Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) | Finger Lakes

The Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG), located in Corning, New York, is a world-renowned museum dedicated to the art, history, science, and technology of glass. Established in 1951 by the Corning Glass Works company (now Corning Incorporated), it holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of glass artifacts globally, with over 50,000 objects spanning 3,500 years of glassmaking.

Location and Setting

Situated in the heart of the city of Corning, the museum is both a cultural landmark and a center for innovation in glass arts. Its architecture blends modern design with functional spaces optimized for exhibiting glass and conducting live demonstrations.

Collections and Exhibitions

The museum’s collection covers an extraordinary range of glass art and artifacts from ancient times to contemporary works, representing cultures and techniques worldwide:

35 Centuries of Glass Gallery: This permanent exhibition traces the development of glassmaking from its origins around 1500 BCE to present day. It includes:

Ancient Egyptian and Roman glass

Islamic and European masterpieces

Asian glass traditions

American glass innovation

Historical and artistic paperweights

The gallery not only showcases glass objects but educates visitors on glass chemistry, technology, and cultural impact.

Contemporary Art + Design Wing: Opened in 2015, this 100,000-square-foot addition designed by architect Thomas Phifer highlights modern and cutting-edge glass art. It features minimalist architecture emphasizing natural light, creating an ideal environment to showcase contemporary glass sculptures and installations. The wing also houses a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio where artists create and demonstrate live works.

Temporary and Special Exhibitions: The museum regularly curates thematic exhibits such as explorations of glassmaking fuels, glass under censorship, sustainable glass art, and works from the popular “Blown Away” glassblowing competition TV series.

Glassmaking Experiences

One of the most unique aspects of the Corning Museum of Glass is its interactive, hands-on opportunities:

Live Hot Glass Shows: Daily demonstrations show master glassblowers shaping molten glass in front of audiences, explaining the techniques and science behind the process. These performances make the art accessible and engaging.

Make Your Own Glass Workshops: Visitors can participate in workshops to create their own glass objects under expert guidance, ranging from simple paperweights to more intricate items, offering a memorable, personalized experience.

The Studio: The museum’s professional glassmaking school is internationally acclaimed, offering classes, residencies, and workshops for artists of all levels. The Studio was expanded in 2024 with a new facility called StudioNEXT, featuring advanced equipment, larger workspaces, and a theater for lectures and presentations.

Architecture and Facilities

The museum’s architecture balances aesthetic beauty and functional design. The Contemporary Art + Design Wing features a luminous glass and white façade, with expansive galleries that flood natural light over displayed works.

The StudioNEXT Expansion added 60,000 square feet of workshop space and a 120-seat theater, making it a leading center for glass education and innovation.

On site, there are also a café, gift shop with unique glass art pieces, and the Rakow Research Library, one of the foremost resources on glass history and technology.

Visitor Information

Admission: Tickets grant access to all exhibitions and live demonstrations, valid for two consecutive days.

Adults: $25

Seniors, students, military: $22

Local residents: $12.50

Children under 18 and members: free

Hours: Generally open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with some seasonal variations.

Address: One Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830

Phone: (800) 732-6845

Notable Highlights and Fun Facts

The museum’s collection includes rare and historic glass, such as one of the earliest known glass portraits dating back to ancient Egypt (~1450 BCE).

It houses a 20-ton, 200-inch telescope lens originally made for the Mount Palomar observatory.

The museum pioneered the use of freezing techniques to preserve water-damaged books and artifacts after disasters.

Summary

The Corning Museum of Glass is not only a museum but a living laboratory where history, science, and art of glass come alive. It offers a rich journey through thousands of years of glassmaking, hands-on experiences, contemporary art, and educational programs. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, craftsmanship, science, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience in upstate New York.