Perhaps this isn't a destination per se, but I liked the art exhibits, the museum before the museum. Alvin Loving's New Morning I serves up a 55-foot assortment of parallelograms, dramatic enough to be a marquee attraction in an actual museum. The food court looks amazing (I already reviewed the stellar Umana Yana) but the hours of operation are grim; it's a just a Monday-Friday lunch place. read more

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A trip to Albany would only be complete with seeing New York's grand Capitol Building and the Empire State Plaza, the seat of New York State's government. Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza - one of the most spectacular capital centers in the country. The Plaza was the vision of Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, who wanted to create "the most electrifying capital in the world." Since its completion in 1978, The Empire State Plaza has become a cultural center for thousands of visitors yearly. The buildings are set around three beautiful reflecting pools, accented by fountains in the summer. Empire State Plaza events host Summer at the Plaza, including an outdoor Farmers Market, movies under the stars, and other festivals. The government buildings are all connected below ground, so follow the underground maze from the Capitol Building to the Egg Performing Arts Center, to the Corning Tower, to the New York State Museum. what to See: 1) For breathtaking skyline views, head to the Corning Tower Observation Deck. Located on the 42nd floor of the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside of NYC. 2) New York State Capitol Building: Marvel at the magnificent New York State Capitol Building on your next visit to Albany. 3) Empire State Plaza Art Collection: It is the most important State collection of modern art in the country. 4) The Egg: The Egg is a performing arts center dedicated to providing Capital Region audiences with the best arts offerings and providing a showcase for NYS artists. 5) New York State Museum: Explore the cultural and natural history of New York State at the New York State Museum. 6) New York State Education Building: Across the street from the Empire State Plaza is the stunning New York State Education Building read more

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The free art exhibits is incredible. It was such a beautiful walk through, showcasing some breathtaking artwork and sculptures. It's a quick half a mile walk to see them all and it is well worth it. The parking is $10 unless you are less than 90 minutes, however my wife and I only spent 60 minutes but still had to pay. Regardless, the parking fee was minimal compared to the experience. read more

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A cool place, I would love to go to a concert here. It's a nice place for selfies, picnics, sightseeing and exploring. read more

Empire State Plaza Concourse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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A state Capitol needs to project the power and the majesty of a state. I've been to a few that do this very well. Salt Lake City is very impressive, on top of a hill at the end of a ten mile long boulevard. Austin is a massive structure with a dome that rivals that of the US Capitol. Charleston's gold dome is a huge bright beacon by the river. Des Moines is a beautiful building and I got there just as the sunset was hitting the building. New York's Capitol building is a pretty structure but it just doesn't shout the power of the Empire State. But right next to it, the Empire State Plaza absolutely does. Surrounded by a variety of architecturally appealing buildings, with a large reflecting pool at the center, it's profound and stately. A terrific statement. Well done, New York. [Review 11513 overall, 1293 of 2019.] read more

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Capital District life is mostly suburban with a sprinkling of very small cities mixed in. The Empire State Plaza is an interesting spot to come wander around and it makes Albany feel like a real city. The plaza itself is a mish mosh of architectural elements, but it's fun to look at. On my most recent visit home, I came here on two occasions. On one visit a friend and I stopped to visit nearby Lark Street, this is a great spot with restaurants, bars and a few shops. That's your best bet for restaurants if you want something near the Empire State Plaza. We came back to the plaza to walk around, it was pretty empty even on a weekend. I came on another day to take engagement photos for a friend and his fiancee. If you love to take photos, this is the spot to visit! Back to the architecture, wikipedia describes the styles as Modernist, Brutalist and International. To me (and a lot of others) The Egg is one of the most intriguing places on this site, it's an egg shaped building that is home to two theaters. I'd also recommend browsing to the other end to look at the Capitol building, this historical spot doesn't blend in at all with the rest of the buildings here. The state museum is also on site and FREE, that's a place that has not changed much, but they do have a decent 9/11 exhibit. They even have a working carousel on one of the upper floors. The Erastus Corning tower is also here, that's a 44 story tribute to Albany's mayor of 40 years! There is a free observation deck on the top floor, but hours are somewhat limited. Albany holds many summertime events on the plaza such as a giant 4th of July event, food festivals and free concerts. Depending on the state budget, there is sometimes an outdoor ice skating rink here as well. I recommend taking a stroll around here if you are visiting Albany, especially if you come on one of the rare sunny days. read more

