Corning Museum of Glass
1 Museum Way, Corning, NY, 14830
Located in upstate New York, the Corning Museum of Glass presents the history of glassmaking through its galleries, workshops, and live demonstrations. With over 50,000 pieces in its collection, you can see a diverse range of artworks, some of which date back over 3,500 years. Here you can explore interactive galleries, watch glassblowing demonstrations, and try hands-on classes.
The Basics
Founded in 1951, the Corning Museum of Glass showcases the artistry, history, and science of glass. The museum includes works representing historical practices and celebrates the technological advances that have impacted modern glass production. Check out the Contemporary Art + Design Wing to discover how glass is used in design, and stop by the demo room for more hands-on fun: the museum’s Hot Glass Demos are a great way to discover how artisans make—and manipulate—glass, and the glass breaking and flameworking demos are a hit too. You can also book a class to learn about glassmaking fundamentals.
Some multi-day tours of the Niagara region from Boston include a stop at the museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Corning Museum of Glass is a must for art lovers, especially those interested in glassmaking, and families with children.
To avoid waiting in entry lines, purchase admission tickets in advance online.
Kids ages 17 years old and younger are admitted for free. Adult admission is good for two consecutive days.
There is free Wi-Fi throughout most areas of the museum’s campus.
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs, and free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to Get There
The museum is located in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, about a 5-hour drive from New York City. Bus service runs daily from Manhattan’s Port Authority Bus Terminal; take the ShortLine bus to the Corning Transportation Center.
When to Get There
The museum is open from 9am to 5pm September through May, and until 8pm in summer. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
The Science of Glass
The museum’s Optical Fiber Demo is essential for kids and families interested in physics, optics, and communications technology. In the 15-minute demo, you learn about the role glass plays in current technology while transmitting digital information across the globe. Also discover how glass carries light, and enjoy a discussion in the Glass Innovation Center. The demo is included in the price of admission.
Ways to explore
You can prebook admission tickets to the Corning Museum of Glass to secure a preferred date and skip entry lines. Some multi-day Niagara region tours from Boston, Washington DC, or New York also include a stop here, often paired with highlights such as Niagara Falls State Park and Watkins Glen State Park. There’s plenty to see within the museum, including daily glassblowing and flameworking demonstrations. There are also a variety of hands-on classes available for those curious about the fundamentals of glassmaking.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available for loan at no cost. Assistive listening devices are available for demonstrations in the amphitheater. Sign Language interpretation can be arranged on request with at least two weeks’ notice. Service animals are welcome.
Age limits
None; young people aged 17 and under enter for free.
What to pack
Camera, reusable water bottle, contactless payment method
What to wear
Comfortable layered clothing, flat shoes
Not allowed
Pets, smoking and vaping, disruptive behavior, touching the artworks, food and drink in galleries, flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks
Amenities
ATM, parking, restrooms, café, lactation room, free Wi-Fi, gift shops
Address
The Corning Museum of Glass is located in upstate New York and is best reached by car or using a rideshare app. Some regional bus services and guided tours operate from nearby cities.
Driving
On-site parking is available and free for museum visitors. The museum is around a 4-hour drive from New York City or a 2-hour drive from either Rochester or Syracuse.
Public transportation
OurBus operates services from New York City, departing from the George Washington Bridge bus station. The bus stop in Corning is within walking distance of the museum, or you can take a taxi. A seasonal shuttle service runs from the bus stop to the museum from May to October. Regional bus services connect Corning with nearby cities, though schedules can be limited.
Best times to visit
Arrive close to opening time if you can for a quieter exploration of the galleries before the crowds arrive.
Best days to visit
Weekdays are quieter, but the museum is typically closed on Wednesdays from January to March. It’s worth checking the schedule before planning a visit.
Best months to visit
A trip between May and September should feature warm outdoor temperatures, and the courtesy shuttle service runs from Corning.
Special events
There are events throughout the year, such as holiday break activities, so it’s best to check the museum calendar before visiting.
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