Top Museums in Niagara Falls, NY
Museums in Niagara Falls
Category types
Museums
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Speciality Museums
What travellers are saying
- Tracy L1 contributionThis is a MUST VISIT Museum! I recommend it to everyone planning a trip to Niagara Falls - whether the visit is on the US side or Canada. The history of this community is important to understanding the fight and flight to freedom from slavery in the U.S.
The museum brings to life the important role that Niagara Falls, NY and its community of former slaves and abolitionists played in the success of the Underground Railroad. Our tour guide Jasiah was EXCEPTIONAL as she educated and engaged all in our tour group. The journey through the museum introduced me to heroic individuals whose names and courageous actions have been untold.
I am so very pleased that my family and I made this museum a part of our Niagara Falls experience. If you are traveling to/from a visit to the Falls, I recommend you include a visit to the museum on your agenda. You will leave enlightened and inspired by the knowledge of those who came before us.
A very special thanks to the leadership and staff of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center!Written August 12, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mahendri R1 contributionWe came to this area for their helicopter experience, but stumbled upon this aerospace museum. It was a nice experience looking at the history of aviation. The museum itself is run by volunteers and they know a lot about aviation.
We got a personal tour by one of the volunteers Walt, a very sweet person. He was really fun to talk to and very knowledgeable. He was narrating stories around major milestones of aviation, which I thought was supercool.
Overall, I highly recommend visiting this place for kids and adults both!Written June 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dagodfrey647 contributionsWe enjoyed learning about the history of the area from the displays. These were some of the worst wax figures I've ever seen, however we were thoroughly entertained. Poor Abe Lincoln, with his forehead pressed against the display and a droplet of wax dripping off his nose, made us howl with laughter! If these figures are truly made of wax, one would think that a much cooler environment with proper climate control would be essential to maintain their structural integrity. It was a great place to pass the time and learn about some local history. There were several nice areas with props to take photos. The five of us gave it 10 thumbs up.Written August 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- peaceozLewiston, NY63 contributionsThe Castellani isn't big but they use the space well. The artwork they have is very interesting and many of the rooms have changing exhibits They offer wonderful programs throughout the year. Classes for children and adults, speakers and fun activities to get everyone involved in art. Parking is terrible so either park at the Power Vista (an easy walk) or take the free Niagara Shuttle which drops you off right out front.Written November 5, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- limegreenmo104 contributionsinformative place on the history of the falls, shows short video, part of the discovery pass. can be done same day as the aquarium and seen in an hour or so. trolley tickets can also be purchased here. not expensive even purchased seperately from discovery passWritten September 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 5cats1dogFayetteville, NC2 contributionsPolly King and I had a connection though I never knew it until my aunt (my family is originally from Niagara Falls) died in 2006. It was while attempting to make order of my aunt's estate that I realized that some of her belongings were missing: primarily art. You see, my aunt was a promising (and quite prolific) artist until mental illness stole that talent from her so when we were sorting things out in her 2 bedroom condominium that I realized that a lot of art was missing. Many phone calls later, and thanks to a wonderful locally run storage company, the next day, 8 or 10 boxes arrived, full of some old and beautiful china but mostly art. Lots and lots of art. Most of it my aunt's, but also art by others including a portrait of my aunt, a gorgeous portrait full of color and beauty and life and more color and, yes, Polly King finally enters the story, it turns out that it was a portrait done by Niagara Falls artist Polly King, who was a friend, teacher, and mentor of my aunt's.
Eventually I met Polly's son and had saw the museum which is Polly's home. One might think that having a museum in a home is odd or not quite right according to de rigeur art protocol and one might be correct if one thinks in that kind of way. But, it turns out that this isin fact, the perfect way to show Polly King's work.
As soon as you walk in the door of this beauiful old house, you capture the essence of Polly. The home teems with her spirit, essence, joie de vie, art. Art is everywhere! Not just pieces of art, although they abound. Paintings are in nooks and crannies and underfoot and overhead. But way before we all became enchanted with DIY and creative little whimsical touches like painting borders of vines around our bathroom ceilings, Polly apparently would have an urge to paint a path of flowers down a hall or up a wall, wherever the spirit mover her. And would do so. It would be such a wonderful place to show young people with an interest in art as the museum lets you see how it is to be able to literally live, breathe, and eat art.Polly's work is almost universally cheering. It's colorful, reflective of her many travels and love of flowers and all things of beauty.
I wished I could spend days in her home and though when my aunt died so went the last of my family connections to Niagara Falls I made some new friends and will be back at the museum. I am fortunate enough to have the portrait of my aunt as well as a smaller piece of Polly's that my aunt owned. The beginnings of a collection I hope.
Being from Niagara Falls originally, I know how much there is to do when one visits, but this is a trip that is more than worth making. You will see another side of the city, the home is in one of the old neighborhoods, the house by itself is a wonder, and
it provides an hour or two of quiet enjoyment away from the more typical activities. Enjoy!Written December 21, 2008This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tesla20Lewiston, NY46 contributionsNice that this building was saved from the wrecking ball. As the former Niagara Falls High School, it is now a center for artists, musicians, and local theatre. Several 'festivals' during the year add to its local interest and enjoyment.Written August 7, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DOUGANDPOLLYGRAND ISLAND905 contributionsfor students of the history of german tribes and immigration, this is an intriguing little stop, proudly staffed by second-generation germans (who really had a tough time over here during the '40s) but it really need to be open a little moreWritten March 23, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara Falls
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Niagara Falls:
- Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
- Niagara Aerospace Museum
- Niagara Wax Museum of History