10 Government Buildings in New York That You Shouldn't Miss

The towering City Hall is an art deco masterpiece, richly decorated with figures and symbols portraying the history and spirit of the city. The 28th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Erie and western New York.

The New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880's. Over 125 years old, the building is a marvel of late 19th-century architectural grandeur. Built by hand of solid masonry, it took 5 architects and 32 years to complete. Over the years meticulous restoration has been done to maintain and protect the Capitol for future generations of New Yorkers.

The New York State Executive Mansion is located on Eagle Street in downtown Albany. Since 1875, this house has been home to New York's governors and their families. It is a house that is eclectic in style, filled with history and rich with tradition. It remains a fitting symbol of the variety and greatness of the Empire State. SCHEDULE: Tours of the Mansion are offered September through June on Thursdays at 10:00 and 11:00 a.m., 12:00, 1:00, and 2:00 p.m. to groups of 10 or more, up to a maximum of 30 visitors (including chaperones). RESERVATIONS: Reservations are required and must be made at least two weeks in advance. To schedule a tour, please call. SPECIAL RULE: Photo identification is required for all adults. COST: Tours are free of charge. LOCATION: Tours begin at the front center gate of the Mansion, 138 Eagle Street, Albany. LENGTH: Tours last approximately one hour. ACCESSIBILITY: The Executive Mansion is fully accessible for persons with disabilities. Please inform us of any special needs when making your reservation. ARRIVAL: Please plan to arrive 5 minutes prior to the starting time of your tour. If you are going to be late, or must cancel a tour, kindly notify the Plaza Visitor Center. DIRECTIONS and PARKING: The New York Executive Mansion is a short walking distance from the Empire State Plaza. Starting on Madison Avenue in front of the State Museum, walk down the street to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and turn right onto Eagle Street. Entrance to the Mansion is through the front center (pedestrian) gate. Parking is not available at the Executive Mansion. Buses may unload passengers at the front gate. General Tour: The general tour takes the visitor on a journey through the Mansion, examining its roles as both an official residence and a private home to New York's governors and their families. Tour discussion focuses on past and present New York State governors, architectural history, furnishings and artwork, and the Mansion's present existence as a LEED-certified building. Student Tour: The student tour focuses on four key periods in the Mansion's history: the Victorian era, 1920s to the mid-1930s, 1960s to the present, and the 21st Century. Through the use of artifacts, furnishings and art, students will explore the Executive Mansion's significance to the culture and history of New York State. The tour culminates with a discussion about the Executive Mansion in the 21st century, including the importance of sustainable living and the Mansion's LEED-Gold certification.