AIHA Announces Grand Opening Weekend Events

The Albany Institute of History & Art will celebrate its formal Grand Opening over the weekend of September 21-23 with a variety of activities and special events designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors.  The Institute re-opened in June after a 2-1/2 year, $17.8 million construction and renovation project, and has been putting the finishing touches on the new museum over the summer.

“We are incredibly excited to see the results of more than 10 years of plans and dreams come to fruition,” said Christine M. Miles, director.  “And the early response from the community and visitors during our ‘Sneak Preview’ summer has been wonderfully enthusiastic and supportive.  We’re looking forward to kicking off the Albany Institute’s new era with our Grand Opening Celebration in September.”  The Grand Opening Weekend kicks off the Albany Institute’s Celebration Year, which will feature an exciting slate of traveling exhibitions, special events, and public programs for all ages.

The general public is invited to all Albany Institute Grand Opening events. Special drawings and door prizes throughout the weekend will add to the fun. Call (518) 463-4478 for more information, and reserve your event tickets by September 14. 

NEW MUSEUM’S EVE PARTY

Friday, September 21, 7-10 pm

Ring in a NEW era for the NEW Albany Institute of History & Art!  The evening will include hors d’oeuvres stations catered by Franklin Plaza, an open bar, and music by pianist Cole Broderick.

(Tickets: AIHA members: $75, Non-Members: $100; At the door: $125, space permitting)

MEMBERS’ BREAKFAST

Saturday, September 22, 9:30-11:30 am

If you’re not a member, join now and enjoy a buffet breakfast and classical guitar by Maria Zemantauski.  A special curator’s talk on the Institute’s renowned Hudson River School paintings will be offered at 10 and 11 am.

(Tickets: $20)

A TASTE OF HISTORY & ART

Saturday, September 22, 7-10 pm

Take a closer look at the new Albany Institute of History & Art and experience the wonders of the museum’s collections.   The evening will feature a sumptuous dessert buffet, complimentary champagne and a cash bar.  Get into the spirit of discovery and enjoy a gallery treasure hunt.

(Tickets: Members $30; Non members $40; at the door $45,space permitting)

COMMUNITY DEBUT

Saturday, September 22, Noon-4:00 pm AND

Sunday, September 23, 11:30am-5:30 pm

Enjoy two days of exhibition talks, art-making activities, fun and games, and food vendors.  And don’t miss “The Victorian Patriotic Show” a special program for all ages, with showings on SUNDAY ONLY, at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 pm. (Tickets: $5 adult; $4 senior/student, $2.50 children 6-12.  AIHA members and children under 6 free. No advance reservations necessary.)

Support for the Albany Institute’s Celebration Year has been provided by Omni Development Company, Inc.; Sano-Rubin Construction Co., and the Times Union.  Major support for the Grand Opening Weekend has been provided by Capital District Physicians Health Plan, First Albany Corporation, Excelsior College and Urbach, Kahn and Werlin Advisors Inc.  The “Victorian Magic Lantern Show” has been underwritten by Stewart’s Shops.  Major prizes for the Grand Opening Weekend have been provided by Southwest Airlines, Amtrak, and The Pepsi Arena.