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I work off the concourse, so I come through here every day. On certain days (like Wednesdays) near the holidays they bring in outside vendors selling stuff like jewelry, cutting boards, sewing and craft items, and candles. They also have (on Wednesdays) a farmer's market selling local produce, canned goods, and baked items. There is also a post office, a barber shop, a tiny jewelry place, and an information booth. Sure, as other reviews have mentioned their are restaurants on the concourse. However, these are for feeding the hungry masses that work in one of the attached state buildings or the visitors who come to see the Capital. Most of them are cafeteria style, many are fast food, and all of them are casual. People who consider the Concourse as a "destination" are mistaken. It is a building connecting other buildings that contains some "interesting" artwork from the previous century (and which probably should be replaced with something more attractive at this point) and serves its primary purpose as a link. I am not usually downtown on the weekend so I can't say what is open on Saturdays or Sundays. It is dated, drafty, loud when filled with people, dreary when completed deserted, and entirely institutional. But, it does what it is supposed to do. No more, no less. read more

Picture this. It's the Saturday before Christmas, freezing outside, and you're desperately trying to get warm. The Empire State Plaza Concourse is near and you're trying to get in, but there are so many entrances, you don't know where to begin. An hour or so later, a light bulb flashes in your brain and you find the way. You enter and immediately are surrounded by heat. Your body is happy again. You are happy again. Except then you are trying to find a bathroom and everything is locked. Eventually you find one, but you are just overall grumpy and that deters from the experience. I mean, yes, it's a beautiful piece of architecture. It's vast and clean, and more surprising still, it's ridiculously empty. Going to the adjacent museum is free, so that makes you feel appreciative. Unfortunately your fingers are frozen to the point you don't even take photos and every step feels like another mile has been walked. Perhaps, I went at the wrong time. I definitely didn't have the correct mindset. I do know there's plenty of history to be had there, but eh, the only history I felt was the possibility of being history myself if I didn't warm up to anything soon. Getting hungry probably didn't help matters either. This is going to have to be something I visit again at another point. read more

this concourse is the epicenter of albany. has a few buildings that a so photogenic and some war memorials which a nice too. when you go inside the egg you can go downstairs to the concourse and it connects to everything. they have a mcdonalds down there and a few other places to eat. bathrooms are pretty clean. the only thing i didn't like is that everything closes at 3. mcdonalds is open but i didn't get to the gift shop in time. the state capital is across the street and is a must for photos. just a beautiful city! read more

During a work-related trip to Albany, I checked out Empire State Plaza. I actually ended up staying here much longer than I thought I would. There were more attractions to see than I had anticipated - from the New York Museum to Corning Tower to The Egg. The place is great for pictures; I enjoyed strolling by the water in the center of the plaza and checking out the public art pieces and memorials there. The underground concourse was also very convenient because I had parked my car in the underground garage. The only con was that there weren't too many places to grab a lunch on the concourse level. Apparently, during certain times of the day there are food trucks above ground, but I didn't see any on the day I was there. Nonetheless, I recommend visiting the Empire State Plaza if you are in the Albany area. read more

Empire State Plaza Concourse - Concourse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Excellent spot. 1) This place is amazing. You got fantastic architecture and walking space. 2) The Egg, NY Government building, and NY State Museum. 3) Plus, severals memorials around. read more

Empire State Plaza Concourse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Not much here except serving as a means to connect all of the government buildings. Didn't see any shops or restaurants but I may have missed them. Very well labeled though directing you to wherever you want to go. Other than that, can't say much except this place must be a godsend in the Winter time. read more

