Day 2 - Empire State Plaza & New York State Capitol
/See the full #StaycationAlbany page and activities here
A lot of us see the Plaza, Capitol, and surrounding area on such a a regular basis we might not see it as a ‘destination’ to visit, but why not take this summer staycation as an opportunity to explore it with new eyes!
When my family visited from the UK they has so much fun wandering around downtown by foot taking photos of the impressive architecture (we also paired it with a trip to the NYS Musem which was a welcome respite from the heat) All of the photos here were from that very trip - we’d love to see your pics too!
The History
The Empire State Plaza is arguably the most iconic and recognizable area of Albany architecture. It’s construction began in 1965, taking 11 years to complete and costing in the region of $2 billion. The ambitious construction was spearheaded by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, allegedly as a reaction to an unimpressed Dutch Princess. The resulting complex displaced thousands of people as their homes and businesses were torn down to make way for the striking modernist architecture that you see today (it was also part of the reason Historic Albany Foundation was formed). Overtime is has become a significant piece of the city’s landscape, as well as being a place many Albany locals call their workplace.
The New York State Capitol has a longer history, being completed in 1899 and built in a beautiful Romanesque Revival style. It is the seat of the New York State government and was the most expensive government building at it’s time of construction. It was originally listed as part of a larger Lafayette Park Historic District which includes Elk Street and many of the surrounding buildings.
Things to Do
Walk to the Plaza and get take a photo of an angle you haven’t seen before
Discover your favorite piece of outdoor art
Snap your best photo of The Capitol in all it’s glory!
Take a close-up of an architectural detail on The Capitol that you haven’t spotted before
Head to Better Bite for a great sandwich - get it take out and sit in West Capitol Park
Go on a mini-architecture tour, visiting and taking photographs of the beautiful architecture and buildings nearby:
> The Beaux-Arts style New York State Education Building (columns…swoon!)
> Albany City Hall built in 1880
> The Neoclassical Court of Appeals and the Albany County Supreme Court
> Walk up Elk Street to the Cathedral of All Saints
Click here for a google map of the mini-tour>>
Download a map of Empire State Plaza here>>
Better Bite is open Mon-Tues 8am-4pm, Weds-Say 8am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm
The Plaza
Feat. my family as tourists
The NYS Capitol
Snap your best pic of this iconic building
NYS Education Building
See the beauty on your doorstep
