Niagara Falls Attractions > Museums
Museums like the Castellani Art Museum, the Native American Museum of Art, or the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum are sure to leave you with the culture and history of Niagara. Check out all of the museums available throughout Niagara County.
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Falls Region
Daredevil Museum
303 Rainbow Boulevard, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (map)Phone (716) 282-1765
www.niagarafallslive.com
Explore daredevil memorabilia, including Steve Trotter and Lori Martin's two-person barrel, the jet ski used in Robert Overacker's attempt over the Falls and a complete pictorial history of the daredevils. Free
Niagara Arts & Cultural Center
1201 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301 (map)Phone (716) 282-7530
www.thenacc.org
The NACC is a multi-art center filled with over 70 studios devoted to the performing and visual arts. Classes, workshops and tours. Two galleries open to the public
Niagara Science Museum
3625 Highland Ave., Niagara Falls, NY 14305 (map)Phone (716) 282-2975
www.niagarasciencemuseum.org
The Niagara Science Museum (NSM) is a sanctuary for the preservation and appreciation of old science instruments and philosophical apparatus. We aspire to raise continuously the importance of the collections and to achieve professional standards characteristic only to the best science museums of the world. At that time, NSM will be an important center for education and learning for the understanding of the role of science for the development of human race. Open all year.
Niagara's Wax Museum of History
303 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 (map)Phone (716) 285-1271
Life-size wax figures portray dramatic history of Niagara Falls. See Balls and Barrels used by daredevils, a Fort Niagara Scene, an Indian Village, old store, blacksmith and barber shop scenes and how electricty is made. See: Julia Roberts, Princess Diana and much more! Admission.
River Region
Castellani Art Museum
5795 Lewiston Rd., Niagara University, NY 14109 (map)Phone (716) 286-8200
www.niagara.edu/cam
Located on the Niagara University campus, the Castellani Art Museum specializes in modern and contemporary art. Our permanent collection includes more then 5,000 works of art. Free Admission/ donations welcome. Ample parking, and gift shop.
Castellani Art Museum- Freedom Crossing: The Underground Railroad in Greater Niagara.
Castellani Art Museum, Niagara University, (map)Phone (716) 286-8200
www.niagara.edu/cam
Underground Railroad Interpretive Center located in the Castellani Art Museum on the Niagara University Campus. Historical photos, artifacts, and video stations tell the story of the Underground Railroad in the Niagara region. Part of the New York State Heritage Trail. Free Admission/ donations welcome. Museum shop and parking available.
Native American Museum of Art at Smokin Joes
2293 Saunders Settlement Road, Sanborn, NY 14132 (map)Phone (716) 297-0251
www.nativeamericanmuseumart
The Native American Museum of Art inside Smokin Joes hosts the works of internationally known Iroquois artists. View soap stone carvings and paintings of Iroquois life. Group tours available upon request. Gift Shop.
New York Power Authority - Niagara Power Project's Power Vista
5777 Lewiston Road, Lewiston, NY 14092 (map)Phone (716) 286-6661 / 866-NYPA-FUN
www.nypa.gov
The Niagara Power Project’s Power Vista is simply electrifying! The exhibits on energy, electricity and local history will spark your curiosity. The adventure includes hands-on displays and a spectacular view of the Niagara River Gorge. Open daily from 9 am - 5 pm. Free parking and admission.
Ransomville Historical Museum
3733 Ransomville Road, Ransomville, NY 14131 (map)Phone (716) 791-4073
Historical items of Ransomville are on display. Open every Saturday from 2 - 4 pm and by appointment. Located behind the Ransomville Free Library. Free.
Sanborn Area Historical Society School House Museum
2822 Niagara Street, Sanborn, NY 14132 (map)Phone (716) 731-9510
www.sanbornhistory.org
One room schoolhouse museum with numerous exhibits, including artifacts from the life of early settlers dating back to the early 1800’s. Hours are 2 - 4 pm on Sundays (except for winter months, November to March; only open the first Sunday of the month). Free Admission.
Sanborn Lewiston Farm Museum
2660 Saunders Settlement Rd.(Rt.31), Sanborn, NY 14132 (map)Phone 716-946-6811 or 716-731-5982
www.sanbornhistory.org
Take a glimpse into farm life in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Antique farm equiptment and implements, a farm kitchen, and an old general store. Visit Niagara County's only two headed calf. Open mid April- October. Wed. 1-4/ Sun 2-4 or by appointment. Free admission.
The Lewiston Museum
469 Plain Street, Lewiston, NY 14092 (map)Phone (716) 754-4214 / (866) 754-4214
www.historiclewiston.org
Located in a historic church built in 1835. Renovated with all new exhibits for 2009, including one for the underground railroad, Lewiston's contribution to alternative energy, the War of 1812, and more! Come and see why in Lewiston its all about the water! Summer hours Wed-Sun 1-4. Seasonal. Free.
