PLANNING YOUR TRIP


Reservations are necessary for all programs and must be made in advance. Please read the checklist below to help you make your program reservation. Save time by completing and returning our Reservation Request Form [PDF]. Reservations are not firm until you receive written confirmation of the program.

Visitors Info and Directions (page link)

Not a School Group? Click Here


Making Your Reservation:

Determine how many students and adults will be visiting. One adult chaperone is required for every ten students. Required chaperones are admitted free; additional chaperones pay the student admission price.

Select your Museum and Planetarium Program [PDF] options.

Have at least three possible visit dates in mind before you call the Museum.

Decide whether your group will be visiting our Gift Shop so that we can schedule staff appropriately. The shop offers a wide selection of museum-related items of interest to children, many priced under $1.

Decide whether you wish to eat lunch in our outdoor area. Due to space limitations, we may be unable to accommodate groups for lunch inside the Museum. However, groups are welcome to use the outdoor picnic area and benches on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting. There are also several fast food restaurants within a few miles of the Museum.

Are you eligible for financial aid? If more than 20% of the students in your school participate in federally funded free or reduced lunch programs, ask about a reduced admission or a bus transportation grant.

Our programs are accessible to people of varying abilities. When you call to make your reservation, please let us know if your group needs special assistance.

Reservations should be made at least one month before the date you wish to visit. To make a reservation use one of these three methods:

Download the Reservation Request Form [PDF] and return it to us via FAX at 518-377-0298.

E-mail your request to: programs@schenectadymuseum.org

Call the Public Programs/Education Department at 518-382-7890 ext. 224 between 9am – 4pm on Monday through Friday.

A Program Confirmation Ticket will be sent 10-14 days before you visit. Please check the reservation information carefully, and call the Public Programs/Education Department immediately if you have any questions.

Bring your Program Confirmation Ticket with your payment on the day of your visit.


Program Fees:

Full payment by cash, check, or money order is expected upon arrival at the Museum. If your group is BOCES-funded, please inquire about billing procedures. The minimum group fee is $60. Adult chaperones are required and admitted free at the rate of one chaperone per 10 students. Additional chaperones are charged the student fee.

Self-Tour		$3.00 per person
Planetarium show or Gallery Program		$3.00 per person
Planetarium show + Self-Tour		$4.00 per person
Planetarium show + Gallery Program		$5.00 per person
Planetarium show + Gallery Program + Self-Tour		$6.00 per person
Science Circuit (50-150 students)		$6.50 per person
Planetarium show + Gallery Program + Gallery Program		$6.50 per person

Outreach Program Fees:

$125.00 for a 45-60 minute class (up to 25 students)
$100 per class for additional presentations on the same day

If you're located more than 10 miles from the Museum, additional travel fees are involved. Please call for details: 518-382-7890 ext. 224.


Financial Aid:

Financial aid is available thanks to grants from several community businesses and organizations. In all cases, free or reduced admissions are for children only. Funds are limited, and are disbursed to qualifying schools on a first-come, first-served basis. To be considered for financial assistance, schools must request, fill out, and return an application form. Details of funders' specific requirements for their awards will be provided with the application form. Applications are processed and written notification of an award must be received before funds are assured.

School programs are funded by grants from the Schenectady County Youth Bureau of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, the Charles P. Bean Memorial Fund of the Dudley Observatory, Stewart's Shops and Morgan Stanley.

Call the Public Programs/Education Department at 518-382-7890 ext. 224 for more details and to receive an application form.


Accessibility:

Our programs are accessible to people of varying abilities. When you call to make your reservation, please let us know if your group needs special assistance.


Museum Shop & Gallery

When you make a reservation, let us know whether your group will be visiting our Museum Shop so that we may schedule our staff appropriately, and allow time for shopping. The shop offers a wide selection of museum-related items of interest to children and many are priced under $1.



VISIT THE MUSEUM:

Come to the Museum and discover a community with the power to change the world. It might just change the way you look at science, art, technology, and people all around you!


Looking for a Place to Stay?

How to Get to the Schenectady Museum [MAPQUEST]


Directions From Thruway:

NYS Thruway to Exit 25. Follow I-890 west to Exit 5 - Broadway and bear to the right. Go to the first traffic light on Broadway and take a right on to Millard Street. Continue on Millard Street through 3 intersections, which takes you across Albany Street and State Street. After you cross State Street, Millard Street will become Nott Terrace. Take the second right on Nott Terrace to Nott Terrace Heights. Go to the top of the hill. The Museum is on your right.


Directions From Northway:

Take the Northway to Exit 6 and take Route 7 west towards Schenectady. Follow Route 7 about 6 miles to Union Street. Take Union Street to Nott Terrace and turn left. Turn left on Nott Terrace Heights. Go to the top of the hill. The Museum is on your right.


Directions From Route 146:

Directions from Clifton Park, Mechanicville (Route 146). Stay on 146 over the Rexford Bridge to Balltown Road. Continue on Balltown Road until you reach the intersection of 146 and Route 7. At that light, follow the sign for WEST 146, turning right onto Union Street. Take Union Street to the main entrance to Union College (on your right), which is located directly across the street from St. John the Evangelist Church. One block past the entrance to Union College, turn left onto Nott Terrace. At the next light after you make that left, you will be at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Nott Terrace Heights. Continue straight through the light and take your first left after that intersection, onto Nott Terrace Heights. You will see a full scale green and orange train on your left, and the Museum’s blue sign. Continue to the top of the hill. The Museum is the big building on your right.


Directions From Amsterdam:

Take Route 5 through the Village of Scotia. Cross the Scotia Bridge and stay on State Street in Schenectady. Continue on State Street bearing right where the road forks. Turn left at the first intersection and continue straight across to Nott Terrace. Turn right on Nott Terrace Heights. Go to the top of the hill. The Museum is on your right.