Corning Museum of Glass
Explore 3,500 years of glass art, history, and science. Witness live demos and create your own glass masterpiece!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Corning Museum of Glass
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 3,500 years of glass art, history, and science. Witness live demos and create your own glass masterpiece!
"An incredible blend of history, art, and hands-on fun that captivates all ages."
🎯 Book 'Make Your Own Glass' Early
Popular workshops fill up fast! Secure your spot for a hands-on glassmaking experience.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 3.5-5 hours to truly appreciate the vast collections and demos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Live Glassblowing Demonstrations
Hot Glass Showroom
Witness skilled artists transform molten glass into breathtaking art in real-time. Mesmerizing and educational!
The Studio: Make Your Own Glass
The Studio
Get hands-on! Create your own unique glass souvenir through workshops like fusing, sandblasting, or even glassblowing.
World-Class Glass Art Collections
Museum Galleries
Explore millennia of glass artistry, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. A visual feast!
+1
Seasonal Pumpkin Creations
Hot Glass Showroom
During fall, catch artists crafting intricate glass pumpkins – a festive and unique spectacle.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book 'Make Your Own Glass' in Advance
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book 'Make Your Own Glass' Early
Popular workshops fill up fast! Secure your spot for a hands-on glassmaking experience. +1
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 3.5-5 hours to truly appreciate the vast collections and demos.
📸 Capture the Magic
Photography is encouraged in most areas. Get those stunning shots of glass art!
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Find unique glass art and souvenirs at the museum's gift shops. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book 'Make Your Own Glass' Early
Popular workshops fill up fast! Secure your spot for a hands-on glassmaking experience. +1
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need 3.5-5 hours to truly appreciate the vast collections and demos.
📸 Capture the Magic
Photography is encouraged in most areas. Get those stunning shots of glass art!
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Find unique glass art and souvenirs at the museum's gift shops. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing to see everything.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Corning Museum of Glass for its captivating blend of art, history, and science. The live glassblowing demonstrations are a major highlight, as is the opportunity to create your own glass piece. While some find the narrator at demos less engaging, the overall experience is described as educational, entertaining, and truly unique.
"This is a very cool museum. There are a number of sections that showcases the artistic aspect of glass as well as the science and the history of glass. It is a material so integrated into our lives that you don't even realize how often it is used.
My favorite parts are the glassblowing demonstrations. The glass blowers skillfully makes works of art within 20 minutes and it's very interesting to see. During late September and October, they have seasonal demonstrations such as making a pumpkins.
You can even take glassblowing or sandblasting classes. This is definitely a museum worth checking out."
Erik Z
"We thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Truly amazing what can be done with glass, I had no idea. Plan to spend most of a day to see everything. I also enjoyed the display on fiber light guide. The flameworking demo was well presented. The presenter was very informative and seemed to really enjoy her job. However the narrator at the Hot Glass demo seemed totally bored. All and all a great experience"
John B
"Entertaining and educational experience for the whole family even if you aren't particularly interested in glass ! Museum premises are filled with light and feel contemporary and airy. On the day of our visit (a weekday in September), this museum was not crowded which felt very relaxing, almost meditative. Allow yourself at least 3,5 to 5 hours at this museum as there is a A LOT to see and explore. As of September 2025 children under 17 get in free and adult admission is $25. My son got a master class that, surprisingly, lasted literally 5 minutes but he absolutely loved it and, in a few days, got his creation (a pendant!) in the mail! He now proudly wears in to school👍"
Anna Valentini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Corning Museum of Glass is located at 1 Museum Way, Corning, NY 14830. It's approximately a 4-hour drive from NYC and Toronto.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the museum. It's generally free for visitors, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many visitors make the Corning Museum of Glass a day trip, especially if they are coming from nearby cities like Rochester or Syracuse. Plan for at least 3.5-5 hours to make the most of your visit.
The closest major airports are Elmira-Corning Regional Airport (ELM), which is about a 30-minute drive, and Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), about a 1.5-hour drive.
Yes, the Finger Lakes region surrounding Corning is known for its wineries. Many visitors combine a trip to the museum with wine tasting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general adult admission is around $25. Children under 17 often get in free, especially during certain times of the year. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for 'Make Your Own Glass' workshops and during peak seasons or weekends. This guarantees your entry and workshop spot. +1
The museum typically opens around 9 AM and closes at 5 PM, with extended hours on some days. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Discounts may be available for seniors, students, and AAA members. Children under 17 often receive free admission. Keep an eye out for special promotions or package deals.
