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Museums #9 in Buffalo, New York

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

4.6 · 2,774 reviews
Refined, spacious, and intellectually stimulating
Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States
Interesting facts
1

The original collection was established in 1862 as the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy.

2

The Gundlach Building's facade is composed of translucent glass that reflects the surrounding Olmsted parkland.

3

The museum holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Clyfford Still's work globally.

4

It was the first institution to acquire a work by Arshile Gorky.

5

The museum’s 'Sculpture Garden' features outdoor works integrated into the landscape of Delaware Park.

6

The historic Albright Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

7

The museum's rebranding to 'AKG' honors the generosity of Jeffrey Gundlach.

8

The institution historically focused heavily on the New York School of artists in the mid-20th century.

Overview

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, houses one of the oldest public art collections in the United States. The museum is defined by its expansion project featuring the Gundlach Building, a glass-walled structure designed by Shohei Shigematsu of OMA. It maintains a strong focus on modern and contemporary art, with significant holdings in Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Post-War European art. The campus includes the historic 1905 Albright Building, a prime example of Greek Revival architecture. Visitors encounter works by artists such as Clyfford Still, Helen Frankenthaler, and Jackson Pollock. The museum actively commissions contemporary artists for site-specific installations throughout the indoor and outdoor spaces. It is located at the edge of Delaware Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. The institution underwent a major multi-year expansion and renovation before reopening in 2023. The site integrates interactive education spaces alongside traditional gallery viewing rooms.

Photo spot

The dramatic glass 'bridge' connecting the Gundlach Building to the historic Albright Building.

Insider tips

Check the digital calendar for rotating contemporary exhibitions before arriving.

Walk through the connecting corridors between the historic and modern wings to appreciate the architectural transition.

Visit the onsite cafe to view works integrated into the dining area.

What to avoid

Rushing through only the modern wing; missing the historic 1905 building galleries which house foundational pieces.

Good to know

Closed on Tuesdays.

Etiquette

No flash photography in restricted galleries; refrain from touching artworks; maintain a low volume in quiet zones.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and fully experience the quiet of the galleries.
Address
Buffalo AKG Art Museum, 1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222, United States
42.932, -78.876
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWorks by Clyfford Still, Jackson Pollock, and Arshile Gorky
Architectural styleGreek Revival historic wing paired with modern glass-curtain architecture

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid weekend crowds and fully experience the quiet of the galleries..

The dramatic glass 'bridge' connecting the Gundlach Building to the historic Albright Building.

Close by you'll find Delaware Park, The Buffalo Zoo, Japanese Garden.