7 Surprising Facts About The Corning Museum of Glass

7 Surprising Facts About The Corning Museum of Glass

If you’ve been following our family’s RV travels as the Double Decker Fam, you know we love discovering unique destinations across the United States. As a family of eight living full-time on the road in our converted Double-Decker RV, finding stops that surprise, engage, and educate all of us (yes, even the littlest twins!) can be a challenge. On our recent swing through the Finger Lakes region of New York, we stumbled upon an unexpected gem: the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG).

Let me tell you, this museum isn’t just a place with pretty glass displays. After a full day exploring (and trust me, with six kids in tow that’s a LOT of exploring), we all left awestruck. Whether you’re a fellow RVing family, homeschooling on the go, or just looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, here are 7 surprising facts about the Corning Museum of Glass that might just inspire your next adventure.

1. It Has the World’s Largest Collection of Glass

You read that right! The Corning Museum of Glass houses more than 50,000 glass objects, some dating back 3,500 years. From ancient Egyptian perfume bottles to mind-blowing modern art installations, the museum covers the whole history of glassmaking.

We were amazed by the variety—delicate Venetian goblets, Tiffany stained glass, and kaleidoscopic towers that nearly reach the ceiling. Our older kids loved seeing how glass has been part of human civilization for thousands of years, thanks to interactive exhibits that bring history alive. See for yourself what treasures await.

2. You Can Watch Live Glassblowing All Day

Unlike some museums where demonstrations are rare, the Corning Museum of Glass runs live glassblowing shows every hour. We even got to see hot glass being shaped in real-time into everything from vases to whimsical animal figurines.

The artists explain the science and skill behind the craft, keeping both adults and kids enthralled (even our fidgety 5-year-old twins sat still for almost the entire show—which is nothing short of a miracle). You can even ask glassblowers questions during the demonstrations, making it fun and interactive.

Want to get a preview? The museum’s YouTube channel features in-depth demos and artist spotlights.

3. You Can Make Your Own Glass – No Experience Required

One of the coolest highlights for us? The “Make Your Own Glass” studio sessions! You and your crew can partner with an expert and craft everything from ornaments to sandblasted tumblers.

Our family split into teams (my wife took the little ones to make sun-catchers, while I helped the older kids with glass flowers). No prior skill needed—the staff walks you through every step and handles the hot glass for you. It’s an unforgettable hands-on experience, and you get to keep your creation as a memento.

Tip: Book your spot early, since these workshops are super popular. You can check current offerings and reserve online at the museum’s studio page.

4. It’s Exceptionally Family Friendly (and Kid Approved!)

Let’s be honest, not all museums are truly family friendly, especially with a big crew. But CMoG is a dream for families. There are scavenger hunts, interactive map trails, and special kid-focused exhibits that let little ones touch, build, and play.

Our twins couldn’t get enough of the “Innovation Center,” where you can experiment with glass under different conditions, try out digital displays, and even build your own (pretend) glass structures. Plus, strollers are welcome and there are family bathrooms everywhere, which is huge for parents with young kids.

Their family visit guide makes trip planning a breeze.

5. The Museum is Open 362 Days a Year – And Kids Get In Free!

No need to stress about holiday closures. The Corning Museum of Glass is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It’s perfect for RV families like us, whose travel schedules don’t always line up with standard weekends.

And here’s a big bonus: Kids and teens under 17 get in absolutely free. For large families or those on a budget, this makes CMoG one of the most affordable cultural attractions out there.

6. The GlassLab Collaboratory Designs the Future

We had never heard of the GlassLab before our visit, but it’s incredibly cool: the museum’s resident designers and guest artists collaborate to create new glass techniques, push artistic boundaries, and solve real world problems. They work with everyone from NASA scientists to world-famous architects!

There are periodic pop-up demonstrations and design challenges where visitors (including kids!) can give input on new inventions or see prototypes in action. Our oldest was fascinated by the talk about glass that can be used in space travel—who knew science could be this hands-on?

For those interested in sustainability, check out the museum’s past collaborations with NASA and their research into eco-friendly glass technology.

7. You Can Sleep in Your RV at Local Campgrounds

While the Corning Museum of Glass doesn’t have an onsite campground, there are several RV-friendly sites within a short drive. We stayed at Campbell Campground—clean, quiet, and just a quick hop to the museum.

If you’re traveling the Finger Lakes region in your rig, we recommend reserving a spot early, especially during summer and fall foliage season. The local area is also packed with other attractions (think waterfalls, state parks, and charming small towns), so you can easily make this a base for a longer adventure.

Bonus Tip: The Museum Café is Surprisingly Good

Okay, this isn’t an official “fact,” but as a parent the quality of onsite food matters. After a morning of hands-on crafts and exhibits, we refueled at the Café with fresh salads, grilled sandwiches, and even allergy-friendly options for the twins. Prices are reasonable and there’s plenty of seating for big families.

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Go: Fall and spring are less crowded, but the museum is great year-round.

How Much Time to Allow: We spent an entire day and didn’t see every exhibit. If you want to try “Make Your Own Glass,” plan at least 4-5 hours.

What to Pack: Comfy shoes (the place is huge), a camera, water bottles, and an appetite for creativity.

Admission: Adults are $22, but again, kids and teens under 17 are FREE!

Why We’ll Be Back (and Why You Should Go)

Each member of our Double Decker Fam found something to love at the Corning Museum of Glass. For parents, it’s a mix of world-class art, fascinating science, and history. For the kids, it’s hands-on, action-packed, and endlessly creative. We left with souvenirs we made ourselves, a bunch of new knowledge about glass, and countless family memories.

If you’re looking for a destination that breaks the mold of the typical children’s museum or roadside attraction, the Corning Museum of Glass is a must-see. Whether you roll up in a double-decker RV, tow a tiny camper, or just need a family-friendly day trip, this place is full of surprises.

Have you been? Got tips for fellow RV’ers in the area? Drop your thoughts below or tag us on Instagram at @DoubleDeckerFam. We love sharing real-world travel tips from families like yours!

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Safe travels!
— Dane & The Double Decker Fam

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