Family Programs

The museum galleries have re-opened, however, in-person events remain on hold. Online events such as performances, lectures, art programs, and more are occuring and details can be found at our virtual Museum at Home!

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 Director of Art Programs, Sarah Clowe at 518-463-4478, ext. 435, or clowes@albanyinstitute.org. 

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

Family Tours with Victoria Wyeth

9 and up: Sunday, October 31 • 9:30am - 10:30am 9 and up: Sunday, October 31 • 11:00am - 12:00pm

SPECIAL FAMILY TOURS
Family Tours with Victoria Wyeth
Sunday, October 31,2021 | 9:30AM & 11AM
Ages 9+ recommended (Adults must be accompanied by youth for this tour)
Regular museum admission rates apply for this special tour

Join Victoria Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth’s granddaughter and Jamie Wyeth’s niece, for a personal reflection on her family’s artwork in a special before-hours family tour of The Wyeths: Three Generations | Works from the Bank of America Collection.Two tour times available. Please select either 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM Tour tickets include museum admission for the day.

Space is limited and registration is required. Ticket sales end 24 hours before tour time.
The tour is recommended for ages 9+ and accompanying adult. All family members attending must register.

Click here to register:

Buy Tickets on Eventbrite

Questions? Email Sarah Clowe at clowes@albanyinstitute.org

Happenin' Halloween

All Ages: Sunday, October 31 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm

Happenin’ Halloween 
Sunday, October 31, 2021
12–3:00PM | Outdoor activities weather permitting
Outdoor activities are free and we’re offering free admission to guests dressed in costume!
(Rain Date of Saturday November 13)

 Did you know the Wyeth family of artists loved to celebrate Halloween? Join us to explore the exhibition The Wyeths: Three Generations | Works from the Bank of America Collection and enjoy fun family activities outside on the museum grounds. Events planned include pumpkin head chalk paint, pumpkin-themed art projects (available to complete on-site or to bring with you in a to-go format), and a balloon artist. Dress in costume and receive free museum admission! 

12:00-2:00 Balloon twisting with Bruce Bowey
12:00-3:00 Pumpkin & Pumpkin-Head themed Chalk & Chalk Paint
12:00-3:00 Pumpkin themed art projects: Marbled Paper Pumpkins & Jack O'Lantern Sensory Bags

VIRTUAL STORY TIME: Train Storytime with Albany Public Library

2-8: Saturday, November 6 • 10:30am - 11:00am

PARTNER PROGRAM Train-Themed Storytime with Albany Public Library
Saturday, November 6, 2021
10:30AM | YouTube Premiere | Ages 2-8

All aboard! Albany Public Library's storytime is taking its inspiration from the trains in the museum's Romancing the Rails: Train Travel in the 1920s and 1930s exhibition in this exciting partner program! Children and their families will enjoy multiple train picture books, songs, as well as a fun suggested art project. Craft bags are available by registration through Albany Public Library at https://tinyurl.com/APLstory or you may use your own materials at home. This pre-recorded program will premiere on APL's YouTube channel at 10:30am: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeAPL

Watch online: https://tinyurl.com/YouTubeAPL

ADULT ART WORKSHOP Paint & Learn: Adirondack Mountains

Adult: Saturday, November 6 • 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Join us for a guided painting while we take inspiration from a 1930 travel poster by Walter L. Greene showcasing the lovely landscape found along the passenger train service to the Adirondacks and Lake Placid.  The original painting is currently on view in the Romancing the Rails: Train Travel in the 1920s and 1930s exhibition.

Artist Noreen Powell will lead participants through the process of creating a mountain landscape while breaking the composition into guided painting steps.

All materials are included with the registration fee. Registration is required.


Please note that while this program is scheduled to be onsite at the museum, should conditions evolve regarding Covid-19 safety we reserve the right to convert this event to a virtual platform.

For further questions about this program, you may email clowes@albanyinstitute.org or call 518-463-4478 ext. 435.

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