The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is a unique architectural masterpiece which houses 11,000 New York employees in a complex of ten buildings. The Plaza offers a world-class modern art collection, New York State's Museum, Library and Archives, a distinctive performing arts center, convention center and more. It serves as a monument to the diversity and significance of New York, and also as a testament to Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller, whose determination and vision brought about its creation.

 

All ten buildings in The Empire State Plaza, including the State Capitol, are connected underground by a system of tunnels. Architecturally, the contrast between the State Capitol (a lavish, romantic structure  conceived of by the New York State governor in 1871) , and Empire State Plaza (an ambitious, modern plaza started by the governor in 1965) is similar to the contrast between the Puxi Bund and Pudong Bund in Shanghai.

 

For a view of the  landscape surrounding Albany, including the Hudson River and the “SUNY Castle, take elevator #15 to the  Corning Tower Observation Deck  on the  42nd floor.  If you are interested in religious architecture, walk on Madison Avenue to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is an important base for the Catholic Church in New York State.

Nelson Rockefeller Empire State Plaza

 

Location:State St. & Washington Ave., 12224

Town: Albany

Description: Grand, modern public space at the heart of New York government

Hours: 06:00-23:00

Price: Free

Telephone:(518)474-2418