Immerse yourself in one of the most versatile materials and artforms, learn the history and the science, and even make your own creations at the Corning Museum of Glass. Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, this not-for-profit museum rests on a ten-acre campus devoted to exploring the wonders of glass.
Corning’s Innovation Center—the science and technology gallery—offers displays and hands-on exhibits showcasing glass around the world. Glass in Nature, Origins of Glassmaking, Glass of the Romans, Glass in the Islamic World, and Tiffany Studios are just a few of the many ongoing galleries.
You can also tune into a lecture or seminar from renowned artists and experts during your visit. On November 17 at noon in the museum’s studio, Cheryl Derricotte, a San Francisco–based artist-in-residence, will present a lecture describing glasswork telling the story of James Hemings. Japanese glass artist-in- residence Yukiko Sugano will also be discussing her use of flameworking techniques, mixed metals, and emotions. Both lectures are free and open to the public.
As for glassmaking, Corning offers hot glass demos, flameworking demos, classes, opportunities to make your own glass, and more. Live glassblowing demonstrations are offered every day, all day, and are included with the cost of admission. Flameworking demonstrations are available on a walk-through basis throughout the day.
Hot glass working, fusing, flameworking, and sand blasting are all on offer at the museum. The hot-glass-working experience is available for all ages and lasts approximately fifteen minutes. Fusing is perfect for ages four and up and takes roughly forty minutes, while flameworking is available for ages ten and up. Each of these categories requires the product to picked up the following afternoon or shipped home for an additional fee. Sandblasting is available for all ages, takes about forty minutes, and finished products can be brought home the same day. The Make Your Own Glass Workshop is open daily, but spaces fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance. More exhibit information, as well as directions, ticket prices, and reservations, can be found on the Corning Museum of Glass website at visit.cmog.org, and they can be contacted at 1 (800) 732-6845 or [email protected].
