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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Types of Questions:
Do you have a question that is not on the list? Email info@cmog.org or call 800.732.6845.
Services and Amenities at The Corning Museum of Glass
Do you have strollers available?
Strollers are not available from the Museum, but we do encourage and allow their use in the Museum.
Do you have wheelchairs available?
Yes. The Museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask a Guest Services Team Member or a security guard for assistance. We regret that wheelchairs may not be reserved in advance.
Can visitors access the Internet here?
Yes. The museum has free public wireless internet access in the GlassMarket Café, the Coffee Bar, and the Rakow Research Library.
Do you have an ATM machine?
No. However, we do accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit and debit cards as payment.
Where should I park?
Primary parking is available in a lot just off I-86, Exit 46. Watch for CMoG banners and a parking pavilion. A free shuttle bus runs continuously from the Parking Pavilion to the Museum and to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, as well as downtown Corning, where you'll find Historic Market Street shops and restaurants. > more maps and directions.
Can I smoke in The Corning Museum of Glass?
No. The Corning Museum of Glass is a smoke-free facility. Visitors may smoke outside if they wish.
Can I park my RV in your parking lot overnight?
Because we have so many visitors, we can't accommodate RVs in our lot overnight, although you are welcome to park there during your visit to the Museum. However, there are a number of RV camps in the area. Visit the Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau for more information.
Where can I find something to eat?
The Coffee Bar is located near the entrance of the GlassMarket and the Auditorium and is open seasonally. Enjoy specialty sandwiches, hot entrees, salads, pastries, and other prepared treats, as well as freshly prepared Gimme! coffee, espresso, smoothies, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
The GlassMarket Café is located at the rear of the GlassMarket and is open year-round. It offers hot entrees, pizza, soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as beer, wine, and other hot and cold beverages.
General Questions about the Museum
What is the relationship between Corning Incorporated and the Museum?
The Corning Museum of Glass is a private, non-profit foundation, generously supported by Corning Incorporated. The Museum is one of many organizations nationwide that benefit from the philanthropic activities of Corning Incorporated according to the foundation law of 1969.
Is Corning Glass Center now being called Corning Museum of Glass, and is it located in the same place as it always has been?
The Corning Museum of Glass opened in 1951. In 1998, it expanded its activities to include those of the Corning Glass Center. The entire campus is now called The Corning Museum of Glass.
Can I see Corningware being made? Can I go into your factories?
Corning Incorporated no longer manufactures Corningware. They sold the consumer products division to World Kitchen in 1998. The Corning Museum of Glass is not part of Corning Incorporated and does not involve any factory or research facility tours. Part of the Museum does, however, overlook the Steuben factory floor.
Will we be able to see glassblowing?
Yes. We offer live glassmaking demonstrations throughout the day, every day. You can even Make Your Own Glass souvenir for a small fee.
Do you have tours?
We have a self-guided tour through the Museum, available any time during our operating hours. If you would like to schedule a guided tour, contact Dorothy Behan at 607.974.8635 at least two weeks ahead of time. All guided tours are subject to Docent availability. The Museum also accommodates group tours (20 or more people). To explore the Museum’s collections in-depth without having to wait for a scheduled tour, try our Audio Guides, which are available at the Admissions desk for $3.00 per unit (free for kids and teens, 19 and under with one adult rental).
Do we see optical fiber here?
Guests can learn all about glass technology in the Glass Innovation Center, which contains three galleries: Windows, Vessels and Optics (which includes an interactive exhibit specifically on fiber optics).
How many objects are in the Museum's collection?
The Museum has over 45,000 objects in its collection. It houses the most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass in the world. See highlights from our collection.
Who was the original architect? Who was the architect of the building that houses the Art and History Galleries?
Harrison and Abromowitz designed the original building in 1951. Gunnar Birkerts designed the building housing the Art and History Galleries, completed in 1980. The Glass Innovation Center and the rest of the Museum's $65 million transformation was designed by architects Smith-Miller+Hawkinson with assistance from the exhibit design firm of Ralph Applebaum and Associates. It opened in 2001.
What is the black object on top of the Steuben building?
It is a Robertson Ventilator. Its purpose is to circulate the heat out of the factory while keeping animals and weather elements out.