This plaza is worth seeing. The buildings surrounding the central court are arranged in a striking manner creating a memorable sight. The large central fountain is certainly aesthetically pleasing and fascinating in and of itself. Looking southwest, the view of the plaza is almost futuristic. However, just when you might think you are in a later century, upon pivoting 180 degrees, the sight of the beautiful state capitol building at the other end of the plaza takes you backward in time. The view from the plaza platform is a plus and adds to the enjoyable nature of the visit. Without question, this is a must for your Albany itinerary. You won't need to spend a long time there to appreciate this site. read more

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Okay, Empire State Plaza Concourse, you got me. And by "got me," I mean that entering you from the street to get down into your bowels, I tripped down your slippery stairs wearing a skirt suit, high heels and silk stockings. And oh, boy, did I fall hard. Skinned knees, ankles, and a run in my stockings from the knee all the way to the finish line. And right before an important meeting, Empire State Plaza Concourse. Come on! Couldn't you have tripped me *after* the meeting? Thank you to the nice lady in the ladies' room who gave me some band aids and to the other nice lady who told me where to find the first aid station (which I didn't end up utilizing). Bonus thanks to all the lawyers who stopped to stare at me awkwardly and to the weird guy who kept saying that falling down the stairs was "no way to get famous." Empire State Plaza Concourse? I'm scared of you. The next time I return, I will wear sneakers and jeans. read more

Such a fun ice skating experience. It's free you just have to rent skates! Parking can be tricky but street/meter parking is rest when you can find it ($1.25/hour). Skate rentals are $4 adults and you can use them all day or just an hour like we did. We want to come back during the evening!! read more

Empire State Plaza Concourse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Their staff were friendly and courteous. They arrived on time and called to let me know they were on their way. Even though this was a return trip to do scheduled work, the staff took time to go over with me the work to be done. I am happy with their work, and I would hire them, again. read more

This whole area looks good on it's surface. Designed by architect Wallace Harrison (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_Harrison) it was ambitiously built, but perhaps rather difficult to navigate. What's more it is most of the time devoid of people, even during the work week when you'd expect there to be more people sitting and eating their lunch. It reminds me of the grandiose vision in Brasil's capital city Brasilia created by architect (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Niemeyer) which is equally ambitious yet lays mostly unused. Ah car culture... what a beautiful thing. read more

We stopped by for a quick visit of the capital area from our way along the NY State Thruway. The capital area has cleaned up tremendously since I was there last many years ago. There are a ton of buildings to visit and photograph. The state capital building is really awesome. It was worth the stop. read more

Boy is this concourse open and empty every time we arrive. No matter if it is Saturday 12 Noon or Monday morning at 10:30AM, the concourse is always empty. Although the concourse has several "restaurants", these restaurants gates are always closed up (following the August 2008 recession-obviously financial problems caused shut-down of). Other than that, once and a while, you'll see a go-kart run past you, for those "governmentalists" who travel from one end of the court to the other. No one else is allowed to use them, or travel on them, if they were to ever find any. Know your parking concourse area. "Parking concourse" lots are all accessible from the plaza. The concourse is staffed by security(that, I believe is watched only by video camera), but I don't want to take chances(and neither should you).(Key point: Watch your back, no matter where you are in the building, and know where you're going to, and how to from point A to point B!) Although there were a few times when I couldn't take the parking garages underneath the concourse for certain reasons, if its a weekend, I/we always recommend using the concourse parking garages underneath. With a simple photo ID check, you can park in certain areas for free. Between all the stuff that exists around the concourse(the Egg, the Times Union Center Albany Rats games, or Washington Park festivals), it's all accessible from this building. But even if that stuff doesn't impress you yet, there's even more, with the really good artwork, no matter where you are. We aren't really a fan of art, but just looking at it, and being told about it by a friend(of it being spectacularly painted) attracts people left-and-right. read more

The Empire State Plaza's public and free art collection is impressive. Mostly mid-century abstract expressionist paintings and sculptures -- spread across both the concourse and the plaza. I went here a lot growing up, and still enjoy going to take in the neons, big brush strokes and large scale of these canvasses. Excellent. read more