Buffalo AKG Art Museum
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As a passionate advocate for the arts and a proud Buffalonian, I find the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, now known as the Albright-Knox-Gundlach Art Museum (AKG), to be a true cultural gem in our city. It's not just a museum; it's a beacon of modern and contemporary art that shines both locally and on the global stage. Located at 1285 Elmwood Avenue, the AKG is a stone's throw away from my office at 559 Delaware Avenue. It's incredibly accessible, whether I'm driving or opting for a more eco-friendly bike ride. The convenience of on-site parking is a bonus, especially when I'm planning a visit with my family or colleagues. The AKG's collections are nothing short of breathtaking. Housing masterpieces from iconic artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock, it's a treasure trove that has significantly grown and evolved over the past five years. The museum's commitment to showcasing temporary exhibitions also means there's always something new and exciting to discover. What truly sets the AKG apart, in my view, is its dedication to community engagement and inclusivity. The range of educational programs and workshops is a testament to the museum's mission to make art accessible to all. This resonates deeply with my own values in communication and business, highlighting the importance of connecting with and enriching the community. As a father of three boys - August, Enzo, and Roman - I particularly appreciate the AKG's family-friendly approach. The museum offers interactive tours and activities that are both educational and engaging, making it an ideal place to introduce my children to the world of art. The museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, including artist talks and special member events. These provide invaluable insights into the art world and are often led by renowned experts. Considering my role in the local business community and my love for the arts, I'm also drawn to the membership options and opportunities to support the museum. Being a member not only offers exclusive access to events and discounts but also allows me to contribute to the sustainability of this incredible institution. In conclusion, the AKG is more than just a museum to me. It's a pivotal institution that not only showcases incredible art but also plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers to art access. It's a place where the community can come together to experience and appreciate contemporary art in a meaningful way. The AKG is a source of pride for Buffalo and an essential part of our city's cultural landscape.
Zack SchneiderZack Schneider
00
The grand re-opening of the AKG after it's massive expansion has been highly anticipated not just by me, but by the whole city. I know there has been a lot of controversy in terms of what people thing of the new buildings, with it's modern design and all glass walls- but I have to say, i am a HUGE fan. The space has more than doubled, so there is more work on display now than there ever has been. The new areas are so gorgeous, and the way they built it is identical to the big museums in NYC. When you walk through the large new galleries, you feel like you are at the Met or the Whitney. We have been waiting to have fine art taken this seriously for a long time, and finally there is a building suitable for it. I walked every inch of the museum on my last trip and was floored by all the work on display. My favorite section was in a previous gallery off the main sculpture hall- it was full of drawings and paintings about migrant fruit pickers, and they were all created on fruit boxes. It was brilliant and powerful. They are always sure to display contemporary work alongside permanent collection items, and always find a way to make them relate to one another. I was sad to see the Sol Lewitt drawing go- that was a tragedy. But the good outweighed the bad, or rather, the improvements are worth the things that have changed and are gone. I love the new atrium, and their new store, but I do miss the old main gallery. This is just an adjustment that will take time I admit, I have a membership so my parking costs are less, however- even with the membership, the parking fees are OUTRAGEOUS! This makes it difficult for any family to go to the museum. The costs are simply too high to take a family of four, park, etc. I have a single membership since I cannot justify the expense to make it a family membership at this time, but honestly, the parking fees are my only complaint! If you have not gone, you simply MUST. Even if you are not an "art fan" per se, the architecture, layout, and new amenities (cafe, restaurant, shop, etc) are worth looking at at least once.
Lara Star MartiniLara Star Martini
00
I have to say I was severely unimpressed. I hadn't been here in years and had been to the art museum in Philadelphia recently. I assumed our humble art museum maybe wouldn't be as grand but would at least have some stuff to spend the day at and enjoy some artwork. They give you a crude worthless map which must have been designed by a kindergartener, and set you on your way in a massive open building with no signs. We were told one building was closed under construction. The first floor of the one building was all empty, there was a gift shop and an event going on and one wing was filled with a childcare area. We were told all the art was upstairs. It was awkwardly laid out and it felt like certain places (again no signs anywhere) were places we weren't supposed to go? We went upstairs and there is a grand room that branches off in various directions. Overall I think there were 10 rooms. Of these rooms, 2 of them are dotted sparingly with sculptures and 3 of them are classic oil/acrylic paintings. The rest were all just modern art or paint thrown haphazardly on a canvas. 1 was dedicated to the history of the museum and probably was the most interesting though not particularly art-themed room..Not the stuff you think of primarily when you go to an art museum for sure. 1 room has a couple mixed media pieces and then had the stairs in it. So essentially 5 rooms barely filled. It took us about an hour and a half to go through and that's with bathroom breaks and taking our time and shuffling around other visitors. It's embarrassing! They are spending all their money on making grand buildings you can't even appreciate unless you're looking down from a plane and rebranding as "the AKG" sounds like a gun... Instead of oh I don't know, getting some cool exhibits or showcasing art, or hmm maybe show some local Buffalo artists?! We felt shocked. Like the map sucked so we were sure we had to be missing something..we asked one of the attendants politely if there were more buildings to see and she said no it is just this one (and the one that is under construction)... What a rip off! But we could stay until 7pm and there was live music. Really?? As if there was anything to do to spend the time from 2pm until 7! They want you to eat at food trucks and stand outside where there are just a couple sculptures to look at. The museum in Philly was amazing. I only had 1 afternoon and could easily have spent days there because I still hadn't seen everything before it closed. I think the AK47s (that's what I'm calling the AKG committee) need to focus on art and not elaborate buildings and events. We have a free ticket to come back when the other building opens and we aren't even sure at this point if it will be worth it. I remember coming as a kid and there was so much more to see here. They had a Monet exhibit and there was so much to see. But then they apparently redid the buildings and destroyed 80% of the exhibition area? But it also could have been a different museum maybe. I'm not certain on that, but I do know our trip today was disappointing and disheartening and I felt severely unimpressed and frankly ripped off as someone who was excited to see some art and to see the new "Knox" after it's supposed grand reopening.
