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albany: general info
· city links
· history
things to do
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ALBANY
Calling Code: +1 (518)
First called Fort Orange by Dutch explorer Henry Hudson, Albany's
rich heritage spans almost four centuries. Quadricentennial celebrations have
already begun for 2009, commemorating Hudson's founding of Albany in 1609.
Thorough
those 400 years, Albany has continued to reinvent itself as a trading center,
hub of government, home to world class art and architecture and now, the cutting
edge of technology and research. Always at the crossroads of the northeast, there
is a new vibrancy in Albany that reflect both its link to history and its promising
future.
The Hudson River Way is Albany's new pedestrian bridge, linking its historic downtown
to the Hudson River as well as a visual connection to Albany's past. One of the
Hudson River Way's most significant features is the illustration of Albany's history
in a series of original paintings executed in the trompe l'oeil style.
The paintings tell the stories of ordinary citizens and moments in Albany's history
beginning nearly 500 million years ago when Albany was submerged beneath a prehistoric
sea. Many of the paintings depict actual historic artifacts discovered in local
archaeological excavations. The style of painting, which "tricks the eye", provides
visitors with the sense of viewing real, dimensional objects. The Hudson River
Way is featured in Americans for the Arts Public Art Network's 2004 Year in Review,
a guide highlighting the most successful, innovative and exciting public art projects
in the United States.
To build upon this public art project and Albany's Dutch heritage, Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau commissioned a series of original painting that depict many important attractions and events in the same trompe l'oeil style that replicates the style of 17th century Dutch artists. These painting reflect a rich, historic culture and Albany's fondness for fine art.
Quick tips/suggestions
Looking for internet access? Check out Interlan Cyber Cafe on Madison Avenue.
If there's a place you've stayed or something you've done, but we haven't listed, review it for us!
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