There’s more to do in Corning, New York than taste wine. You can explore one of the world’s best glass museums. The Corning Museum of Glass features something for everyone including history, live glassblowing, science, and many styles of glassware design.
The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s largest glass museum. The exterior of the building is sleek and shimmers like a jewel in the sunlight. Recently a 100,000 square foot addition was completed.
The main entrance to the museum features outdoor seating for enjoying a refreshment before setting about the task of exploring the many exhibits in this vast space.
The exhibits feature 35 centuries of glass art and history. Apparently glass thrives and is transformed by natural light so the museum galleries are filled with skylights so you can have different experiences depending on the time of day or the weather.
Although it was difficult to choose my favorite piece in the museum I decided on this sculpture named Spirale which was inspired by a nautilus shell. Crafted in blown and hot-work filigrana this sculpture represents one of the most challenging styles of glass making. It was designed by the Italian born Lino Tagliapietra who perfected his skills on Murano which is located near Venice, Italy. Today Lino is considered the best glassblower in the world.
I loved the complexity and the colors in this piece shown above. It was very striking!
This chair was made entirely of glass. Even though Cinderella only had a pair of glass slippers I surmised that if one was seated in this chair that one would feel like a Princess.
Finally it was time to experience a glassmaking demonstration. These individuals are definitely masterminds as they envision what that lump of glass will become. I was completely captivated by the transformation taking place before my eyes. The final product was a glass vase on which a delicate dragonfly rested on the rim.
At the end of the galleries was the gift shop. What a great time to pick up some gifts. There was so much to choose from. The museum will pack your items and ship them to you. Admission to the Corning Museum of Glass cost $18 for adults and is free for individuals under 17. What a fantastic way to spend the afternoon!
