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Previously: Turning 40: A Quiet Celebration of Becoming
After breakfast at Clinton Street Cafe, the SO and I drove to Corning, NY to spend my birthday afternoon at the Corning Museum of Glass.
I hadn’t been there since I was a child and thought it’d be nice to visit as an adult.
During this visit, we focused on the modern glass art exhibits and the hands-on learning areas, while also spending time walking through collections that highlight glassmaking traditions from different cultures and time periods.
The experience offered a thoughtful look at how glass art has evolved over centuries and how it continues to be shaped by contemporary artists.
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I had a great time wandering through all of the galleries (I didn’t photograph the ancient history, snow globes, etc), and we were in there for 4 hours! We did not watch any demonstrations or partake in glassmaking — this was just wandering around the museum.
It was a fantastic way to spend my 40th birthday, and we’ll definitely be back in the future! (for a glassmaking session, etc)
If You Go
Planning a visit to the Corning Museum of Glass? Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your time:
🕐 Hours & Admission
The museum is typically open daily from 9am to 5pm (with some seasonal adjustments in winter) and you’ll want to allow 3–4 hours (or more!) to explore the galleries and live demonstrations.
🎟️ Tickets & Planning
Advance tickets are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Museum admission includes access to all galleries and daily glassmaking demos, and is even valid for two consecutive days, so you can take your time seeing everything.
🔥 Make Your Own Glass
One of the highlights is the Make Your Own Glass experience at The Studio, where you can try your hand at everything from sandblasting to flameworking and hot glassmaking. These sessions are popular and often sell out — booking ahead is a smart idea. Keep in mind some projects need to cool overnight and will be available for pick-up the next day or via shipping.
📍 Getting There & Around
The museum is located in Corning and is easy to reach by car (free parking is available). If you’re visiting during the warmer months, a seasonal shuttle connects the Museum to downtown Corning and nearby museums like the Rockwell.
📸 What to Bring
Photography is encouraged — just no flash or selfie sticks inside the galleries. Comfortable walking shoes, a charged phone for the free Wi-Fi and app tours, and maybe an appetite if you want to visit the café and nearby Market Street eateries.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
The museum welcomes visitors of all ages, and there are scavenger hunts and interactive tools to keep kids engaged. Restrooms (including family and all-gender options) and a lactation room for nursing parents, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis if needed.
🍽️ Nearby Stops
After your visit, take a stroll through Corning’s Gaffer District for shops, galleries like West End Gallery, and local cafés and restaurants — it’s a lovely way to round out your day in Corning.
Oh, Kae. 
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