Continuing our Summer Travel series that focuses on places now open and ready for tourists, here’s another of our Places To See for those of you venturing forth whether near or far.
. . . as a material, [glass] has properties and characteristics we are only beginning to understand.
Adam Savage, TV Host
If your travels take you to the Finger Lake Region of New York, be sure to make time to see Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. You’ll be dazzled from the start!
With a nod to showcasing the best of vintage and contemporary glass and offering demonstrations, hands-on activities, and gifts to take back home, Corning Museum is a place for all ages. And the best news of all: it’s open (masks optional for fully vaccinated visitors) from 9 to 7 daily!
Because we love museums for their antiquities, it’s no surprise that we spent the bulk of our time looking at vintage pieces revered for their role in the evolution of glass or their importance in the history of the art form. Armed with a map of the second-floor galleries, we spent the bulk of our time in 35 Centuries of Glass — marveling at early vessels, pieces commissioned and used by royalty, and art forms we’d only read about before.
But if new art forms appeal to you, take a few steps further on the second floor to Contemporary Art + Design Galleries for artistry housed in pristine white rooms. It makes quite an impact.
Hands-on demos and glass-blowing demos are also available. Be sure to pick up a list of offerings when you buy your tickets. On the day we visited, two glass blowers walked the audience through the process of shaping a glass pitcher during a Hot Glass Demo in the auditorium. Our appreciation for the art form went way up!
But after perusing the galleries, reading the history, marveling at contemporary glass, and applauding the demos, we landed where we usually do at museums: the Gift Shop! With knowledgeable staff members, collections by notable artists, and affordable gifts, we spent quality time (and money) bringing pieces of Corning Glass back home!
Guess you could say we were officially Glass Nerds, but then again, that might be a stretch.
For summer travel, put Corning Museum of Glass on your list if you’re in New York. Visually, it’s a treat — a grand one at that. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself knowing more than you did when you arrived about the art of glass making. We certainly did.
I can’t imagine a world without glass.
Jamie Hyneman, TV Host
For hours, admission, and layout of the Corning Museum, check out their website.
Travel glassy-eyed,
Rusha & Bert
gallivance.net
Rusha, this place has been on my list forever, and I was pleased to read your post and see your excellent photos. Since you’ve followed our blog for a while you may know that, while we don’t qualify as “glass nerds,” we certainly do like our glass, so it was a pleasure to read your post.
Like you, I enjoy the vintage stuff, but I must admit, it’s wonderful to see modern artisans putting their own twist on the art form. As for the glass gift shop, I look but normally don’t buy, which takes a great effort. Take care and enjoy your travels. ~James
Oh, the Places We See
We’re not glass nerds either, but now I look at the art forms a bit differently. After examining all the vintage glass and new, remarkable creations at Corning, we broke out in big smiles as we pointed to the Pyrex measuring cups we own and use daily at home! Glass is cool!
Wandering Dawgs
Thanks for showing us these beautiful, colorful glass pieces! So happy we can travel again!
Oh, the Places We See
We’re happy, too!
Amy
Thank you, Rusha for this special tour through your fabulous photos!
Oh, the Places We See
It’s a special place, one that inspires photography at every turn!
Rose
This would be an interesting place to visit. I like the photo of the glass ornaments and am curious how they were made exactly. We attended a glass blowing presentation on a tour in Italy. It was fascinating to see how creative the artists were, and how fast they had to work to develop their design. In the heart of Venice, we toured the Glass Factory, Vecchia Murano, and came home with a few small glass art pieces.
Oh, the Places We See
You’re fortunate to have gone to the Venetian factory — I’d love that! And yes, the whole Corning Glass Museum is pretty wonderful — lots to see and do . . . and buy! I’d love another trip. Thanks for your comments.
Toonsarah
Some beautiful pieces here – I would especially enjoy the modern glass galleries I think 🙂 And that shop looks hard to resist!
Oh, the Places We See
Shopping always takes up some of our time, but in this museum we could hardly get out — there was sooooo much to see. Thanks for commenting!
WanderingCanadians
I’m blown away (ha, I couldn’t resist) by what people can make with glass. I took a glass blowing workshop once and found it fascinating.
Oh, the Places We See
Like that “blown away” comment — and that’s just what we were while visiting Corning Museum. At every turn, so many pretty sights. It’s hard to believe that the curators have one of just about everything you can think of, but there’s probably an equal amount in the world waiting for its turn to be in this museum. A wonderful place!
Dawn M. Miller
I’d love it there, I’m always amazed of the glass blowers and in awe of their creations.
Oh, the Places We See
We are as well, Dawn. And it was a great museum visit — not too overwhelming and plenty of opportunities to sit and enjoy demos and lunch to break up the day. Thanks for commenting.
kzmcb
It looks like JUST the place that we would visit, too. I love watching the glass makers and seeing the beautiful, colorful end products.
Oh, the Places We See
We did as well. A lovely place to visit. We could return since we never can remember even a fourth of all we read and look at. It could be a whole new experience next time!
thehungrytravellers.blog
We saw many pieces of art by Chihuly on our visit to Kew Gardens, London, they were fantastic
Oh, the Places We See
We’d love to visit Kew Gardens!! I’ve heard so much good about it. Chihuly is a favorite of ours, and an lawn exhibit has been installed both at Biltmore House in North Carolina and Cheekwood in Nashville, TN. Always a favorite artist for us!
Rebecca Cuningham
Beautiful photos. Thanks for the tour!
Oh, the Places We See
You’re so welcome. We loved going there and marveling at the various forms of glass. The sky really is the limit here!
Rebecca Cuningham
Looks very worth a visit!
Oh, the Places We See
This could be one of my favorite USA museums — not just for what you can see and learn but also what you can do hands-on. If you get a chance, please go. Thanks for commenting.
Rebecca Cuningham
Summer road trip to Ohio!
Oh, the Places We See
I love Ohio but I’ve only stopped in Cleveland and. Cincinnati. Lots more to see!
Rebecca Cuningham
Looks like it’s NY state. Sounds fun.
Oh, the Places We See
It’s NY state, for sure. The Fjnger Lakes district.
Rebecca Cuningham
That’s supposed to be very pretty.