Engaging Experiences for All Ages

From Family Free Days, to tours designed with families in mind, to drop-in art making for all ages, there is something for everyone at the Albany Institute.

Upcoming Family Events

11:00am–11:45am Enrich your experience of our current exhibitions through a docent-led tour of the galleries. Docent tours are an excellent way to learn more about the artworks and objects on display, in addition to the stories they tell. Interaction and questions are encouraged, and visitors of all ages are welcome. The tour is free with museum admission, no registration required. Please plan to meet in the museum atrium, main level, near the front desk before the tour begins.

12:00pm–4:00pm Drop-in art-making in the classroom Inspired by the collection of items from The College of Saint Rose, visitors of all ages can make paper pennants inspired by the objects in the exhibition Spotlight: The College of Saint Rose, on view July 19–October 5, 2025. Enjoy your visit to the museum, and explore your artistic side with an art project inspired by the museum's exhibitions and collections. Museum patrons may enjoy drop-in art-making on select Saturdays of each month. Activities are offered most Saturdays from 12–4PM. The program is free with museum admission; no registration required. All ages are welcome to participate.

5:00pm–7:00pm Join us this summer for Music on the Lawn, our lively outdoor concert series at the Albany Institute of History & Art! Enjoy great local music, free gallery admission, and a relaxed evening on the museum’s lawn. The concert series is free and open to the public, and held on the following dates: July 16, August 13, and September 17, all from 5–7PM. Music on the Lawn is cosponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund and arranged by the Albany Musicians Association. The concerts are held rain or shine. In case of rain, we’ll move the music indoors—same time, same great vibes. There will be a pop-up cash bar by our friends at The Larkin Hi-Fi, who will be serving a selection of natural wines, local beers, and a cocktail (and mocktail) special. Food trucks will be scheduled during each concert. Bring your friends, a picnic blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy an evening of community and culture. Limited parking is available in the museum lot at Dove and Elk Streets. Free street parking is available throughout the city after 5PM.  

11:00am–11:45am Enrich your experience of our current exhibitions through a docent-led tour of the galleries. Docent tours are an excellent way to learn more about the artworks and objects on display, in addition to the stories they tell. Interaction and questions are encouraged, and visitors of all ages are welcome. The tour is free with museum admission, no registration required. Please plan to meet in the museum atrium, main level, near the front desk before the tour begins.