Location

The New York State Archives, the New York State Library, and the New York State Museum are housed in the Cultural Education Center (CEC) in Albany, New York.

The Cultural Education Center is at the south end of the Empire State Plaza (the opposite end from the Capitol), across Madison Avenue (Route 20). The street address is 310 Madison Avenue.

Parking

Fee-based Visitor parking is available in the V Lot (1) (formerly P-3 North level), which is under the Empire State Plaza. Outdoor parking is available in the Cathedral Parking Lot (2) immediately east of the Cultural Education Center, and in Madison Visitor Parking (3), the parking lot just west of the building. (See map at right.) There is no charge for parking in the Cathedral lot on weekends, or after 3 p.m. on weekdays. (The Museum is open on weekends, but the Library and Archives are not.)

For information on parking and fees, visit the Office of General Services (OGS) Parking Services page, which includes a visitor parking lot map and Park and Pay instructions.

Special Considerations for School Buses: See the Museum's page, Plan Your Group's Visit.

Madison Visitor Parking - Madison Avenue, west of Cultural Education Center. (More information is available on the Visit the Museum page.)

Directions

(For information on local construction activity which may result in road closures or detours, see the Travel Information Gateway page.)

From the East: Take I-90 West to I-787 South to exit 3B to US 20 West. Continue on US 20 West (Madison Avenue) to the CEC.

From the South: Take Thruway Exit 23 to I-787 North to Exit 4 to US 20 West. Continue on US 20 West (Madison Avenue) to the CEC.

From the West: Take Thruway Exit 24 to I-90 East to I-787 South to exit 3B to US 20 West. Continue on US 20 West (Madison Avenue) to the CEC.

From the North: Take the Northway (I-87) or Route 9 to I-90 East to I-787 South to exit 3B to US 20 West. Continue on US 20 West (Madison Avenue) to the CEC.

Alternate Approach from I-787: Follow Empire State Plaza signs, proceed straight under the Plaza, then bear left to loop back under the Plaza. Use one of the underground parking lots or take the P1 exit and go through the arch to Madison Avenue.

General Directions to the Empire State Plaza - from the New York State Office of General Services.

Public Transportation

Where to Stay

The Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc. hosts a web site that contains information about where to stay in Albany. They also have a toll-free telephone number: 1 (800) 258-3582.