- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
New York State Museum Unveils $150M Renovation Plans
Expanded exhibitions, new Kid Zone, and cafe reopening mark first phase of overhaul.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:15am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The New York State Museum has unveiled the first phase of a $150 million renovation plan, which includes the reopening of the museum's cafe, the creation of a new Kid Zone on the fourth-floor terrace, and an expanded schedule of four to six major exhibitions per year. The transformation is a partnership between the governor's office and the state's Department of Education, which oversees the museum, and aims to make the museum more engaging, interactive, and responsive to the community.
Why it matters
The New York State Museum is a beloved institution that has long been in need of an overhaul. The $150 million investment from the state government, along with a new leadership team and a focus on community engagement, represents a significant opportunity to revitalize the museum and make it a more vibrant and accessible destination for visitors of all ages.
The details
The first phase of the renovation plan includes several key elements: the reopening of the museum's cafe, which has been closed since the pandemic, under the management of Stacks; the launch of a new gift shop with exhibit-inspired and New York-made merchandise; the creation of a new Kid Zone on the fourth-floor terrace, which will feature rotating exhibits and the museum's historic carousel; the formation of a task force to develop a new vision for the museum; and an expanded schedule of major exhibitions, starting with 'Barbie: A Cultural Icon.' Upcoming exhibitions in 2026 will focus on the state's history of vice, the 200th anniversary of abolition in New York, the 25th anniversary of September 11, and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
- The cafe is set to reopen in the coming weeks.
- The gift shop reopened last month.
- The 'Barbie: A Cultural Icon' exhibition launched as part of the new exhibition schedule.
- A Revolutionary War gunboat discovered at Ground Zero was reassembled last summer.
- The 250th anniversary of the United States exhibition will debut in June 2026.
The players
Kathy Hochul
The governor of New York who announced the $150 million investment in the museum's renovation.
Betty Rosa
The commissioner of the New York State Department of Education, which oversees the museum, archives, and library.
Jennifer Saunders
The first female director of the New York State Museum, who took on the role in September 2025.
New York State Museum
A beloved institution that serves as a gateway to exploration and imagination, inviting visitors to discover, question, and connect with the story of New York.
Office of Cultural Education
The state agency that oversees the New York State Museum, archives, and library, and could see $12 million in additional funding to support operations.
What they’re saying
“The transformation of the New York State Museum marks the beginning of a ground-breaking new era for our state. Finally, families across New York can enjoy a dedicated space for learning and engaging with our state history. I am grateful for Commissioner (Betty) Rosa's partnership in realizing this initiative and, like all New Yorkers, I look forward to visiting the new exhibits and experiencing all the renovations have to offer.”
— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York
“The New York State Museum has always been more than a building — it is a gateway to exploration and imagination, inviting every visitor to discover, question, and connect with the story of New York. Phase One of this transformation represents our shared commitment to equity, access, and lifelong learning, ensuring that every visitor sees themselves reflected in our galleries and programs.”
— Betty Rosa, Commissioner, New York State Department of Education
“The New York State Museum is one of New York's most beloved institutions — a place where history, science, and creativity come alive for everyone. Phase One of the transformation is only the beginning. From the kid zone to new exhibition experiences for all ages to new visitor amenities, we are laying the foundation for a museum that is educational, interactive, and responsive to the world around us.”
— Jennifer Saunders, Director, New York State Museum
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This renovation represents a significant investment in revitalizing the New York State Museum and making it a more engaging and accessible destination for visitors of all ages. By focusing on community engagement, expanded programming, and updated facilities, the museum aims to become a beloved cultural institution that reflects the diversity and history of the state.
