The Corning Museum of Glass is a famous museum dedicated entirely to glass art and technology. The museum has many objects, from ancient Egyptian glass to contemporary art. But what if you are on a budget? How can you visit this museum with a family of eight without breaking the bank?
Overall, visiting the Corning Museum of Glass for free is possible with a bit of planning and research. Whether you are a family of eight or a solo traveler, taking advantage of discounts and programs can make your visit an enjoyable and affordable experience.
In this article, we will share our experience of visiting the Corning Museum of Glass for free and how you can do it too.
Plan Ahead
Planning is essential when it comes to visiting any museum. The Corning Museum of Glass is no exception. The museum is located in Corning, New York, and is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
You should plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your visit. Check the museum’s website for their current hours of operation, as they may vary due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also find information on their website about the admission fees and discounts available.
The museum offers several discounts, including military discounts, student discounts, and AAA discounts. However, the best discount is the reciprocal membership program.
Reciprocal Membership Program
The reciprocal membership program is a fantastic way to save money on admission fees to museums and other cultural institutions. If you are a member of a participating museum or cultural institution, you can get free admission to the Corning Museum of Glass.
To take advantage of this program, check if your local museum or cultural institution is a member of the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program or the Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM) program.
If your local museum is a member of either of these programs, you can get free admission to the Corning Museum of Glass.
We used the NARM program for free admission to the Corning Museum of Glass. We are members of a local museum member of the NARM program. All we had to do was show our membership card at the museum’s admission desk, and we were granted free admission for all eight of us.
The reciprocal membership program is an excellent way to save money on admission fees to museums and cultural institutions, especially if you are a frequent traveler or live in a city with many museums and cultural institutions.
Other Ways To Save Money
If you are not a member of a participating museum or cultural institution, there are other ways to save money on admission fees to the Corning Museum of Glass.
The museum offers free admission to children under 17 and special discounts for seniors and students. They also provide free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families through the Blue Star Museums program.
Additionally, the museum offers several free admission days throughout the year, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, and Veterans Day. On these days, admission to the museum is entirely free.
How To Maximize Your Experience At The Corning Museum Of Glass?
Let’s explore additional ways to maximize your museum experience while staying within your budget.
Enhancing Your Experience
Beyond the stunning galleries of glass objects, the museum has an array of interactive exhibits and demonstrations that enhance the experience. Some exhibits include live glassblowing demonstrations where visitors can witness the art and science of glassblowing firsthand.
Others include interactive exhibits that allow visitors to design and create their glass objects. Additionally, the museum has a hands-on science and technology exhibit that explores the properties of glass and how it is made.
Watch this video to experience the Corning Museum of Glass from the inside:
Corning Museum of Glass – A Tour Inside the Museum | Glass Blowing Demonstration – Corning, NY
Art And Science Of Glassblowing
The art and science of glassblowing have been practiced for centuries, and the museum has the world’s most extensive collection of contemporary glass. Visitors can watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Glass Show amphitheater, where skilled artisans use techniques passed down through generations.
The museum also offers classes for all skill levels, allowing visitors to learn and practice the art of glassblowing with experienced instructors.
Special Events
The Corning Museum of Glass hosts several annual special events, including glassmaking demonstrations, live music performances, and holiday celebrations. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the museum in a new way and explore more about the art and science of glass.
Exploring The Surrounding Area
Additionally, Corning has several other attractions worth exploring other than the Corning Museum of Glass as well. The Rockwell Museum, located in the historic Old City Hall building, features a collection of American Western and Native American art.
Visitors can also explore the Finger Lakes wine region, known for producing award-winning wines. The region has several wineries that offer tastings, tours, and special events throughout the year. Watkins Glen State Park, located just a short drive from Corning, is a breathtaking natural wonder that features hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Corning Museum of Glass is a fantastic experience; you don’t have to break the bank to do it. By planning, taking advantage of discounts, and using the reciprocal membership program, you can visit the museum for free or at a significantly reduced cost.
We hope this article has provided valuable information on visiting the Corning Museum of Glass for free. Remember to plan, check for discounts, and use the reciprocal membership program to make the most of your visit. With these tips, you can enjoy all the museum offers without spending much money.