Family Programs

The museum galleries have re-opened, and in-person events have resumed although with safety adaptations such as limited group sizes. Virtual programs are also being offered.

The Albany Institute is a place where people of all ages can learn and have fun. Our family programs provide enriching educational experiences about art and history in an atmosphere that is diverse, compelling, and entertaining. From weekend programs to family festivals, from school-vacation art programs to pre-school programming, the Albany Institute offers a wide variety of activities that will appeal to your family.

For programs that require a fee, payment is required at the time of registration.

For more information, or to register for a program, please contact our Education Coordinator, Mallory Schultz at 518-463-4478, ext. 404, or schultzm@albanyinstitute.org. 

Sign up to join our family program email list to hear more about our children's programming: Family Program Email Sign Up

Build Your Own Train Design Challenge

All Ages: Saturday, January 8 - 31 • 10:00am - 4:30pm

Virtual/At Home Train Design Challenge

Climb aboard our design challenge and engineer your own train design! Join in on this creative challenge from home and submit photos of your designs to be showcased together in a digital gallery with other creatives.
Train models can be created in traditional or futuristic forms. We look forward to seeing what you make!

1. Take a look at pictures of trains for inspiration. (images like Thoroughbreds by Walter Greene can be found in our Collections Database on our website).  

2. Search your home for materials to build with.  Your recycling bin can be a great source and empty boxes, egg cartons, paper towel tubes, and more may all be used to build creative train models.

3. If you'd like some inspiration you can check out pictures and craft instructions for homemade train art and models on our Pinterest board here: Build Your Own Train Design Challenge Inspo

4. Share photos of your creations in one of 3 ways!

-Post photos of your designs by uploading onto our Google form here: https://tinyurl.com/AIHATrains

-On social media with the tag #albanyinstitute

- Email our Director of Art Programs at clowes@albanyinstitute.org

More Art Opportunities

Enjoy your visit to the museum and create an art activity inspired by the exhibitions and collections. Art for All: Art to Go activities are activity sets available to take home and are available at the admissions desk during open museum hours.  Activities are included with museum admission and are open for all museum visitors.

Art for All is sponsored in part by Stewart's Shops