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Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Category: Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Art Galleries [Edit]
1285 Elmwood AveBuffalo, NY 14222
Neighborhood: Buffalo State/Museums
(716) 882-1262
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Albright-Knox Art Gallery
29 reviews in English
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Review from Anastacia B.
Elmhurst, IL
3/31/2012
Sooooo I notice for this (and many many other museums) Museum/Gallery the biggest complaint is for the entry fee?!?!? Seriously? It's okay to plunk down about the same to see a movie, a cocktail, lunch, many other activities, but not for an afternoon of art? Did you know the fee for parking goes directly to the museum?Huh maybe I'm missing something???....oh wait I didn't, I went to AKAG!!!!
Yes it's small. You are in Buffalo, NY. That being said this place knocked my socks off. It's what I was hoping the Tate Modern would be and wasn't. There's a whole range of artists here and excellent pieces from them. It was like a who's who of modern art.
Did I mention Cindy Sherman? She's the reason I got involved in photography. Did I mention she went to art school in Buffalo and they have some really great pieces of hers here? -
Review from Melissa S.
Pittsburgh, PA
3/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Lots of great Modernist/1920's and 30's artists, which always gets me excited. I would probably be more inclined to call this a museum, not a "gallery", due to the size and number of artists in the permanent collection. Most of the big cannon guys (and gals) are here, and even some lesser know artists which is always exciting. The Caulder exhibit was great- a lot of good stuff without being overwhelming.
My only complaint is the cost of admission- waaaaaay too overpriced for the size of the space. But, it's worth the trip if in Buffalo! -
Review from Katie B.
Plano, TX
3/20/2012
I visited this museum back when I lived in Niagara Falls. Coming from Dallas, I was used to our museums which are pretty nice and expansive.
This one.. well, I was disappointed. It's a lot smaller, there isn't as much to look at as we have at the Dallas Museum of Art. BUT it's still worth a look.
And when I went, admission was free, so that was much better. I recall feeling glad I didn't have to pay anything for admission because it didn't feel worth it 'cause there isn't much to look at. -
Review from Meghan M.
2/21/2012
If you go on the Free First Friday, then I'd give it 5 stars.
If you pay for parking ($5) and admission ($12), then you'd likely give it 2-3 stars.
It has a modest collection dispersed on 2 floors. The whole museum can be easily seen in 2 hours and that's if you're taking your time. It does have lesser known pieces by famous artists. I often find these pieces disappointing, and they feel like a gimmick to advertise the big names their museum holds. What I enjoy most about these smaller museums is seeing other beautiful works of art that are much lesser known. It's a great thing to discover new art or artists in person.
The M&T First Fridays events are wonderful. From 10am-10pm the museum is free. Plus, they have events and activities for kids and adults alike. It's a truly wonderful thing, and I suggest folks with kids go to have a fun, yet cultural, evening as a family. And trust me, your kids will not be the only ones running around the museum on those nights! -
Review from Dan K.
12/20/2011
Got a Groupon to become a member and just used it the other day. My first time back at the gallery in years. Just took my 3 year old, we had fun looking at the sculptures and paintings, but he did get board quick. (mainly because he couldn't touch anything) Browsed the upstairs and first floor though and saw some wonderful pieces though.
Will definitely be a nice place to take a stroll in the cold of winter. And if the cafe is as good as it was when I used to live here, will definitely be going for a nice Sunday brunch. -
Review from Emily L.
10/9/2011
I enjoyed my visit to the Albright-Knox art gallery. Keep in mind that it's way smaller than art museums in other major cities in the US, though. I think it took me only 2-3 hours to get through the whole thing.
The gallery focuses on modern and contemporary art and also features some interesting sculptures outside the building. I saw a nice exhibition on Jean Arp, Joan Miro, and Alexander Calder, as well as an exhibition called "Videosphere," which had a ton of bizarre films and animations and took up the entire second floor. A favorite was a video of an artist walking through a piece of rippling white fabric - she walked slowly, ripping the fabric - displayed on four TVs in a row.
