Explore Health & Safety Updates by Area: |
|
---|---|
Keeping It Safe is a Glass Act!
We are excited to welcome you to the Museum! Advanced admissions tickets are required and are available for purchase through 2021, with Make Your Own Glass tickets available through May 30, 2021.
What's Different
We have some new guidelines and measures in place to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable, with the help of our Safety Guide, Penguin Pierre. Pierre has been working hard to keep an eye on our collection, and now he gets to use his PPE (Penguin Protective Experience) to help you enjoy a safe and fun day at the Museum.
Your flippered friend Pierre will pop up throughout your visit, alerting you to changes since your last visit.
Masks and Health Screening
- Museum guests are encouraged to follow all CDC and NYS guidelines for safe travel.
- All visitors (over the age of 2) and staff are required to wear a face covering while on the Museum's campus. Please bring your own mask
- If you are unable to wear a mask or do not want to wear a mask, we will have to ask you to return at a later time
- All guests will be thermal scanned upon entry
- If you have a temperature of 100.4°F, we'll kindly ask that you and your party plan to visit us another day
- All staff are also required to participate in temperature screenings each time they enter the building
- We ask that all visitors and staff complete a self-health check before entering
- Social distancing efforts will be in effect throughout the Museum. Please follow guides and floor marks
Ticketing and Admissions
Advanced admission tickets are now required. Please purchase your timed tickets online ahead of your arrival.
- Tickets are available at half-hour intervals throughout the day
- Please arrive within the 30-minute window following the time on your ticket
- Tickets are good for the entire day and do not limit the amount of time you may spend in the Museum
- Tickets are good for two consecutive days
- When returning the following day, bring your admission ticket or receipt
- You don't need a new reservation, just check in at admissions
- There is now a daily attendance cap
- We are currently accepting groups of no more than 45 guests, from New York State only. Advanced reservation required.
- Traveling from another state? New York State travel restrictions may apply.
Space Changes and Getting Around
- The Shops, Café, and Welcome Center Parking Lot are open for guests to enjoy
- The Welcome Center is closed at this time
- Shuttle buses will continue to run at a reduced capacity of 10 people at a time
- Most touch elements in our displays have been removed or modified
Read more about Space Changes and Getting Around in the FAQ below
Hot Glass Demonstrations

We are still featuring live glassblowing demonstrations! To ensure that everyone can enjoy the demo experience in a safe manner, new protocols have been established.
- New traffic flow patterns and seating arrangements have been implemented in our demonstration spaces
- The flameworking booth has been relocated to a larger space
- Optical Fiber and Glass Breaking demonstrations are not currently offered
Make Your Own Glass
- Limited Make Your Own Glass projects are available.
- Fusing, Sandblasting, and Hot Works projects are currently available with protocols designed for minimal contact.
- All participants must wear a face covering for the duration of the project with no exceptions–even if they have provided medical documentation that exempts them from wearing a face covering for their Museum visit.
- Each participant will be supplied with their own personal project kit
- Participants will be required to wash or sanitize their hands prior to the experience and keep their masks on for the duration of their project.
- Space and availability are limited, advanced reservations are encouraged.
The Studio
- Everyone at The Studio is required to wear a mask
- Entry to the building will be through The Studio front doors
- All guests will have their temperatures scanned and will complete a self-health questionnaire if they haven’t already completed one in the Admissions Lobby
Rakow Research Library
- The Rakow Research Library will be open by appointment only between 10 am and 4 pm, Monday through Thursday
- Only 6 patrons may be in the library at a time
- Library access is currently limited to researchers actively using our collections
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you require masks for visitors?
Yes. According to the New York State executive order, face coverings must be worn in public. As a public location, we will require that masks be worn by all guests (over the age of 2) and staff when they’re on the Museum's campus.
Will the Museum provide masks if I don’t have my own?
We ask that you please bring your own mask when you visit the Museum.
I’ve had the COVID-19 vaccine. Do I still need to practice social distancing and wear a mask at the Museum?
Following CDC guidance, we require face coverings be worn by all individuals over age two, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated for COVID-19. For everyone’s safety, all social distancing protocols should be followed while visiting the Museum.
What if I don’t want to/can’t wear a mask?
If you are not able to wear a mask for medical or health reasons and have a doctor’s note, we will waive your requirement to wear a face covering. Since we are strictly enforcing our face-covering policy, we’ll provide you with a sticker that indicates you are exempt from the requirement, communicating to staff and other guests that you are exempt. The sticker is optional, but we recommend it to ensure you won’t be interrupted repeatedly during your visit with reminders.
