On a trip to Rochester, NY, we made a pit stop in Corning, New York to visit the Corning Museum of Glass.
We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived, but the kids really enjoyed themselves. The museum is a cross between a science museum, art, museum, and history museum. Add in some live demonstrations and a scavenger hunt, and you have one of the best things to do in Corning, NY with kids!
By the way… If your mind automatically goes to Corning Ware Cookware, there’s a reason for that! Corning, NY is the birthplace of those classic white bowls with blue flowers that all of our mothers and grandmothers had (or have) in their kitchens.
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Corning Museum of Glass Location and Admission
The Corning Museum of Glass is located at 1 Museum Way in Corning, New York. There is a large parking lot for museum guests across the street located at 121 Center Way. A walking path from the parking lot leads you directly to the museum entrance.
Admission to the museum is $20 for adults. Kids 17 and under are FREE with a paying adult. If you are also planning to visit the Rockwell Museum as well, you can purchase a discounted ticket to both museums. If you are a member of an ASTC, ROAM, or NARM museum, you will receive FREE admission to the Corning Museum of Glass, just make sure to bring your membership card with you!
Eating and Shopping at the Corning Museum of Glass
On the lower level of the museum are a café and a large shop. While we did not eat at the café, everything smelled delicious. A varied menu of sandwiches, pastas, and pizza are offered. Across from the café is the gift shop. In addition to your typical gift shop fare, visitors can also purchase dishes, hand-made items, toys, and home goods.
5 Reasons Why Your Kids Will Love Visiting the Corning Museum of Glass
Okay, so why would your kids enjoy a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass? It’s practically three museums in one, and many of the exhibits, kids will enjoy.
Fun With Science!
Let’s talk about the “science” part of the museum first. The third level of the museum houses the majority of the science-based exhibits. There, kids can learn and see examples of how heat affects the opacity of glass. The large CorningWare dish tower is both impressive and visually demonstrates the science.
Kids will also enjoy the exhibit about electricity conduction. Push down on a button and reveal the person behind the white glass! Release the button, and the glass turns white again. How does it work? Conducting electricity through the glass affects the liquid crystals, causing them to align and let light pass through.
Another fun science exhibit is learning how water and glass affect light. Stand behind the big glass orb and make funny faces to see how the glass distorts each other’s image!
There are smaller demonstrations that take place on the third level. Glass makers explain the science behind the heating and molding of glass while onlookers can watch the technique up close.
Art Appreciation
There are a few galleries throughout the museum that feature glass formed into creative and unique pieces of art. Our favorite was the contemporary galleries, where artists show the multiple properties of glass and various textures, opacities, and colors that can be created. It is hard to describe the fantastic pieces that are displayed in the galleries, but here are some of our favorite pieces.
Historical Scavenger Hunt
The “history” section of the museum has a large exhibit featuring 35 centuries of glass. Artifacts are presented in chronological order, starting with glass items that were made almost 4000 years ago. As you travel through the exhibit, pieces become more ornate, as the art of glass-making has become more refined.
There is a scavenger hunt for kids to complete while they explore each time period. Each section has a specific piece for them to find. The scavenger hunt keeps them interested and engaged in the exhibit.
Live Glass-Making Demonstrations
The best part of the museum is the live glass-making demonstration. Right before your eyes, in less than 30 minutes, a glob of hot, molten glass will be transformed. Watching the glassmakers work together is like watching a beautifully choreographed dance. The primary maker designs and molds the piece while the assistant acts as another pair of hands.
Another perk of attending this demonstration is the chance to win one of the pieces. A randomly selected member of the audience gets to walk out with a one-of-kind piece of art.
Make Your Own Glass!
One of the activities that we did not participate in due to time restraints is the Make Your Own Glass. At the time of our visit, guests could make a glass pumpkin. Multiple projects are offered, and they take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. These projects are such a fun souvenir. I hope to make one on our next visit!
Other Things to Do in Corning, NY
Visit the Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum is a small art museum in Corning. If you want to visit this museum in addition to the Corning Museum of Glass, you can purchase a discounted combination ticket. The Rockwell Museum is a half-mile walk across the beautiful Chemung River from the Corning Museum of Glass.
The Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes
If you love living history museums as much as we do, don’t miss the Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes. Though it is not as large as one of favorites in New York (the Genesee Country Village & Museum), it still will educate and entertain you and your family.
Shopping on Market Street
There is nothing like visiting a small town, and one of the best things to do in Corning, NY is shop and eat on Market Street! Between South Bridge and Wall Streets are many food options, as well as unique boutiques.
You Should Visit the Corning Museum of Glass With Kids!
Overall, we loved visiting the Corning Museum of Glass. We spent about 2 hours there but could have spent more time if we had watched all of the available demonstrations and participated in the glass making. Although a museum about glass may not be the first thing you think to bring kids to, we highly recommend it! The best part, when you purchase an adult admission, kids are FREE!
More Fun in the Fingers Lake With Kids
If you’re spending a week or even a long weekend in the Finger Lakes with kids, you’ll have plenty of ways to fill your days. From amazing waterfall hikes in Ithaca and Watkins Glen, or fun up north in Rochester, there is something for everyone!
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