9 Museums & Performing Arts Attractions in Lake George: Dive Into Local Culture
Discover nine of the best museums and performing arts attractions in and near Lake George below! Prepare to enjoy live entertainment, paintings, sculptures, historical reenactments, and more on the cultural scene.
1) Experience Premier Entertainment at the Historic Park Theater
If you're looking for a cultural experience that combines all the beauty and history of a century-old venue with the modern luxuries of state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, The Park Theater in Glens Falls is the ideal location.
The theater hosts comedy shows, concerts, films, and a variety of event series all year long, and they have an on-site restaurant, Park & Elm. Dinner and a show, anyone? The fact that this used to be the first movie theater in Glens Falls back in the early 1900s adds a little history to this cultural hotspot.
Google reviewers have said: "Without a doubt, one of the nicest venues for an evening out." "Quaint theater. Great place to catch a show. Right downtown as well." "Lovely venue for small productions, one level seating. Sound and lights are good for the space."
2) Connect With History, Nature, and the Arts at The Sembrich
Located on the shores of Lake George in the hamlet of Bolton Landing, The Sembrich is a unique spot where history, nature, and the arts converge. The museum was originally the teaching studio of acclaimed Polish-American soprano Marcella Sembrich, and features many of the original artifacts placed by the songstress herself.
The Sembrich is perhaps best known for their annual summer festival, which features live music performances, film screenings, and theatrical productions. They also have a 4.5-acre nature preserve with walking paths, and are a spot for the annual Lake George Hike-a-Thon.
Google reviewers have said of the Sembrich: "Small jewel of a museum devoted to a legendary soprano now mostly lost in the mists of time. Wonderful newspaper clippings, mementos, photographs, costumes." "My favorite place on the lake!" And, "Very nicely maintained house and grounds. The photos and memorabilia were well curated."
3) Explore Exhibitions & History at The Hyde Collection
You can’t talk about art museums in the Lake George region without mentioning The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls. Recognized as one of the most exceptional small art museums in the Northeast, The Hyde is currently home to over 5,000 objects and artworks in its permanent collection.
The museum complex's distinguished collection of American and European art includes works by the masters, such as Botticelli, Renoir, Degas, and Rembrandt - "Christ With Arms Folded" may be the most famous piece housed in the museum. Guests will find more modern pieces as well.
"Great museum with amazing artwork and furnishings of historic home," one visitor reviewed. "Staff were often generous with their time and enjoyed discussing works," said another. And, "We are so blessed to have an art museum of this caliber in our small city."
4) Step Back in Time at the Fort William Henry Museum
Fort William Henry was built at the southern end of Lake George (present day Lake George Village) back in 1755 as a British outpost during the French and Indian War. The role that the fort and Lake George played in the war is highlighted in James Fenimore Cooper’s popular novel, “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Although the original fort was destroyed, it has since been recreated as a living history museum where visitors can learn all about the French and Indian War. You can take a self-guided tour of the museum’s exhibits, attend one of their special events and programs, and witness history come alive with live musket and cannon demonstrations.
One Google reviewer raved, "What a fantastic place! I spent over two hours enjoying the very informative (and funny) reenactments by the staff (musket shooting, cannon firing, history talk, etc.). There were plenty of rooms and exhibitions inside the fort. The view over the lake was stunning. Plenty of parking available."
5) Discover the Arts at the Lake George Arts Project
Here in Lake George Village, the old county courthouse is currently the home of the Lake George Arts Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality arts programming to the region. Each year, they present exciting exhibitions and live music at their gallery and other local venues.
The Courthouse Gallery is located in the back lower level of the historic courthouse building in Lake George, and its mission is to feature exhibitions by regional and national contemporary visual artists.
Google reviews are short but flattering: "Great space, great events, great people." "Great venue for visual arts in the North Country, world class." And just, "Great place."
6) Step Inside an Intimate Setting at The Lake George Dinner Theatre
Each year in summer and fall, The Lake George Dinner Theatre at the Holiday Inn Resort in Lake George offers patrons one of the most memorable dining and theater experiences in the region. Your trip to this intimate setting will begin with a delicious full-course meal and end with a performance of a contemporary comedy.
The Lake George Dinner Theatre is operated by Lake Theatre Productions, Inc., which aims to bring professional theatrical productions to the Lake George area. They specialize in plays but also host workshops and seminars.
Google reviews are consistent: "A great night of entertainment with great food!" "Had a great time! Dinner was delicious and the play was excellent!" "The entertainment and the food were quite good." And, "Really nice meal and performance."
7)_Enjoy Performances During ATF at Charles R. Wood Theater
Although the Charles R. Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls hosts an eclectic lineup of entertainment throughout the year, such as comedy shows, films, music, dance, and more, the arts venue is revered as the home of the Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF).
ATF is a professional, nonprofit summer theater that aims to produce new and contemporary musicals and plays that will challenge, entertain, and nourish their audiences. The original works performed during ATF are created by some of the most established and experienced professional theater artists in the country.
Reviewers said: "Interesting new plays in a great setting." "Fantastic professional theater with a focus on new work. Well worth the ticket every time!" And, "Love all the unique shows."
8) Tap Your Feet to the Music at Little Theater on the Farm
Located a short drive away from Lake George, Little Theater on the Farm in Fort Edward is a nonprofit performing arts venue that hosts everything from theatrical shows to live music, parties, and even historical reenactments on occasion. Some of their typical shows include folk concerts, bluegrass bands, jamborees, and acoustic artists.
The near perfect Google reviews praise everything from the live music shows with country and bluegrass, to their annual haunted house that locals love to flock to come Halloween season.
9) See Who's Rocking the Stage at The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls
The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls originally opened in 1923 and was later converted into the Town of Kingsbury office building. It was purchased from the town by Hudson River Music Hall Productions, Inc. in 2016, and has since become a hub for music, shows, and events.
Renovations have continued over the years to restore the space to its original glory and bring it up to code for modern times. You'll find everything from rock concerts, open mics, and jazz groups to films, dance troupes, and more on the stage.
Reviewers have said about the Strand: "This is a great initiative for preserving the building, local history, and promoting the arts!" "This place is really, really nice inside and out, and the owner is a downright great guy." And, "What a quaint little restored theater."
Grab a bite to eat after a show >>
