Cultural Education Center to Require Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test for All Visitors

Due to evolving concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and in alignment with recently announced protocols for visitors to the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building in the Empire State Plaza, the Cultural Education Center (CEC) will implement new rules for all visitors, including volunteers, interns, contractors, and vendors, effective January 12, 2022.  

All visitors, ages five and older, to the CEC must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative COVID test within the past 48 hours. The CEC is located at 222 Madison Avenue, Albany, and houses the New York State Museum, State Library, and State Archives. 

Upon arrival to the CEC, visitors must submit proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test as follows: 

Vaccination Proof 

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 when at least two weeks have passed after receiving either the second dose in a two-dose series (i.e., Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or a single-dose vaccine (i.e., Johnson & Johnson/Janssen).  

Proof of vaccination may include:  

• Excelsior Pass  
• Excelsior Pass Plus  
• SMART Health Cards issued outside of New York State  
• Full-course vaccination through NYC COVID Safe app  
• A CDC Vaccination Card, or 
• Other official immunization records. 

Those who received the vaccine outside the United States must have an official immunization record that includes:  

• First name and last name  
• Date of birth 
• Vaccine product name (only vaccines authorized by the FDA or WHO are acceptable).

Proof of Negative COVID Test 

When presenting proof of a negative COVID Test within the past 48 hours:  

• Results can be a printed copy or on a phone (e.g., digital health record or email or text message from a test provider or laboratory). 
• Personal identification with a name and photo or date of birth is required for visitors ages 18 and older and must match the information on the negative test result.  

In addition, please be reminded that simple steps can help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including to:  

• Wear a mask that fits securely over the nose and mouth. 
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events and hours of operation can be obtained by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.