After walking through the gallery, I said, "Now for my favorite part of any art museum!" To which my sister said, "The store?" Ha, she knows me well. I guess I jinxed myself, though, because I couldn't find anything I wanted from the store.
One other thing - it was freezing inside when I was there in early September. If you tend to get cold easily, consider bringing a hoodie or something. My light cardigan was not warm enough. -
Review from Unicorn Y.
New Orleans, LA
11/25/2011
What? I thought the Albright-Knox was surprisingly large! Someone said lesser-known works from big artists... Yep. A Warhol soup print, a large Rothko, a neat little room with a few Calder mobiles and Miro paintings, a large Rauschenberg collage... It looks a little weird upstairs because they got rid of all of the non-modern art.
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Review from Guitarist For T.
Las Vegas, NV
12/5/2011
i really enjoyed the atmosphere and all the nice staff members who were more than willing to answer any questions my only complaint was the 2 young ladies who worked at the gift shop...
just talked and talked and talked ..while we were browsing....never once asking ..HEY I KNOW WERE BEING RUDE BUT CAN WE PRETEND TO HELP YOU,.....they talked about their projects,..who they like working with.....i dont even know who they were but we went dec 4th at 1 pm///
i even seen other customers patiently wait to basically interrupt them to ask a question i seriously thought i was on boiling point -
Review from Ryan W.
11/22/2011
Buffalo's biggest art gallery is a great place to visit if you're interested in seeing lesser-known pieces by Big Art Names: Liechtenstein, Miro, Van Gogh, Warhol, that sort of thing. The rotating exhibit is also usually worth seeing, though I'd skip the paid admission and go on the First Friday of the month. On these days, you'll get free admission and reduced parking rates (or just park around the back of the museum for free), and it's still not very crowded. There's also usually a lecture on these nights that's fun to attend.
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Review from Laura L.
6/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
Being from the DC area, I guess I'm spoiled with access to substantive, noteworthy (possibly award-winning?), free museums. Art, history, culture-- name any type of museum and we probably have one, and with free access in DC. However, I was in Buffalo this past weekend for a visit and bought tickets for the Rockin' at the Knox show. I was pumped for both the show and the museum but sadly, the latter fell short.
First off, the show was actually not that bad! I was surprised that it was outdoors-- I've been to a few gallery shows before and bands have always played indoors. I didn't realize that the AKG was so small on the inside, so I can see why it was outdoors. The Wainwrights (Martha and Rufus), The National and The Atlas Sound all played sets that were on point, head bopping ensued!
During The National's set, my bf and I decided to wander into the museum. There were quite a few empty rooms, in preparation for new exhibits and installations which, yes, is exciting for anticipation's sake but isn't all that great to look at when you're there for the art. It did have some interesting installations though. Oh, I would also be sure to check out the mirror room-- it's pretty awesome but kinda smells like dirty socks (you can only wear socks if you want to stand in the room. Ew.)
Other than that, the museum is just ok. I can't seem to justify paying any dollar amount for that museum, since it seemed to be lacking a large volume of art due to it being in a weird, in-between installations stage. If you're as big of a cheapskate as I am, be sure to hit up AKG on Friday nights when admission is free. -
Review from Wendy B.
4/17/2009 ROTD 5/25/2012
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a must-see for visitors of Buffalo, and Buffalo residents alike. With a nice permanent collection, and a smart rotation of newer pieces, there is something for everyone.
If you're curious about the Albright-Knox, check it out for free on Friday's from 3-10 p.m (called Gusto at the Gallery). You won't be able to see all of the exhibits, but you will get to see a good portion of the gallery's permanent collection, as well as having access to some workshops surrounding the theme of that week's Gusto. From what I can tell, they offer free workshops that cater to both adults and children.
If you do enjoy the museum, definitely check it out and pay the admission to get in. The collection at the Albright-Knox is extensive and very well put together. -
Review from Kelly S.