Christopher Martone (Starcrescendo)Christopher Martone (Starcrescendo)
00
We traveled from Toronto, Canada to visit the AKG with our 9 and 6-year-old children, who are accustomed to visiting art galleries with us. For me and my wife it was our first time at the AKG in about 15 years, and we found the expanded space to be absolutely stunning. However, our experience was somewhat marred by the attention our children received from some staff members. Upon entering the sculpture room, a staff member first asked our children to lower their voices right after we’d entered the room, although they weren't being particularly loud. Shortly after, the same staff member expressed concern about our kids moving the light folding stools which are there for guests to use and move, citing potential damage to the marble floor. While we complied and addressed the situation, it seemed excessive given the circumstances. Just a moment later, when one of our children briefly stomped their feet in the next room, the staff member reacted with panic, assuming damage was being done. Despite our reassurance that no harm was done, the incident left us feeling unwelcome. It appeared that this particular staff member had an issue with children's presence and behavior, which detracted from our enjoyment and made the museum seem less family-friendly. Additionally, we noticed other staff members paying undue attention to children, suggesting a general concern about potential damage. In our experience, children's behavior is typically accommodated in other art galleries without issue. Does the AKG have concerns about families with children visiting the gallery?
Karri OjanenKarri Ojanen
00
It's been 10 years since my last visit which is far too long. But I was watching the construction and when I heard they completed the new addition I had to visit. First the building itself old and new is art, the architecture is always a combination of ancient rome meets modern day technologies. Let's start with the cafe with fresh made pastries that my boys absolutely loved. Onto the youth exhibit with the Lego room which was very interactive and got imaginations working. Then the mirror exhibit unfortunately leaving in January which left everyone with smiles and a great video. Onto the new addition which features 3 full floors of displays capped by a large piece that wraps around the basements exit into the parking garage. I believe our visit lasted a total of 3 hours and the impact to keep a 5 year old and 8 year old engaged was a highlight. But no talked about enough was the absolutely fantastic staff. Everyone was not only friendly but knowledgeable and that placed the experience over the top. I was proud to see the improvements and after seeing the new vision I have to say this is a must go. I'm planning a fall trip just to see how the lights during the season change interact with the building and another trip after a heavy snow fall in winter. The way the architecture melds with the art and how it dances with the light is stunning. This was a treat.
singingchef23singingchef23
00
We visited to see one of the special exhibits that was only available for a week or so more. The inside of the new structure is really neat. I experienced two issues in the new part of the facility that made this not 5 star for me. The odd stair height gave my knees pain when going down them. They were too wide to skip stairs and too short for a normal flex making them jarring to use. Anyone with a walking issue is likely to be taking the elevator up or down anyway. Just make it all ramps and that will make it easier to clean too. The other issue was the bathrooms off the 2nd floor coffee shop. they are 100% form over function. I do not want a full wall mirror in the bathroom. I don't need to feel that someone 6 feet away is watching me pee if I look in that direction. The chrome faucet is set for the standard "faucet pours directly into drain", with the drain very close to the back of the vanity. The problem is that the automatic water doesn't come on unless your hands are right under the faucet. That means you splash water all over the top of the vanity against the mirror just wahing your hands. Extend the faucet to the middle of the vanity bowl to prevent everyone from leaving a mess since there are no paper towels to be found anywhere. The automatic soap dispenser has the same issue with leaving drips on top of the vanity so extend it too.
Rowan HawkinsRowan Hawkins
00
Nearby Attractions Of Buffalo AKG Art Museum
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Japanese Garden
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Address
1285 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo, NY 14222
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Phone
(716) 882-8700
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Website
buffaloakg.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly known as the Albright–Knox Art Gallery, is an art museum in Buffalo, New York, United States, in Delaware Park. The museum was expanded beginning in 2021, and re-opened in June 2023. The museum is a major showplace for modern art and contemporary art.
attractions: Wegmans, Japanese Garden, Hoyt Lake, Delaware Park Rose Garden, Burchfield Penney Art Center, The Richardson Hotel, The Buffalo History Museum, Richardson Olmsted Campus, Buffalo Psychiatric Center, Buffalo Holiday Market, restaurants: Cole's, Mister Pizza Elmwood, Jack Rabbit, The Terrace at Delaware Park, Mr. Goodbar, Daniela, Vasilis Express, India Gate Restaurant, Breezy Burrito Bar, Tipico Coffee & Cafe
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