Out and About Rochester
Corning Museum of Glass
By Erin Mahany
A museum full of notoriously fragile objects may seem like an odd place to bring your family, but don't let the thought of kids and glass in close proximity to each other scare you away. The Corning Museum of Glass is a kid-friendly place that offers a variety of sights and activities that will entertain the entire family.
Located an hour and a half outside of Rochester, the museum opened in 1951 and now has a collection of more than 45,000 objects. Once you've perused the museum's collection of artifacts from all eras and cultures, try your own hand at glassmaking. The museum offers a variety of options, and there's an activity suitable and safe for any age. You can also check out how the pros do it at the live glassmaking demonstrations. Held throughout the day, these 15-20 minute shows give you an up-close look at things like flameworking and glassblowing. Entrance to the shows is included in the cost of admission.
Take a self-guided tour or call Dorothy Behan at (607) 974-8635 at least two weeks prior to your visit to schedule a guided tour. Admission to the museum is free for kids and teens under 19 & $12.50 for an adult day pass. 10% discounts are available for students and patrons over 55.
Erin Mahany is a Journalism intern from Villanova University.
Where It’s Located:
One Museum Way, Corning
When It's Open:
9am-5pm daily
Exhibits & Special Events
Glass Collection Galleries
Ever wonder how the ancient Egyptians made their glass? In addition to showcasing pieces from all over the world, the museum's glass galleries detail the history of glassmaking, featuring artifacts from every culture that has practiced the process. The Innovation Center, an interactive technology exhibit, highlights a more scientific side of glass. Admission is free for kids and teens under 19.
Live Glass Demonstrations
See glassmaking and glass breaking at the museum's live, narrated demonstrations. At these interactive demonstrations, offered several times a day and included in the cost of admission, visitors get an up- close look at glass flameworking, blowing, and breaking.
Make Your Own Glass Souvenir
Test your own glassmaking skills with the museum's hands-on options. From glassforming and flameworking to fusing and sandblasting, visitors of all ages have the opportunity to make their own souvenir. Tickets are required and are available for purchase online or same day. Age restrictions and cost depend on activity.
For more information:
Call 800-732-6845 or visit www.cmog.org
Erin Mahany is a Journalism intern from Villanova University.
This column appeared originally in the March 2010 issue of Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.