9/25/2007
The AK is a total gem. It's a gorgeous setting for modern art. I have been here for numerous exhibits and conferences. There is something very soothing and intellectual in attending a legalish conference, walking out of the auditorium and meditating on a Richard Serra sculpture. I'm no erudite art critic by any means, but the AK has something for every one (other than the Matthew Barney shit, which Must Be Destroyed, IMHO).
A truly fabulous collection and if you haven't been there, get there NOW! -
Review from Lon C.
Mount Sinai, NY
10/30/2009
Across the street from the Albright-Know Gallery is Buffalo State College. It's the smaller sister school of the (probably) better known University of Buffalo but both are in the SUNY system. At this point you've either stopped reading this review or are thinking: please get to the point!
Here it is, as a art student at Buffalo State College across Elmwood Avenue, I spent many a day in the Albright-Knox Gallery and I am grateful for it. The museum holds a diverse array of paintings and sculptures and is large enough so that you can return time and time again without getting bored but small enough to really do in one day.
I see people complain here that the collection is random but that's probably the point. With this being (as far as I know) the only major art museum in Western New York, it has to have a wide appeal. I found the randomness appealing and quaint in a way. Even now I remember spending snowy days int he museum taking notes for a particular art or design project or just spending some time surrounded by art.
There are pieces by some of the biggest names in modern art here including Lichtenstein, Warhol, van Gogh, and deKooning. The gallery serves as a cultural center and at the risk of sounding too much like an advertisement is located at the edge of beautiful Delaware Park overlooking the lake in the first of famous landscape designer Fredrick Law Olmstead's Buffalo parks.
Personally, I have fond memories of this museum and have returned many times since college, always drawn in by its accessibility and diversity. -
Review from Michael D.
Forest Hills, NY
9/3/2008
No sooner did I get back from a vacation that took me through Buffalo then I saw the latest issue of New York magazine, talking up the many charms of this city.
Well, the Albright Knox Gallery is one of those charming things. The collections are housed in a space that merges the original museum's architecture with a contemporary addition. The renovation works very well and offers visitors attractive spaces to view the art, a sculpture garden, etc.
One of the exhibits I saw -- "Op art Revisited"-- was both a great survey on the subject and also an interesting look back at the two previous shows the AK has done on this topic (in the mid-60s and again in the early seventies).
The Albright Knox donors are very smart collectors -- Witness the current show of works on paper from the Forman collection.
Interesting, intelligent shows to see, a pleasant space to see them in, a good reason for me to go back to Buffalo for another visit. -
Review from Michael M.
Anaheim, CA
5/16/2009
I'm giving this gallery low marks because of the amazing ridiculousness of its staff. After arriving for "free" Friday, we were informed that the upstairs show requires admission. I've been to plenty of museums, but it seems to me when you organise an exhibition of art composed mostly of stuff from your own permanent collection, you shouldn't be ticketing it separately. Strike 1.
Want to take pictures of the exhibition? I'm sorry, not upstairs. Don't want to use the audio tour? Take it back downstairs yourself. Don't sit too close to the wall (at a bench no less), you'll get the wall dirty. I'm not an 8 year-old kid. Everyone there was telling us what not to do. I've never been to such a negative museum within the first 15 minutes. Strike 2.
Interactive art that you can touch? Don't touch it too much. Move it back. The people watching the cameras don't like it. I saw one picture in the gift shop I didn't notice on the walls. So I asked the information person about it:
Her: "Oh, you didn't see it on the walls? It's not there."
Me: "Can you look it up for me where it might be?"
Her: "Oh, our computer can't do that."
That's it. No, 'I'm sorry I'll ask someone' for you, no attempt whatsoever to be helpful. That would be asking too much of the "information" desk. Strike 3.
I'll still talk about the art. At best, the artists might be famous, but the works are not their best items. Few things I saw were memorable or even noteworthy for the artists that made them. I saw a Picasso and a Magritte that I would never have attributed to them, and I like a lot of their work. I left feeling underwhelmed at the collection.
Overall, this museum felt like it was overly self-important, and its training programme must be atrocious if it had that many different people making our visit unpleasant. So, In summary, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're a serious contemporary art fan that can get past the ineptness of the staff.
Who thought I'd give my first one star review to an art museum? -
Review from Paul L.
6/11/2009 33 photos
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery's original mission was to collect works of art by living artists, primarily American. While the collection later included art from other cultures and time periods, the mission has generally continued to focus on modern art.
The parent organization of this institution, the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, is one of the oldest art establishments in the United States. It was formed in 1862. The original building -- designed by architect E.B. Green, who also designed the Toledo Museum of Art and the Dayton Art Institute -- was erected in 1905. (Look for the limestone caryatids on the exterior designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.) The building's modern addition was designed by Gordon Bunshaft and it opened in 1962. The visitor experience is heightened by the natural daylight that floods into many of the rooms.
A gallery is defined as a room or building for the display or sale of works of art. A museum is a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited. If you visit a city's art institution, the word 'museum' usually appears in the title. The fact that the Albright-Knox still retains the word 'gallery' in its title offers a clue to its current state of affairs.
For decades, the art on the walls remained pretty much in the same places. Pieces were added and, if you were a regular visitor, you noticed subtle changes in the overall presentation. For all intents and purposes, it looked and acted like a museum that could get a little sleepy at times.
Fast forward to the 21st century. Even with its 1962 addition, the relatively small square footage footprint means that there's not much space to show off everything. Add the economic crisis, a decreasing endowment, a decreasing city population, and mass entertainment that has an endless tug-of-war for the visitor dollar then you have a result that clearly shakes up the can's contents. That's no surprise: many museums battle similar demons.
There's nothing sleepy about the Albright-Knox anymore. You never know what will be on the walls during your next visit. Whole galleries devoted to the permanent collection may be temporarily abandoned to a traveling exhibition. There is, indeed, a sense of chaotic disarray. Be adventurous, be patient, and go along for the ride. Because you don't know what to expect, your emotional reaction and appreciation of what's on display may change dramatically on each visit. Sometimes, you'll feel you paid too much for admission and other times you'll feel it's the best bargain in the world. Sometimes, you may want to stage a protest on the Albright-Knox's doorstep and other times you may want to kiss a curator.
The Albright-Knox is a museum that has in many ways become a gallery and it can be a maddening experience, but also a joyous and very much a vibrant one. It's not perfect, to be sure. This is an institution trying to prove its continued relevance and it wants you involved in its journey.Listed in: Art Museums Anywhere
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Review from Lis K.
1/17/2009
Buffalo is a city ( I know its hard to believe), and like most cities Buffalo has museums. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery, is truly awesome. It's small enough to wander through in one day, but it definitely isn't lack at all in its collection. The grounds are beautiful and upon exiting you can walk straight into Delaware Park.
A Quick Factoid:
The building itself is one of the few still remaining buildings from the PanAm Expo in 1901. It was supposed to be part of the Fine Arts Pavilion, but construction wasn't completed until 1905.Listed in: Exile, Museums and Gardens, or let's…
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Review from Michelle A.
Atlanta, GA
11/20/2009
I had so much fun here. Perhaps it was the company, or perhaps it's because I love art. I'd like to think it was a mix of both!
The space flows well and the collections are extensive in their tastes and genres. There's definitely a little something for everyone. If you love intricate art, that's here. If you love black canvas with a red stripe, that's here as well. Drawings, paintings, sculptures... so many amazing things to look at!
Oh, it is also free on Friday, though one little section was pay only. We decided to not pay and just view everything else, and I'm okay with that. Good people, good art, good times. That's the Albright-Knox Art Gallery! -
Review from Bibiana C.
New York, NY
11/2/2009
A friend of a friend told me about free fridays. Back when elmwood and allentown were respectable i would walk down, taking in the sights and food and end here. For Buffalo, this is a huge plus and surprisingly great!
get lost in creation...inspire yourself. -
Review from King T.
Santa Monica, CA
7/7/2010
This was once a great hidden treasure. It is now not even a shadow of what it once was.
First it cost $5 for parking in Buffalo?!?! and then another $8 per person. Once inside there was a half empty second floor where there used to be a great room with a beautiful entrance. The halls were empty, the walls which were stone had plywood over them and they were empty.
Of the work they had up most of it was crappy B grade modern art that really holds little interest. There was none of the great classics or great modern art they were known for. No Picasso glass works. No great painting from some German dude in the staircase.
It really is so sad.
The curating sucked so bad that my apartment is better lit with Ikea lights.
Few works, over hyped, bad curating (very bad - three wags of the finger for this) and the library was closed. This used to be a great place to relax and enjoy and now that too is closed.
This place is an embarrasment. I am ashamed I showed it to people from out of town. Every Buffalonian should hang their head a bit lower because of the sad state of what was a great cultural icon. -
Review from Donna P.
Sadly only the lower level was open when I visited but the collections is wonderful. Would love to return when the entire collection is open for viewing.
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Review from jess o.
8/5/2010
This is a really welcoming museum but surprisingly small based on all the raves we had heard about it. The art they do have is great. The space is welcoming. There are fun community events, including jazz on Sundays.
We went on a free Friday and I was surprised how empty it was. Doesn't seem likely to be crowded anytime if it was empty then.
Very nice and helpful staff -
Review from lindsey s.
Buffalo, NY
2/4/2009
I make it a point to go to the Knox once a month, I will never understand people that dont go, especially when its free on Fridays! There is always something going on, and while the majority of the pieces are permanent, there always new pieces here and there. For the most part, I also love all the rotating exhibits,especially the Andrea Zittel exhibits that passed through a few years ago.
There is always a great mix of people walking around so even if you arent an 'art person' youll enjoy the people watching. Where else can you visit a big city art collection (complete with snooty gift shop ladies) in your backyard? -
Review from Sean p.
South Lake Tahoe, CA
6/7/2009
Thankfully i went here on Free friday otherwise I would have been disappointed to spent any money to see the museum. I felt that over all the pieces were random, the whole place didn't really have any direction or flow. It was just random pieces with the occasional well known artists, but usually their lowest works. Modern was mixed with classical and contemporary, which kind of conflicts the whole place to me. It seemed pieces were hung just to fill the wall or because it was some famous artist.
The staff as well were confused whether to charge us or not for the upstairs, but eventually let us go thru without offering the audio tour players. Not until we were done did we realize we missed out on that. Oh well. -
Review from Tiffany F.
Manhattan, NY
12/27/2009
This is a great modern art gallery. Free Friday nights are definitely a perk - but beware, the crowds can get intense - as with anything that's free.
Listed in: Best and Worst of Buffalo
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Review from Aaron K.
Astoria, NY
4/15/2008
The collection is the kind of collection you'd expect from a big city gallery. One of the best modern art collections in the world, and it's right here. Granted, most of it's not on display (as the classic masterworks the gallery does have are always on display)
The gallery needs more space, there's so much art in its collection.
The free friday nights at the gallery are amazing. There's always something going on, often times with kid-friendly activities, and best of all you an see the collection for free.
It's an outstanding gallery that gets outstanding shows. If you're from out of town visiting Buffalo, this place is a must see. -
Review from Mark M.
2/10/2010
I like this place but find it a bit of a maze to move around. I think it's best to go for a tour with one of the docents and have that on my must-do list. There are nice tall ceilings in many rooms. Staff is very friendly. It's nice to go for a freebie viewing on a Friday night. The gift shop is not the greatest and I never saw any posters with the art gallery pictured to purchase. The external architecture is beautiful.
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Review from larry b.
Woodstock, IL
1/21/2010
A truly world class art museum. Surprisingly good and well representative of various groups of art. Cool building as well. A great way to spend a snowy afternoon in Buffalo.
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Review from Joann P.
Bayside, NY
4/23/2009
It's a little expensive on the weekdays, but it's free on Fridays. I went about two weeks ago and it wasn't crowded at all. It's a cute little place to walk around with a date. The exhibits are only on one floor. There's also a cute restaurant called Muse in the Museum. HA, i get it now. It's owned by the same person who opened Sole and Le Metro. So, must be good.
