Spend a day or two at the Corning Museum of Glass
“You really like fire. You’re kind of addicted to it.” Cat Burn’s mother said to her, “so you’re either going to jail for it or you could learn to play with it.” And that’s exactly what we were doing as we created a cobalt blue pumpkin in The Studio. Glassblowing (making seasonal pumpkins, snowmen or Easter eggs) or creating beads through flamework are only a few of the things to see and do at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York. Located in the Finger Lakes region it is approximately 4 hours from Toronto and 4.5 hours from New York City. Both educational and entertaining, it is the perfect weekend getaway for families, couples or art lovers.
Opened in 1951, this museum complex incorporates numerous galleries, an indoor and outdoor amphitheatre, an outdoor kiln, and lastly, a large studio and teaching facility. Home to the largest collection of glass, it holds over 50,000 objects covering a span of 3,500 years of glass history. The Museum has grown into a collecting, exhibiting, teaching, and research facility located just steps away from the global headquarters of Corning Inc. If you can dream it, it has been made into glass.
This world-class museum has pieces from ancient Egypt to current day. With over 460,000 visitors a year, an average visit lasts 4.5 hours long, with 20-25% of visitors attending the Studio for glass blowing classes to create beautiful items. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will get through this museum in a few hours. With an admission pass good for two days, plan accordingly and be sure and take advantage to play with a little bit of fire to create a beautiful keepsake then take it home the next day!
There are a variety of galleries to visit from the Crystal City Gallery – to learn about cut glass – to my personal favourite – the Contemporary + Design gallery. Set against crisp white walls, there is no better way to see these glass pieces!
This museum is the perfect intergenerational travel destination. With workshops for children, along with seasonal activities and glass making/breaking demonstrations.