Located in Albany, New York, the Albany Institute of History and Art is dedicated to the exhibition of unique work of art of the areas surrounding Albany and the upper Hudson Valley. These works of art encompass not just art but also the culture and traditions of the place. From these displays the history of the place can be well perceived. Established in 1791, this is one of the oldest museums in American history which has strove to uphold the true history of the country with special significance on the art of the place. The current address of this unique museum is at 125 Washington Avenue.
The museum boasts of a huge collection of rare artifacts and works of art which include no less than 20000 permanent displays among which there are some 1600 paintings, 1100 drawings, 4000 prints, 600 sculptures, 1200 ceramics, 4000 pieces of garments, 500 pieces of invaluable architecture and most surprisingly over 140,000 printed books and photographs, some 85000 in number, in its library. Even though the museum has not stopped expanding its storehouse and in fact, is ever on the expedition to add to its already huge treasure house by organizing annual traveling exhibitions.
Some of the treasures which the museum hosts is worth envying because they cover a range of such intimidating collections as silver spoons made in Albany, furniture from the 18 th and 19 th centuries, cast-iron stoves used in Albany and Troy as long back as the 18 th century, contemporary art and sculpture of regional artists, landscape paintings of the Hudson River School, artifacts from the colonial era in Albany and even mummies. The most treasured and invaluable possession of Albany till date is of course the collection of paintings by Walter Launt Palmer and some sculptures by Erastus Dow Palmer. Some of the rare collections has now been made accessible to the public eye by the Open Storage Viewing Gallery, a new addition to the museum's structure.
The museum organizes
special instruction classes and exhibitions wherein students are made aware of their rich cultural past through the display of the wonderful collections that the museum possesses. The history and culture courses that are offered here satisfy National Standards. The museum covers a wide of American history, right from the Colonial era to as long back as the civilization of ancient Egypt. The museum lessons provided here by expert professionals are popular throughout the US and the true essence of music is taught to the students in a fun-filled manner
