The Corning Museum of Glass: Nearly 75 Years of Collecting, Research, And Inspiration

Karol B. Wight, Ph.D., President & Executive Director, The Corning Museum of Glass

Since it first opened in 1951, The Corning Museum of Glass has aspired to be the international leader in transforming the world’s understanding of the art, history, and science of glass. Through its comprehensive collection development; exhibitions and publications; grants and commissions; teaching the art of glassmaking at The Studio; and creating the library of record on glass at the Rakow Research Library, this museum strives to inspire all to see glass in a new light. The museum staff collaborates with many communities - of scholars, collectors and makers from around the world, and delights its visitors by sharing the story of more than 35 centuries of man-made glass. Created as a gift to the American people as part of the celebration of the Corning Glass Works’ 100th anniversary, the museum has grown to become a centerpiece of its community and region, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors per year. It was just named one of the ‘7 Wonders of the Glass World’ by the international steering committee for the U.N. International Year of Glass.