Museums in Syracuse that are Definitely Worth a Visit

For a smaller-sized city, Syracuse, New York certainly packs a punch. In addition to great restaurants, popular events, and plenty of greenspace, there is so much culture to be discovered. It’s where the shot clock for basketball was invented. Famous children’s book author Eric Carle was born. And significantly, where the Iroquois people originally settled the area. So whether you’ve lived here your entire life, or are just passing through, here are some museums in Syracuse that you have to visit.

Erie Canal Museum

Syracuse wouldn’t be the city it is today without the construction of the Erie Canal. It helped establish the cities across the state as the canal moved products inland from the oceanic ports. So it follows that Syracuse should have a museum dedicated to just that. Located in downtown Syracuse, the Erie Canal Museum provides a glimpse at the unique history along the canal.

Outside the museum are a couple of murals, depicting life along the canal. Inside, you’ll find an life-size canal boat replica. Upstairs at the museum are replicas of what life was like during that moment in history. A general store and tavern bar are on display alongside period furniture and fashions.

Special Events at the Erie Canal Museum

The most popular and attended event at the Erie Canal Museum is undoubtedly the annual Gingerbread Gallery. Over the past 38 years, the event has expanded from a one-day occasion in 1987 to now lasting six full weeks. The festival begins the day after Thanksgiving with an opening reception and live music. Often times the gingerbread gallery has additional special events throughout its course, like family day and paint & sip nights.

When going to the gingerbread gallery, visitors also get access to explore the full Erie Canal Museum.

The museum also hosts a series of lectures throughout the year, highlighting the canal’s connections to significant points in history.

* Did you know that the Erie Canal Museum is also a participating business on the Wandercuse passport?

Everson Museum of Art

The Everson Museum of Art is a true gem in the world of art museums. Of course, art museums have existed for ages, yet the Everson has celebrated many firsts. It is the first museum to be dedicated to American art. The first to collect video art and to have a permanent ceramics collection. And perhaps most surprisingly, it is the first museum to create a docent program.

The Everson Museum of Art was designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei and first opened in 1968. Today it remains a cornerstone of Syracuse, and the epicenter of both art and culture. And now cuisine as well with the opening of Louise, the first restaurant in the world where you can dine on the art.

Special Events at the Everson

Every December the Everson opens its doors to an influx of visitors eager to celebrate the holidays. First held in 1985, the Festival of Trees quickly became a holiday tradition for local Syracusans. Every year for the past 38 years local businesses, organizations, and individuals have decorated beautiful trees to donate for the museum’s biggest fundraiser.

Alternatively, some people choose to decorate wreaths or create other hand-crafted items for display – including those themed around Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other winter holidays. All of the trees, wreaths, and large craft items are available for purchase, with the proceeds going directly to support the museum.

Last year, over 50 trees and wreaths were donated to the museum. With a ticket to the festival, visitors also have access to browse all three floors of the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits.

* Did you know that the Everson is also a participating business on the Wandercuse passport?

Love art? Syracuse is full of beautiful murals for you to discover.

Museum of Science and Technology (MOST)

Despite what you might think, there’s more to Syracuse’s science museum than exhibits for the kids. The Museum of Science and Technology, affectionately known as the MOST, has something for every visitor.

The museum, first known as the Discovery Center of Syracuse, opened in November 1981. It was a joint effort of the Junior League, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Technology Club of Syracuse. Like the Everson, it was also a museum of firsts. The Discovery Center of Syracuse became the first hands-on science museum in Upstate New York.

In 1992, the museum moved locations from Clinton Street to Armory Square. With the move, it also got a new name: the Milton J. Rubinstein Museum of Science and Technology. And it also brought a few more firsts for New York. The first public planetarium in Central New York. And five years later, the first domed IMAX theater in the state.

Special Events at the MOST

The MOST is open Thursdays through Sundays, with additional days during school breaks. Every day that the museum is open, there are showing on the National Grid Exploradome. Like when it was the IMAX theater, the films shown at the Exploradome envelop the viewers with a domed-screen surrounding them.

One of the museum’s most popular events if the TAP into the MOST. The annual brewfest is one of their biggest fundraisers, featuring over 50 regional craft beers and food from local restaurants. This year’s TAP into the MOST is Friday, September 13.

Additionally, the MOST has a strong relationship with Lockheed Martin. Together they host a slew of events encouraging children to undertake science projects.

* Did you know that the MOST is also a participating business on the Wandercuse passport?

Onondaga Historical Association

No city is complete without a museum strictly dedicated to its history. And that’s exactly what the Onondaga Historical Association is about. Established in 1863, the OHA houses a wide variety of exhibits from Syracuse’s past. The museum showcases local inventions, Syracuse sports teams, historic fashion, and more. But my favorite exhibit? Freedom Bound, dedicated to Syracuse’s history with abolition and the Underground Railroad.

Additionally the Onondaga Historical Association has a handful of permanent off-site exhibits. These include the Brewseum at Heritage Hill. There’s the History of Syracuse Sports exhibit at Shaughnessy’s Pub and the Military History Museum at the OnCenter War Memorial. At the Hancock Airport you’ll find a Regional Aviation History Museum. And there are several more around town.

* Did you know that the OHA is also a participating business on the Wandercuse passport?

Onondaga Lake Park Salt Museum

Syracuse is a city that boomed during the Industrial Revolution. And one of the industries that helped establish this community was salt mining. So it’s no surprise that one of the museums in Syracuse is dedicated to that unique period of history. The Onondaga Lake Salt Museum is filled with artifacts and stories from the city’s salt mining days.

Fun fact: Syracuse got its name from its sister city of Syracuse, Sicily, another city built on the salt industry.

Ska-Nonh Great Law of Peace Center

Living in a city that was originally inhabited by indigenous people is something that should be honored and not forgotten. Luckily, the Ska-Nonh Great Law of Peace Center gives us a glimpse into what life was like before Europeans settled in the area. Originally called “St. Marie Among the Iroquois”, I remember going often as a child. There were living history demonstrations and interactive exhibits that catered to scout troops.

Then and now, it’s always been an enriching experience to learn about the natives who originally lived in the area. The contributions they made to society and the struggles they endured. Part of the museum is outdoors, where visitors can see replicas of what the chapel, blacksmith, kitchen, and other buildings were like centuries ago. Inside the museum you can also see some interesting Iroquois artifacts and how their community contributed to our modern society.

* Did you know that Ska-Nonh is also a participating business on the Wandercuse passport?