Occasionally, the Corning Museum of Glass offers discounts through platforms like Groupon. It's worth checking Groupon or the museum's website for any current deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Glass Showroom, the extensive historical and contemporary glass art collections, and the chance to participate in a 'Make Your Own Glass' workshop at The Studio.
Yes! The Studio at the museum offers various 'Make Your Own Glass' experiences, including fusing, sandblasting, and even glassblowing. These are incredibly popular and require advance booking. +2
The live glassblowing demonstrations are included with general admission to the museum. They are a highlight and a fantastic way to see glass art being created.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Children under 17 often get free admission, and the interactive exhibits, live demos, and 'Make Your Own Glass' activities are engaging for all ages.
Most visitors spend between 3.5 to 5 hours to fully explore the museum, including watching demonstrations and potentially participating in a workshop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe and a food court offering a variety of options for lunch and snacks. You can also find charming cafes and restaurants in the nearby Gaffer District.
The cafe typically offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and baked goods, providing convenient options for visitors during their stay.
The Gaffer District, Corning's downtown area, offers a range of dining options from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants, many of which are within walking distance.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there may be designated areas for picnics outside the museum. It's best to confirm their policy.
While Corning is known for glass, the surrounding Finger Lakes region offers farm-to-table experiences. You can find local produce, wines, and classic American fare in many local restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged in most areas of the museum for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain galleries to protect the artifacts.
The live glassblowing demonstrations offer dynamic photo opportunities. The diverse collections, especially the vibrant contemporary pieces and intricate historical artifacts, also make for stunning shots.
While you're focused on creating your masterpiece, you might be able to snap a few quick photos, but the primary focus should be on the hands-on experience. Your finished piece will be a great photo op later!
Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Tripods and selfie sticks might be restricted, so check the museum's specific photography policy upon arrival.
Searching for 'Corning Museum of Glass photos' on Google Images or browsing hashtags like #corningmuseumofglass on Instagram and TikTok will yield many beautiful examples of the art and exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 3.5 to 5 hours to explore, as there's a lot to see. Comfortable shoes are a must, and the museum's cafe offers convenient dining options. The sheer variety of glass art, from historical artifacts to modern sculptures, ensures there's something to spark every child's imagination.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
+1 The museum is a treasure trove for those interested in the evolution of glass as an artistic medium. Beyond the permanent collections, keep an eye on special exhibitions and the work of visiting artists. The museum also hosts live demonstrations and workshops, offering insights into the techniques used by master glassblowers and artists. The museum shop is also a prime location to find unique glass art for sale, potentially from artists featured in the museum.
+1💡 Science & Technology Buffs
The museum showcases the scientific advancements that have made modern glass production possible, from early innovations to the sophisticated techniques used today. It’s a place where the intersection of art and science is vividly displayed, offering a unique perspective on how materials science impacts our world.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Science of Glassmaking
Beyond the historical context, the museum delves into the science of glass. Exhibits explain the properties of glass, its molecular structure, and its diverse applications, including fiber optics and advanced materials. This dual focus makes the museum engaging for art lovers and science enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive understanding of this versatile material.
Witnessing the live glassblowing demonstrations is a highlight for many. Skilled artists transform molten glass into stunning works of art in a matter of minutes, a process that is both mesmerizing and educational. The museum also offers 'Make Your Own Glass' workshops at The Studio, allowing visitors to get hands-on and create their own glass pieces, from simple pendants to more complex fused designs.
+1Experiencing 'Make Your Own Glass'
For those seeking a more intense experience, glassblowing workshops are also available. These sessions provide an immersive introduction to the ancient art of shaping molten glass with breath and tools. While these workshops require advance booking and can be more involved, they offer an unforgettable opportunity to learn from expert instructors and craft a truly unique piece.
Visitors consistently rave about the hands-on nature of these workshops. Even a short session, like creating a glass pendant, can be a deeply rewarding experience, leaving participants with a tangible reminder of their visit and a newfound appreciation for the craft.
Seasonal Spectacles: Glass Pumpkins
+2These seasonal demonstrations are a major draw, showcasing the artists' creativity and skill in manipulating hot glass to achieve intricate textures and patterns. From classic orange pumpkins to unique plaid designs, the artistry on display is truly impressive.
Visitors can also purchase these beautiful glass pumpkins from the museum's shop, making them a perfect, festive souvenir. The pumpkin season kicks off in late September and runs through October, offering a unique and visually stunning experience for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit