Guest Services staff would be happy to store it behind our Information Desk… Read more

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Review Highlights - Buffalo AKG Art Museum

As a life long resident of Buffalo, I can say the Albright-Knox is such a gem in the up-and-coming downtown area.

Mentioned in 17 reviews

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Buffalo Museum of Science - Triceratops

Buffalo Museum of Science

3.9(86 reviews)
2.4 miEastside

LIKED: This historic…read morebuilding boasts ample parking, a wealth of historic artifacts, and convenient access due to its proximity to a major highway. WOULD HAVE LIKED: - The exhibits could be more appealing to adults instead of students. Many of the exhibits seem to be designed for elementary and middle school students rather than adults. - A more reasonable price. The current $23 fee appears excessive considering the value provided during a visit.

I loved all the interactive games where you can learn while having fun. Building race cars,…read morefeeling a tornado force wind, engineering building paper rockets that soared through the room...so many fun projects. The exhibit rooms are spacious with interesting facts explaining what you're seeing from woven baskets to a giant polar bear. We explored space and the time of the dinosaurs. I was there with a 6 month old and I have to say they have it set up nice for parents to care for young ones from places for diaper changes to breast feeding. Impressive. There's a large room for quiet time and a snack bar for all your children's needs. Easy free parking is a plus, no hassle getting in or out. We did go up to the rooftop deck but it was closed, so was the planetarium but it didn't matter there was plenty to see and do. The Buffalo Museum of Science is FUN!

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Buffalo Museum of Science - Buffalo Museum of Science,  Mummy's of the World The Exhibition  VIP Opening Party

Buffalo Museum of Science, Mummy's of the World The Exhibition VIP Opening Party

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Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural  National Historic Site

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

4.3(64 reviews)
2.1 miAllentown, Main Street

Theodore Roosevelt Inauguration National Historic Site is located in Allentown. This is another…read morehistoric building on the National Registry. The small yet interesting building had lots of information on Roosevelt. A small talk/tour was in session when I entered. The docent relayed information to the visitors. The gift shop had many Roosevelt related gifts. No charge to enter. Street parking available.

I try to fill my trips out of town with some history and educational stuff of places I have never…read morebeen to or even heard of. When I finally decided to where I would be going I started to look around and see what was catch my interest. This fit the bill. What drew me in was that it had to do with one of our Presidents, fairly cheap on the pocketbook ($12), and easy parking (free and onsite). You can enter the lot from the front or from behind, I suggest from behind as it is easier to access the lot and you won't have to deal with the drive up ATM from the bank. You enter from the back of the building as well, whether you walk up from the street or park in the lot. Try to check the site before showing up and see if the tour times are listed. There is not entry into the space unless you are on a tour. I know, kind of weird, and a bit annoying, but that is how they do it here and that is how you gain access, only on a tour. Pay attention to the tour. Depending on the volunteer (yes, they are volunteers) you have, it can go fast. They are full of information and will tell you more about the house than you can pick up from the informational displays throughout. Pictures area allowed and I suggest taking plenty of them. Sometimes when you go back to them you might catch something you missed when you were initially there. A little about the house, as the name of this establishment tells you, it was used for the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt. One of only a handful of places outside of the Capitol that would host an event like this. An ordinary house that housed a family and occasional guests over the years ended up being a historic place that fell into shambles and became restored. After President McKinley was shot and ultimately was assassinated President Roosevelt took the oath of office in the library of the house. For a short time, this also served as the White House I suppose. Roosevelt meeting with his inherited Cabinet in the dining room. After the inauguration the house passed through the family and was sold. It became a restaurant up until the 70s and then sat unused and started to crumble. There was movement to tear this place down, but a group made sure to save it and now it is ran by the National Parks Services. They were able to restore the place to what it looked like at the time, only a few things in the house are original to the house. One of the bookcases in the library and one of the chandeliers in the house are told to you. Upstairs is a different set up. One room upstairs houses an exhibit on the history of the house. It goes through the timeline of it being a family home, to the restaurant, and the now historic landmark. Another room has a mock up of what Theodore Roosevelt's Presidential Office would have looked like. You can "play" in here. You can sit at the desk and pretend to be President for a day. If you are looking for something to do in the Buffalo area to kill time or just to enjoy your day, stop by here. You will not regret it and you will learn something new.

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Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural  National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural  National Historic Site
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural  National Historic Site

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Burchfield Penney Art Center - Charles Burchfield; Telegraph Music; 1949; watercolor and ink on paper

Burchfield Penney Art Center

4.0(45 reviews)
0.1 miBuffalo State/Museums

In Buffalo and the entire Western New York region, everyone ought to know Charles E. Burchfield. I…read moream certain that those interested in art have heard of him as well. He's recognized as one of the most distinguished American painters. Charles Rand Penney was a Buffalo native who donated his collection of Western New York Art, including 183 works by Charles E. Burchfield. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is dedicated to works by Burchfield and by regional artists. You'll see those active in the previous and the contemporary century. The Burchfield Penney functions as a gallery and a museum, serving as an institution affiliated with the Buffalo State University. For this reason, many events are related to education and personal development. It is worth checking what is happening and which events align with your individual needs and interests. Either way, it is definitely a place worth visiting. It's New York's first green museum certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's (LEED) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. It's a two-story open and bright space, pretty great to be honest :). On the second Friday of every month, admission is free. "Be ready for special events, music, workshops, happy hours and more!" It's also free for Burchfield Penney members, Buffalo State University Students, Faculty & Staff, United States and Canada Active Military and their families, United States Military Veterans, ASI Arts Access Pass holders, and children and teens under 18 years old.

A large, bright, two-story museum with several galleries on both floors…read more Unlike many museums which have no art created after 1870? This one will be displaying artwork solicited last year from local artists. Check their website for listings of rotating exhibits and openings.hh

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Burchfield Penney Art Center - Jazz band setting up

Jazz band setting up

Burchfield Penney Art Center - Jazz band up above

Jazz band up above

Burchfield Penney Art Center

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Buffalo AKG Art Museum - galleries - Updated May 2026

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