I enjoy reviewing destinations that are both accessible and fun. On a recent vacation we took in the Finger Lakes region of New York State we had a private tour of the beautiful Corning Museum of Glass. Not only is their new 100,000 square foot contemporary wing fully accessible, but it is breathtaking as well.
If you think glass sculpture is not art, think again. Works of glass are as much an art form as paintings, sculptures and photography. The glass sculptor Dale Chihuly is a prime example of this. He is to glass sculpture what Renoir was to painting and Rodin to sculpting. They all captivate the imagination through self-expression and personal vision and their works educate, enlighten and enhance our world.
While vacationing in the Finger Lakes we had a private tour of the new 100,000 square foot Contemporary Art and Design Wing of the Corning Museum of Glass. It is the largest space to house and preserve contemporary glass art.
We were bowled over not only at the artistry and mastery of the glass exhibits but also at the architectural design featuring a sophisticated light-filtering system using diffused roof skylights. The architect intended for the visitor to feel as if they're walking on clouds, and he skillfully succeeded.
The permanent collection, recent acquisitions and large-scale works are all tantalizing to the eye. Every piece has a story to tell so the CMoG now offers Glass App, a phone app that features videos, biographies and photos to enhance the visitor's experience.
The gallery is accessible and simply fun to walk around.
After our tour was over we continued by following the easy, self-guided tour of more than 3,500 years of glass. There's so much to see with a variety of areas to visit including showcases of glass through the years, the Glass Innovation Center with an interactive look at glass, and the Hot Glass Show that runs daily with its live-narrated hot glass demonstration.
Looking back I wish we scheduled a session of "Make Your Own Glass" with one of the museum's experienced glassworkers. It's available for all ages with no experience necessary. I'll have to make time for a session on our next visit because I'd like to try my hand at glassmaking.
If you're staying near the Town of Corning I suggest planning enough time to stroll around their charming downtown. It was lovely to see so many interesting window displays that were creative and eye-catching. I felt a sense of calm seeing several places offering Reiki, yoga, art therapy and massage. There were also many enticing restaurants and a few cute coffee shops as well.
The Corning Museum of Glass is a place we'd like to visit again and again. You can spend hours exploring it, including a break for lunch at their light-filled Cafe that offers several dining options including an outdoor Cafe Express. We enjoyed a delicious, healthy lunch that included salads and sandwiches, and sat outdoors to admire the beautiful surroundings.
From Egyptian artifacts to modern items, demonstrations and workshops there's so much to see, learn and do at The Corning Museum of Glass.
ACCESSIBILITY: The Corning Museum of Glass is committed to making its collections, buildings, programs, and services accessible to all audiences. Designated spaces are available in the parking lots for visitors with disabilities. The Museum is accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who need to avoid stairs, as well as the museum shuttle bus. All entrances are accessible by wheelchair and all public floors of the Museum can be reached by elevator. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Admissions lobby on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not available. The Museum welcomes walkers, wheelchairs (manual and electric), and scooters.
For more information about The Corning Museum of Glass click here.
For more information about the Town of Corning and the Finger Lakes click here.
This post was previously published on Cathy's blog, An Empowered Spirit.
Cathy Chester is an award-winning writer and health advocate who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 28 years. In her blog, An Empowered Spirit, she writes about finding the joy in life despite disability. But MS does not define her, so she also writes about living a quality life in midlife, social good causes, animal rights, book and movie reviews, and the importance of using compassion and kindness as a way of making the world a better place.
Follow Cathy on Twitter at @cathyches
All photos are the property of Cathy Chester and The Corning Museum of Glass.