Will temperature readings be taken at admissions?
Yes, we will have thermal scanners at the Admissions Lobby entrance, the Courtyard Lobby entrance, and at The Studio. We require that everyone has their temperatures taken upon entering our buildings.
What if I have a temperature?
If it is discovered that you have a temperature, we’ll kindly ask that you and your party plan to visit us on another day. All staff will also participate in temperature screenings each time they enter the building.
Will social distancing be managed by individual or by party I’m visiting with?
Social distancing will be by party (people you are visiting with). We will have signage to indicate spaces that have capacity requirements.
I love Penguin Pierre! Do you have Pierre merchandise available in the Shops?
We love Pierre too! We worked with artist Catherine Labonte and have Penguin Pierre merchandise available in our Shops.
When should I purchase my admission ticket?
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are being released on a rolling basis, with current reservation dates extending through 2021. Make Your Own Glass tickets are available for purchase through March 31, 2021.
Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my reserved admission tickets?
We understand that planning and travel is challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your admission tickets are refundable if you cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance of your planned visit. If you plan to reschedule your visit, please reserve a new timed ticket.
Will you have timed ticketing?
Yes, we are implementing timed entry to manage visitor flow. Tickets will be available at half-hour intervals throughout the day. This will ensure that we do not exceed our daily capacity limit.
My admission ticket is for a specific time. Do I have to be there right on time?
You must arrive within the 30-minute window following the entrance time on your ticket.
Can I stay for the rest of the day once I enter?
Yes, your ticket will be good for the remainder of the day.
Are tickets still good for two consecutive days?
Yes! Tickets are good for two consecutive days and a guest can stay as long as they like. When they return the following day, they need to return with their admission ticket, or their receipt, and will not need a new reservation. Guests returning for their second day of visit are required to check in at the Main Admissions desk.
Can I purchase tickets in person?
While we will sell a limited amount of tickets in person, it is our strong preference that tickets be purchased in advance as we do have strict capacity requirements and there is a chance you could be turned away due to the fact that we have already met our limit for the day.
What if I am at the Museum and didn’t purchase a ticket ahead of time?
You can still purchase your ticket online even if you’re physically at the Museum. You will need to visit our website and see what timeslot is available next.
I am a Museum Member and receive free admission as part of my membership. Do I still need to reserve a ticket?
Yes, you will need to reserve your Members ticket to secure your timeslot. This helps us ensure we stay within our capacity restrictions.
Will you accept cash?
Electronic forms of payment help reduce touch points, but we will accept all forms of payment.
Are you allowing tour buses right now?
We are currently accepting bus tours of no more than 25 guests, from New York State only. Advanced reservation required.
Will I be able to take a guided tour of the Museum?
For now, all tours will be self-guided.
Do I need to reserve an Admissions ticket to visit the Museum Shops?
No. Shoppers are welcome, as long as face coverings are worn and social distancing protocols are observed. All visitors who enter the Museum will walk through a temperature check to ensure they are fever free. We recommend Shops patrons enter through the Courtyard Lobby entrance.
What should I know about new New York State travel restrictions?
With many states across the country seeing increases in COVID-19 activity, New York State now requires a 14-day quarantine for incoming travelers from states with significant community spread. A current list of states meeting the NY criteria for increased virus activity can be accessed here. Travelers arriving in New York from the designated states through all means of transport are required to complete an electronic traveler form, and may be subject to a $2,000 fine for noncompliance.
Do the New York State travel restrictions impact my visit to the Museum?
We’d love to welcome you to the Museum when your quarantine is complete. Learn more about the New York State quarantine requirements here.
Is there anything else I should know about the admissions process?
We have installed plexiglass barriers wherever purchase transactions take place, including the Admissions Lobby and The Shops.
Will your Welcome Center be open?
The Welcome Center will be closed as it is a confined space with many touch points. The main parking lot at the Welcome Center will remain open. The shuttle bus (with reduced capacity) will run from the Welcome Center to the main museum as usual and will make a stop in downtown Corning.
Will the Rakow Research Library be open?
The Rakow Research Library will be open by appointment only between 10 am and 4 pm Monday through Thursday.
Will your Café be open?
Yes, our Café is open with a limited menu and limited seating to allow for social distancing.
Will The Shops be open?
Yes, the entire retail section of the Museum is open. Admission is not required to shop.
Will the shuttle bus still run downtown?
