General Admission
All ages • Self-guided • Timed-entry Main House access • All-day Studio and Storehouse access
Overview
Activity details
Explore the restored historic interiors and special exhibitions of the Thomas Cole National Historic Site on a self-guided visit to learn about the artist and environmentalist Thomas Cole (1801–1848) with Museum Guides available to answer questions. Access to the Main House is timed-entry only, so please be mindful of your time slot while moving through the rest of the Site.
Access to the Main House is timed-entry only for 40 minutes, with each time slot occurring on the hour from 11 am–3 pm. Access to the 1846 New Studio, Storehouse, and Cole Center does not require timed-entry, though the New Studio does require a General Admission ticket.
What's included
- Timed-entry self-guided access to the 1815 Main House to explore the historic interiors and special exhibitions on view
- All-day self-guided access through 4 pm to the 1846 New Studio exhibition gallery for part of the special exhibition, Emily Cole: Ceramics, Flora, & Contemporary Responses, on view from May 3 to November 2, 2025
- All-day access through 4:30 pm to the 1839 Storehouse to see Thomas Cole's Studio and free drop-in botanical art-making
What's not included
- General Admission is not a guided tour; Museum Guides are stationed throughout the spaces to answer questions
- Access to special events and programming is separate admission, unless otherwise noted. View our schedule and get tickets on our website
Itinerary
Things To See During Your Visit
Access to the Main House is timed-entry only, so please be mindful of your scheduled time slot.
- The 1846 New Studio, where part of our special exhibition, Emily Cole: Ceramics, Flora, & Contemporary Responses, is on view from May 3–November 2, 2025
- The 1815 Main House, with our historic interiors, special exhibitions, Thomas Cole paintings on view, and digital immersive experiences
- The 1839 Storehouse with Thomas Cole's Studio and free drop-in botanical art-making
- The Cole Center, gift shop and enjoy the view of the Catskill Mountains from the Forecourt
The 1846 New Studio, Storehouse, and Cole Center do not require a timed-entry slot. Access to the 1846 New Studio does require a General Admission ticket.
Additional information
Check-in details
Please arrive at the Cole Center to check in for your tickets. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals in the next timed-entry slot for the 1815 Main House, but cannot guarantee availability. Late arrivals will still be allowed access to the 1846 New Studio through 4 pm and the Storehouse and Cole Center through 4:30 pm.
Please use the Spring Street entrance. Parking is free in the parking lot, which we share with our neighbors, Temple Israel.
Special requirements
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Restrictions
Accessibility: The first floor of the Main House is wheelchair accessible by an elevator lift to bypass the 11 steps leading up to the first-floor porch. The second floor of the Main House is only accessed by two flights of stairs. The Cole Center, Storehouse, and 1846 New Studio are all wheelchair accessible. The parking lot is asphalt and includes a number of accessible spaces. The walking paths are loose gravel.
Animal Policy: Pets are welcome on the grounds, though they must be leashed during our open hours and may not be left unattended at any time. Pets may not enter the buildings or go onto the porch of the Main House. Service animals are welcome.
If you need to discuss accessibility concerns or have any questions about our animal policy, please email us at info@thomascole.org.
Extras
- Enhance your visit with our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects, the arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies
- A wheelchair is available upon request in the Cole Center for on-site use on a first-come, first-served basis
- Umbrellas are available at the entrance of each building in the event of inclement weather for visitors to borrow during their visit on a first-come, first-served basis
Disclaimers
We will try to accommodate late arrivals into the next timed-entry slot for the Main House, but cannot guarantee availability. Late arrivals will still be allowed access to the 1846 New Studio through 4 pm and the Storehouse and Cole Center through 4:30 pm.
FAQs
For questions, please email us at tickets@thomascole.org (preferred) or call us at 518-943-7465 ext. 122.
Cancellations
Refunds are available for bookings cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.
Rebooking your visit is an option up to 1 hour before your scheduled entry time.
Please email tickets@thomascole.org with your booking change requests.