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New York State Museum Completes $400M Capital Renovation With Kids Zone Exhibit Opening

Governor Hochul and Commissioner Rosa open the new Kids Zone exhibit at the New York State Museum in downtown Albany, marking a milestone in a $400 million capital investment.

By Colin Percy · May 26, 2026

The New York State Museum has officially opened the first phase of its 'Kids Zone,' a new interactive learning environment located on the museum's fourth-floor terrace in Albany. The installation is a key component of a larger $400 million revitalization effort aimed at transforming downtown Albany into a family-centered cultural destination. The inaugural exhibit, 'Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals,' features ten animatronic models, an augmented reality sandbox, and a paleontologist’s field tent designed for young explorers.

Following the opening, Empire State Development has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to secure a consultant for the museum's comprehensive long-term master plan. This initiative is part of a broader vision to modernize the institution, with additional early childhood spaces for children ages 0–5 currently in development.

Companies mentioned

owner

New York State Museum

general contractor

Empire State Development, LLC

MedicalMultifamily

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