Yes, the shuttle bus will continue to run, but at a reduced capacity of 10 people at a time. Since Market Street is currently closed to street traffic, the shuttle bus will stop at Tioga Avenue.
Will you have any interactive displays?
Nearly all touch elements in our displays have been removed or modified. Any remaining touchpoints have enhanced and rigorous cleaning schedules.
Will Gallery Activity Sheets be distributed?
Our gallery activities encourage kids (and adults!) to be glass detectives throughout the Museum's galleries. Guests can download and print the sheets at home as they will not be available at the Museum.
How is the air quality and circulation at the Museum, both in staff areas and general visitor areas?
The Museum has excellent air filtration that meets or exceeds most recommended requirements. Our HVAC is operated in accordance with ASHRAE Guidance for Building Operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic. All air handler units with a final filter rated below MERV13 are set as close as possible to 100% outside air while still maintaining the climate necessary to protect our collections and the comfort of our visitors and staff. Additional air filters will soon be upgraded to a minimum MERV13 rating, the minimum efficiency reporting value for "superior" commercial buildings.
Will you still feature live glassblowing?
Yes, absolutely. We want to ensure that everyone can experience the beauty of live glassmaking when they come to The Corning Museum of Glass.
How will the Hot Glass Demos be different?
We have established new safety protocols. There are new traffic flow patterns in our hot shops, as well as limited seating to allow for social distancing.
How will the Flameworking Demo be different?
The flameworking booth is now relocated to the larger Glassbreaking Demo space to allow for social distancing. Flameworking is a pass-through experience and no longer a timed demonstration. A Museum flameworker will work 40 minutes each hour and will narrate the process. Large monitors allow visitors to see the action, even if they’re not close to the flameworker.
Will you be welcoming Guest Artists?
At this time, we will be featuring only the Museum’s Hot Glass Demo Team.
Are there any other demo changes to be aware of?
At this time, we are not offering the Optical Fiber and Glass Breaking demonstrations.
Will we be able to make our own glass?
Yes, we are offering Make Your Own Glass projects at The Studio. Reservations are required and we encourage online ticket purchases to book your experience, as project availability is limited. If you or a member of your party aren’t feeling well, please call us up until the time of your appointment to cancel for a full refund.
Projects are being released, for booking, on a rolling basis, with current reservation dates extending through January. All participants will be required to sanitize their hands prior to the experience and must wear a face covering for the duration of the project–even if they have provided medical documentation that exempts them from wearing a face covering for their Museum visit.
What projects will be available?
We are currently offering fusing, sandblasting, and blown-glass projects with protocols in place to allow for social distancing and reduced contact.
Will I be able to blow glass?
We have reintroduced "blown" glass projects at The Studio, using an alternate inflation device that attaches to the blowpipe and is operated with a foot pedal, ensuring the safety of our guests and staff.
Can my children make glass?
Yes. Fusing is available to ages 4+, and sandblasting and blown-glass projects are suitable for all ages. For sandblasting, participants will decorate their glass, and staff will sandblast it.
Where should I go for my Make Your Own Glass project?
All projects take place at The Studio, just across the parking lot from the main Museum building.
Do I need to purchase Make Your Own Glass tickets in advance?
Reservations are required for all Make Your Own Glass experiences. Spots are limited, so we encourage advanced online purchase of your Make Your Own Glass tickets. Current reservation dates extend through January.
If I only purchase Make Your Own Glass tickets, do I have to go check in at the Admissions Desk?
No, you can go directly to The Studio to have your tickets printed for all Make Your Own Glass projects.
Do I need to wear a mask while making glass?
Yes. All individuals in the Make Your Own Glass project area must wear a mask for the duration of the project with no exceptions—even if they have provided medical documentation that exempts them from wearing a face covering for their Museum visit. This provides an additional measure of safety to our guests and staff, who interact in closer proximity during projects, which are carefully configured to maximize social distancing to the degree possible. A plastic face shield is NOT an acceptable alternative to a mask for the purposes of a Make Your Own Glass experience.
I am a researcher and would like to use the Rakow Library. Will it be open to me?
The Rakow Research Library will be open by appointment only between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There will only be six patrons in the Rakow at a time. Click here to make an appointment. The New Glass Now | Context exhibition installed in the Rakow Library Atrium will remain closed.
I like to sit and work at the Rakow Library. Will I be allowed to do that now?
If you are a researcher with an appointment to use the collection, you will be allowed to sit and work in the library. Otherwise, current safety measures require us to restrict the number of seats available.