Schodack Island - Albany

Another 90 degree day so we decide to head into Albany to do a Museum and the Capitol Building

 The architecture in Albany is quite varied.  From Modern

 To Centuries old

 We head to the New York State Museum.  I am excited to see the Carousel.  

Of course it turns out the Museum is closed one day a week - and that would be today. 

 We take the underground passage to the New York State Capitol Building.

And a beautiful one it is.  Completed in 1899 it took 32 years to complete, and cost $25 million (equal to $735 million today)

 A look back to the Egg (performing arts center) and the Cultural Education Building in the back.  Agency buildings 1-4 on the Right and the Corning Tower on the Left.

 We finally get in after Gary goes outside and finds a hiding place for his jacknife.  We start at the Million Dollar staircase.  It took 14 years to construct, from 1883-1897 and cost over one million dollars

It contains 444 steps and reaches 119 feet high.  The carvings are incredible and the artists spent years on them making $5 a day.

The Senate Staircase

The Senate Chambers

New York State Hallway lined with paintings of New York State

Freedom of speech at work

The War Room or Governor's Reception Room

In the early 20th century, the space was to be a forty-foot high rotunda with ceiling murals chronicling important events in New York State’s military history.  When the paintings were completed, the floor was never removed.  The Reception room was created in 1995-97

An exhibit honoring the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote in 1917

The Assembly Stairs

The Hall of Governors

It is an amazing beautiful building

We had tried to go the the Corning Observation deck on the way to the Capital Building but there was a large school group there so we stop on our way back hoping they are gone.

We have the place to ourselves and the views are amazing.

The Delaware and Hudson Railroad Building now houses the SUNY Administration

The RCA Dog

Sorry we missed the Museum but had a good visit anyway.