Town of Porter Historical Museum
240 Lockport Street, Second Floor, Youngstown, NY 14174 (map)Phone (716) 745-1271
www.niagaracounty.org
Artifacts of the Town of Porter. Located in the heart of the Historic Village of Youngstown on second floor of Red Brick School Building, circa 1892.
Lake Region
Town of Somerset Historical Museum's Babcock House
7449 Lake Road (Rt. 18), Appleton, NY 14174 (map)Phone (716) 795-9577
One of 50 cobblestone structures in Niagara USA, this beautiful Greek Revival-style home was built for Jeptha Babcock around 1848. Open mid-June - mid-October. Saturday & Sunday 1 pm - 4 pm.
Van Horn Mansion
2165 Lockport-Olcott Rd., Burt, NY 14028 (map)Phone (716) 778-7197
www.olcott-newfane.com/html/van_hornmansion.html
Lovely, restored 1800s mansion, walking tours of mansion and grounds. Donation requested. Call for special event schedule of Victorian Teas, Candelight tours, and Holiday Carol Sing.
Wilson Historical Society Museum
645 Lake Street, Wilson, NY 14172 (map)Phone 716-751-9886 / 751-9827
www.wilsonnewyork.com/hist_society
This railroad station dates back to 1912, with vintage cars and trucks and a restored 1861 schoolhouse. Open 1st &?3rd Sundays only, closed January - March.
Canal Region
Carnegie Art Center
240 Goundry Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (map)Phone (716) 694-4400
www.carnegieartcenter.org
A regional, multi diciplinary arts center offering a variety of innovative fine arts programming including contemporary art exhibitions by regional, national and international artists in visual and media arts. Professional development opportunities for artist and art administrators, and a comprehensive children's education program. Open Year round, Wed-Fri 11-4; Sat-1-4.
Colonel Wm. Bond House
143 Ontario Street, Lockport, NY 14094 (map)Phone (716) 434-7433
www.niagarahistory.org
This 1824 National Register House was the first red brick house in Lockport. Home of Col. William Bond and Jesse Hawley. Twelve rooms furnished in pre-Victorian period. Open Monday through Wednesday, June - December from 1 pm - 4 pm or by appointment. Admission.
Das House German Heritage Museum
2549 Niagara Road, Wheatfield, NY 14304 (map)Phone (716) 731-9905
Original log cabin (1843) displays. Story of people who came from North Germany to WNY for religious freedom, founded three villages. Open Sundays 2-4 and by appointment mid may- october.
Erie Canal Discovery Center
24 Church Street, Lockport, NY 14094 (map)Phone (716) 439-0431
www.niagarahistory.org
A multi-media interactive museum that will transport you back to the 1820’s and the early days of the Erie Canal. Open daily from 10 am - 5 pm.
Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum
180 Thompson Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (map)Phone (716) 693-1885
www.carrouselmuseum.org
The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is located at 180 Thompson St. in North Tonawanda and is in the original factory building. The building and the 1916 #1 Special Carrousel housed there are both historic landmarks. See a collection of hand carved wooden carrousel animals. New exhibits every year. Admission, seasonal.
Kenan Center
433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY 14094 (map)Phone (716) 433-2617
www.kenancenter.org
A regional community center for arts, education and recreation. Programs include the annual 100 American Craftsmen show, the Family Performance Series, Nursery School, Youth Soccer and Lacrosse, community education and on-school-time visual and performing arts programs. The Kenan Center also features a year-round gallery, gift shop historic home and formal gardens. Some programs have fees.
Market Street Art Center
247 Market Street, Lockport, NY 14094 (map)Phone (716) 478-0239
www.marketstreetartcenter.org
Located in the historic Western Block Buillding on the banks of the Erie Canal, we are a community of over 24 artists working in a wide variety of media. We have two galleries and a unique gift shop. Come browse. Free.
Niagara County Historical Society
215 Niagara St, Lockport, NY 14094 (map)Phone (716) 434-7433
www.niagarahistory.org
This collection of diversified Niagara County artifacts is housed in six buildings and includes items from the Erie Canal, pioneer days, the Civil War, farming and more! Open year-round. Closed holidays. Open Wed.-Sat. 1 pm - 5 pm and 7 days July - August. Admission
North Tonawanda History Museum
Lumber City History Center, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (map)Phone (716) 213-0554
www.nthistorymuseum.org
A museum of the rich immigrant heritage of North Tonawanda, known as the “Lumber Capital of the World”, and its role as an important shipping and manufacturing center on the Historic Erie Canal and mighty Niagara River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Free
Railroad Museum of the Niagara Frontier
111 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 (map)Phone (716) 694-9588
www.nfcnrhs.com
Displays local railroad history and artifacts. Children can play with wooden train models and operate electric trains. Two cabooses and two industrial locomotives also on display outside. Open Sundays 1-4pm, from early June to late August. Admission.
