Governor Hochul and Commissioner Rosa Announce Grand Opening of First Kids Zone Exhibit at the New York State Museum

New Era of Discovery Takes Shape with Immersive Dinosaur Experience for Young Explorers

RFP Issued for New York State Museum Comprehensive Plan as Part of Governor's $400 Million Investment into Downtown Albany

Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa today announced the grand opening of the first exhibit of the New York State Museum's highly anticipated Kids Zone - a new dedicated, hands-on learning environment designed specifically to ignite curiosity, inspire awe, and spark imagination for children and families from New York and beyond. The Kids Zone represents a major step forward and a cornerstone achievement in Phase One of the Museum's ongoing revitalization, advancing a vision for a more interactive, inclusive, and family-centered destination. As part of Phase Two, Empire State Development issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified firms to develop a comprehensive plan for the future of the Museum.

"Albany is more than just government buildings - it's a dynamic city with a rich history where families and visitors can experience and explore all our capital city has to offer," Governor Hochul said. "The new Kids Zone at the State Museum is another step forward that will allow children and families from across New York to experience a reimagined cultural institution befitting of the Empire State that will welcome families near and far for generations to come."

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "The New York State Museum's new Kids Zone represents an exciting investment in inspiring learning, discovery, and imagination for children and families across our state. As we reimagine the future of the State Museum, the Department is committed to ensuring it serves as a dynamic extension of applied learning and a reflection of New York Inspires and our Portrait of a Graduate vision by creating opportunities for students and families to explore, discover, and engage in meaningful, hands-on educational experiences. This new space reflects our focus on ensuring the Museum continues to evolve as a vibrant, inclusive destination where every visitor can learn, discover, and be inspired."

Located on the fourth-floor terrace alongside the Museum's iconic carousel, the Kids Zone brings renewed energy to a signature public space while expanding opportunities for hands-on learning and discovery through a robust schedule of rotating temporary exhibits designed for young explorers. A dedicated early childhood space for children ages 0-5 is also in development, further strengthening the Museum's commitment to early learning and ensuring the Kids Zone continues to evolve for its youngest visitors.

The Kids Zone debuts with "Expedition Dinosaur: Rise of the Mammals," an immersive traveling exhibition that transports visitors into the final days of the dinosaurs. Through richly detailed environments, ten life-size animatronic dinosaurs and mammals, and interactive experiences such as an augmented reality sandbox and paleontologist's field tent, the exhibit brings the story of mass extinction and renewal into sharp focus - revealing how the fall of the dinosaurs paved the way for the rise of early mammals and the world as we know it today.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York is reimagining the State Museum as part of the historic $400 million investment into Downtown Albany. As the new Kids Zone and 'Expedition Dinosaur' exhibit welcome families, we continue to strategize for the future through the Visioning Task Force and the development of a comprehensive plan to ensure the Museum remains a dynamic attraction for generations to come."

Read the full press release here.