What does the CMoG symbol stand for? 
The CMoG symbol is a stylized representation of a glory hole, the hole in the side of a glass furnace, used to reheat glass objects while they are being made.
Glass and Glass-Related Issues
How can I find glass that was donated to the Museum by a relative?
The Registrar can locate objects in the Museum's collection. Call the Registrar at 607.974.8503, or send an e-mail to registrar@cmog.org.
Can someone identify my piece of glass for me?
Contact the secretary of the Curatorial Dept. at 607.974.8451 to schedule a time to bring in your item. If visiting the Museum is not an option, digital photographs along with any written information you may have should be sent to curatorial@cmog.org.
Can I donate glass to the Museum?
Send a photograph of your glass item along with any written information you may have to the Museum's Curatorial Department. You may also send an e-mail with an image attached to curatorial@cmog.org.
Do you have someone who can appraise glass here?
Because of our non-profit status, we are unable to appraise items.
Can someone at the Museum repair my glass for me?
No, unfortunately, we do not offer this service.
How does the Museum acquire pieces?
The Museum acquires pieces by gifts and purchases. Some objects may be on loan from other institutions or individuals.
What do you use to keep the glass cases so clean? Is it just Windex or something special that you mix up?
While other manufacturers and distributors also provide suitable materials, for the glass exhibition cases, we use "ZEP 40" Non-streaking Glass Cleaner, which is clear, non-ammonia cleaner, basically made of deionized (or distilled) water and isopropyl alcohol (probably about 90% water, although the manufacturer does not disclose exact proportions).
To wash glass objects themselves (the ones that can be safely washed), we use a non-ionic dilute conservation-grade detergent, warm tap water, and rinse thoroughly in deionized water. Commercially, Ivory Liquid Clear is a suitable soap. One should avoid any soaps or detergents with color (dyes), perfumes, and ammonia, including Windex.
All chemicals, including soaps, should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended guidelines and their Material and Safety Data Sheets. They must also be used in compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA) regulations.
Disclaimer: These are the recommendations of our Conservator, who has lectured and published extensively on the cleaning and care of glass objects. The author and The Corning Museum of Glass make no representations concerning products or services, nor are responsible for their misuse. The materials listed are for informational purposes only.
Photography
May I take pictures and videos in the Museum and may I use a flash?
Flash photography is not allowed in the galleries. Photography, using existing light (no flash), is permitted for personal use only.
No flash or tripods may be used. No photography is permitted in special exhibition areas without special permission by the Museum's Executive Director. These areas are marked with "Do Not Photograph" signs. All photography for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
The Rakow Library
What is available at the Library?
The Library contains the most comprehensive collection in the world on the subject of the art and history of glass and early glassmaking, stained glass, and techniques for glass artists.
Is it open to the public? Do I need an appointment to use the Library?
The Library is free and open to the public from 9-5, Monday-Friday and on Sundays from 12-5 when the Studio is in session. You do not need an appointment to visit the Library. Please contact us at 607-974-8649 or rakow@cmog.org, if you would like to have preliminary research materials pulled in advance of your visit.
Where is the Library located?
The Library is located at 5 Museum Way, a short distance west of the Museum.
See the Museum campus map for details.
Can I check books out of the Library?
The Library’s primary collection is non-circulating, although we do loan some materials to other libraries, through our Interlibrary Loan service. Please see the Library webpage for additional information about Interlibrary Loan.
Can I access Library resources on-line?
Yes. You can search our library catalog and the Article Index at http://rakow.cmog.org/ from anywhere you have access to the Internet.
Can I use my laptop in the Library?
Yes. WiFi access to the Internet is available in our reading room.
Does the Library have information about Corning, Inc.?
Our Library does have some information about Corning, Inc. For more complete documentation concerning the company, you may contact the Corning, Inc. Archives at (607) 974-8457.
Are librarians available to help with my questions?
Yes. Use our Ask a Librarian service available on the Library website, call the reference desk at (607) 974-8649, or stop by the Library during our regular hours.
I would like to donate materials to the Rakow Research Library. Whom should I contact?
Please contact Lori Fuller at (607) 974-8166 or fullerla@cmog.org, for a further discussion of donating items.
