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	For Immediate Release Joseph Brill 518-474-5987 \| joseph.brill@ogs.ny.gov June 14, 2022
OGS ANNOUNCES FREE SUMMER TOURS AT THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA AND CAPITOL New ‘Ride the Plaza!’ Trolley Tours Start Wednesday, June 22
New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the popular and free summer tours of the Empire State Plaza and outdoor sculptures have returned. Beginning on June 22, and new this year, “Ride the Plaza” tours that will showcase the Empire State Plaza from the comfort of a specially wrapped air-conditioned and accessible CDTA trolley. “The Capitol and Empire State Plaza are home to fascinating history, impressive architecture, and world-class artwork,” Commissioner Moy said, “Our tours are a great way to spend some time this summer, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of these free activities. Thanks to our partner CDTA, the trolley tours will help make the Plaza more accessible to visitors.” The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza is at the center of one of the most spectacular capitals in the world: a 98 ½-acre city-within-a-city that includes one of the greatest public collections of modern art in the country, the State Museum, and a unique performing arts center, The Egg. “Ride the Plaza!” – Trolley Tour Visitors can relax and enjoy learning about local landmarks, architecture, art, memorials, and history. In addition, Wednesdays on the Plaza also include a farmers market, food trucks, and live music. The trolley is fully accessible and can accommodate up to 36 passengers, and reservations are recommended. Riders will be required to wear masks. Where:Board the trolley on Madison Avenue, near the NYS WWII Memorial. The trolley will return to the same location at the end of the tour. When:Two tours on Wednesdays, June 22 through August 31 at 12:45 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tours are 45 minutes long. Reservations: Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged and can be made at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. “We are excited to partner with OGS and bring this unique opportunity to the Capital Region,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “Moving people and connecting them to what matters in their life is at the core of what CDTA does. We are looking forward to welcoming the community on board and giving them a look at all of the history and beauty the Capital city has to offer.” Empire State Plaza Tours On this outdoor walking tour, discover this world-class complex. Learn how government and culture are housed within the modern architecture of the Empire State Plaza, including the Plaza’s memorials, visit inside The Egg, and receive an overview of the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Art Collection. Where: Tours begin on the Plaza near the base of The Egg. When:Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, July 1- August 30 at 12:45 p.m. Tours are 45 minutes. Reservations: No reservations are needed for this tour. However, groups of 10 or more should call (518) 474-2418. “Spotlight on Art” Themed Tours of the Empire State Plaza Art Collection Art historians have called the collection “the greatest collection of modern American art in any single public site that is not a museum.” The tour will focus on the history of the collection, as well as highlights of the 92 works of art on permanent display throughout the Plaza’s indoor concourse level. Weather permitting, tours will also include pieces located outdoors. Where: Corning Tower Security Desk, concourse level When: Last Monday of the month, June 27 through August 29 at 11 a.m. Tours are 45 minutes. Reservations: Space is limited, and reservations are recommended but not required and can be made online at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. Call (518) 474-2418 for groups of 10 or more. Online registration ends one hour before tour time. Walk-ups are permitted. Tour the New York State Capitol Sitting atop Albany’s State Street hill, the New York State Capitol has served as the seat of government for New York since the 1880s. The building is a marvel of late 19th century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years. Highlights of the 45-minute tours can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings. Where:State Street Lobby visitor information desk When:Monday through Friday at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Reservations:Space is limited, and reservations are recommended but not required and can be made online at empirestateplaza.ny.gov. Call (518) 474-2418 for groups of 10 or more. Online registration ends one hour before tour time. Walk-ups are permitted. Security: Visitors to the Capitol are required to pass through metal detectors and have bags scanned through an x-ray machine. Personal belongings such as backpacks and large bags should be left behind. Sharp objects, such as pocket knives, nail clippers, weapons, and nuisance devices such as whistles and noisemakers are not allowed into the building. COVID-19 Access and Procedures: Access to the New York State Capitol and Legislative Office Building (LOB) is limited to visitors who are fully vaccinated or visitors who provide proof of a negative Covid test within the past 48 hours. Additional details https://empirestateplaza.ny.gov/covid-19-access-and-procedures.

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OGS ANNOUNCES FREE SUMMER TOURS AT THE EMPIRE STATE PLAZA AND CAPITOL

New ‘Ride the Plaza!’ Trolley Tours Start Wednesday, June 22