Updated September 2015
Free admission to 10 museums in Western New York on Sept. 26 (yes, free)
Did you know that Saturday, Sept. 26 is the Smithsonian Magazine’s 11th annual Museum Day Live!? And that in honor of this fabulous day, 10 museums in Western New York will offer free admission? Well now you do!
Step Out Buffalo wouldn’t be doing its job if we didn’t share with you what each museum has to offer, so feel free to check out this guide and enjoy a free day of culture and education. All you have to do is visit http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/tickets/ and download a ticket (for free). The ticket will provide you with free admission to any participating museum for up to two people. Helloooooo knowledge!
Buffalo History Museum
1 Museum Court / North Buffalo | (716) 873-9644
Ever wonder how Buffalo was started? What did people eat, what did they do, and how did they live? Well look no further than the Buffalo History Museum. This gorgeous museum, previously called the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, features exhibits filled with clothing items from the past, photos, tours, programs, activities, and more for visitors to dive into the history that is Buffalo, New York. Be sure to visit the Pioneer Gallery and the War in the Niagara Theatre Exhibit. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and free parking is provided.
Herschell Carrousel Factory MuseumÂ
180 Thompson Street / North Tonawanda / Niagara County | (716) 693-1885
Located in the heart of North Tonawanda, this museum brings to life the simplicity and childhood fun that is a carrousel ride. I actually visited this museum on my wedding day because it’s just that cool. It was a great place to take pictures on the antique carrousel that still runs upon request. The museum features two carrousels, and a Kiddieland Testing Park, which is an outdoor area with refurbished rides that will have your child smiling from ear to ear. The museum also has a neat gift shop with items you won’t find anywhere else. The Herschell Carrousel Factory is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Buffalo Niagara Heritage VillageÂ
3755 Tonawanda Creek Road / Amherst / Niagara County | (716) 689-1440
www.amherstmuseum.org
Interested in learning more about the Niagara Frontier? Take a tour of the Historic Village where you can see houses from the 1800’s such as the Bigelow House, Dann Road House, Transit Road Church, the Smith Log House, and more. The museum also features a 9/11 exhibit, a story of Amherst exhibit, and the pioneer kitchen. Not to mention, the museum is home to a vast collection of more than 20,000 items from Western New York’s past. With all sorts of sites to see, it would be a shame to miss out on a free visit from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday!
The Colored Musicians Club
145 Broadway / Business District / Downtown | (716) 855-9383
www.coloredmusiciansclub.org
The Colored Musicians Club Museum provides visitors with the intimate history of musicians in Buffalo. From some of the most relaxing and best jazz that was ever created, the club museum was made to preserve all of the talent that was started right here in Buffalo. The museum allows visitors to interact with artifacts and take an up close and personal look at the history of jazz in Buffalo. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
RELATED: Must Visit Art Galleries in WNY
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Avenue / Elmwood Village / Downtown | (716) 882-8700
Before you even step inside, take a moment to admire the outside architecture of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. With its colonial-style and placement below the clouds, this building has become a must for best places to take wedding photos and more. The inside of the building will also not disappoint. With more than 150 years of creating the perfect art space, the gallery displays a variety of modern and historical art that can only be categorized as amazing. The gallery features various art exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Burchfield Penney Art Center
1300 Elmwood Avenue / Elmwood Village / Downtown | (716) 878-6011
If you’re a Buffalo resident, you’ve surely heard of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. An attachment of SUNY Buffalo State, the center is the home to not only art, but special events, conferences, and shows. This is because this building brings about a classy and beautiful feel that makes anyone who steps in feel the prestige that shines through the white and elegant walls. But the atmosphere in itself shouldn’t be the reason that you take a tour. Burchfield Penney has several breathtaking collections and exhibits that are sure to inspire even the faintest art lover. The center is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Buffalo Harbor Museum (Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society)
66 Erie Street / Business District / Downtown | (716) 849-0914
Love the marine life? Curious as to what you would find in an historic ship? Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society offers plenty of displays and exhibits that provide visitors with the history of the Buffalo Waterfront. It even features a research library where you can sit and read books that will give you all of the information you need to understand what the sea life was like right where you live. There’s also a ship store where souvenirs may be purchased. The Lower Lakes Marine Historical Society is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Nash House Museum
36 Nash Street / East Buffalo / Downtown | (716) 856-4490
Looking for a unique place that is rich with information pertaining to Buffalo’s African American community? Well be sure to check out the Nash House, which was owned by the Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr. family. Rev. Nash was widely respected in the Buffalo community and now his legacy continues to live on in the Nash house. It was redeveloped and restored for the public to take a glimpse at what life was like on the East Side of Buffalo in the early 1900’s. The Nash House is open 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Steel Plant Museum
100 Lee Street / Old First Ward / South Buffalo | (716) 821-9361
The steel industry was once a booming career field for residents. The Steel Plant Museum was created in 1984 to remember this time in Western New York and to preserve artifacts and memories from Republic Steel, Bethlehem’s Lackawanna plant, and Hanna Furnace. There’s also a library that features catalogs, books, and manuals from when the plant was in operation. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
641 Delaware Avenue / Allentown / Downtown | (716) 884-0095
Want to know all that is Theodore Roosevelt? This site offers the extensive history of his life and events that came before his inauguration. There are also behind the scenes tours, special exhibits, and historic rooms that will give visitors a glimpse of the past. Museum visits are by guided tour only and start at 12:30 p.m. on weekends.
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