Last Sunday, my boyfriend and I, along with our moms, decided it was time to venture to Corning and visit the famed Corning Museum of Glass. None of us had ever been before and we did not think it was going to be very large. Needless to say, when we arrived, we were greatly surprised! We spent almost eight hours at the museum and I am certain there are still things that we missed. I was fascinated at the multiple glassblowing, making, and breaking demonstrations that were taking place throughout the day. There were also four different glass exhibits on display along with the museum’s eleven glass galleries that showcase the origins of glassmaking, glass of the Romans, glass in the Islamic world, early European glass, later European glass, Asian glass, glass in America, crystal city, paperweights of the world, modern glass, and glass after 1960. All of these collections are unique and fascinating. You must stop in and shop at the GlassMarket in the museum that houses over 15,000 glass items because you will most definitely want to bring an amazing memento home with you. I brought home red glass roses!

Even though I am in my early twenties, I especially enjoyed the Hands-on Innovation Center that is geared for kids.  I saw parents and young adults running over to the different stations and having just as much fun, or more fun as the little ones. I really liked all the cool picture opportunities the center provided. One picture that I will always cherish is my picture with a glass slipper. As a young girl, I loved the Disney movie Cinderella. When I saw a real glass slipper at CMOG, it made my favorite childhood fairytale come alive!

The next time I visit the Corning Museum of Glass, I am going to sign-up for one of their glass souvenir workshops and make something unique to bring home. Glassmaking experiences are fun and geared for everyone. You can make a flower, holiday ornament, glass beads, a picture frame, wind chimes, a nightlight, a clock, or even sandblasted cups! Just remember to book your glassmaking experience before you visit CMOG because these tend to book fast and are on a first come, first serve basis.

If you are looking for fun, excitements, and a great experience that will WOW everyone, then visit the Corning Museum of Glass; it is open seven days a week!

Clare Scott