Can the library help with genealogical research?
At this time, the Library's archives include few glass company employee records. Our collections do not include personnel records for Corning Glass Works or Corning Incorporated. We encourage you to contact the Southeast Steuben County Library to gain a greater understanding of genealogical resources available for the Corning area.
The Studio
What is The Studio? Where is The Studio located?
The Studio is the Museum's internationally renowned teaching facility. In addition to offering college-level glassmaking courses, The Studio also offers Museum visitors an opportunity to try glassmaking themselves at the Make Your Own Glass workshop. The Studio is located directly across from the rear entrance of the Museum. Ask a CMoG employee for directions.
Do I need a ticket to go into The Studio?
The Studio is part of the Museum, but admission to this facility, along with the GlassMarket, Flameworking Live!, the Carder Gallery and the Rakow Research Library, is free. However, there is a charge for Make Your Own Glass.
Can I make reservations for a Make Your Own Glass experience?
You can make same-day or advance reservations by calling 607.974.6573. Learn more about Make Your Own Glass.
Do you have information on courses at The Studio?
Yes. Click here, or call 607.974.6467 for information or a Studio catalog.
Shopping
What kinds of things are sold in the GlassMarket?
We sell glass items made around the world, from Corning to China. We offer handmade glass items, as well as factory-made glass pieces. You will find everything from glass jewelry to holiday ornaments to one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Can we ship merchandise we purchase at the Museum?
Yes! The GlassMarket will ship merchandise in special protective packaging anywhere in the continental U.S. Please inquire in the GlassMarket for detailed information.
Do you sell film?
We do not sell film. However, we do sell single-use cameras in the GlassMarket.
Where can I buy Corningware?
Corningware and other World Kitchen brands are available in the Museum's GlassMarket and in the Corning-Revere Factory Store at 114 Pine Street in downtown Corning. You can get more information about the store at 607.962.1545.
Corning and the Finger Lakes Region
What's nearby? (What else can I do in the Corning area?)
Visit web sites of Finger Lakes Wine Country, the Corning Chamber of Commerce, Corning Finger Lakes and the Tourism Trail, for information regarding local events, lodging, and attractions in the region.
What is the name of the river flowing through Corning and where does it flow?
Corning sits on the banks of the Chemung River. The Chemung River starts in Painted Post at the juncture of the Cohocton and Tioga rivers. It flows southeast and eventually joins the Susquehanna River.
How many people live in Corning?
The Greater Corning Area has a population of about 26,000. This includes the surrounding communities of Riverside, Painted Post, and Erwin.
What is the purpose of that tall white tower in the middle of your town, and what is it?
The tower was originally the Tube Draw Tower. Erected in 1912, it was used to draw glass tube for making thermometers. It was restored in 2000, and today it is a local landmark known regionally as "Little Joe" for the iconic glassblower painted on its side.
Why is the town called Corning and which was named first, the town or the company?
The City of Corning was named first. The City of Corning was named after a financier by the name of Erastus Corning. When the Brooklyn Flint Glass Works moved here in the late 1860s from Brooklyn, NY, it was renamed the Corning Glass Works. The company now is named Corning Incorporated.
Why did the Corning Glass Works develop their company here?
It was attracted by ample coal and fuel and good transportation facilities, both rail and canal.
What is the building across the river?
The large black contemporary glass building is the world headquarters for Corning Incorporated. It is an office building, and it is not open to the public. You may note the architectural detail at the top of the headquarters building, which resembles the V-shaped structure above the Steuben factory. It doesn't serve any function, but rather is an architectural gesture acknowledging Corning Incorporated's history as a glassworks.
I use diesel fuel. Where can I purchase it in Corning?
At Black's Citgo Station on West Pultney St. near Route 414.
Do you have a dumping waste station for RV's in the area?
Ferenbaugh, a campsite nearby, can take care of your needs. (A fee is charged.)
Can you recommend a place to stay?
Visit the websites of Finger Lakes Wine Country and Steuben County Conference and Visitors Bureau for information regarding local events, lodging, and attractions in the region. The Corning area features many excellent hotels, motels, and RV parks, which accommodate hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Do you have a question that is not on the list? Email info@cmog.org or call 800.732.6845.