Corning Museum of Glass
Corning
Dazzling turquoise, iridescent purples and the purest yellows are just a smattering of the colors that are molded, formed and fired at the Corning Museum of Glass. Besides sheer beauty, the museum highlights the importance of glass in art, history and science. Those who craft and create will be equally thrilled at the variety of demonstrations, classes and workshops that involve glassworking, flameworking, and fusing. No group will be able to pass up the GlassMarket, which sells original works by more than 200 emerging and established artists.
Among the museum’s larger spaces, the elegant Admissions Lobby displays Dale Chihuly’s impressive “Fern Green Tower.” After hours, it accommodates 100 for dinner and 300 for a reception. The multiple-use auditorium features tiered seating for 750, a full-size stage and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems. Another space, the architecturally pleasing Innovation Center, consists of three floating pavilions connected with a 300-foot bridge. The museum supplies in-house catering with alcohol as an option.
“With the recent expansion of the Contemporary Glass Art and Design Gallery, the event spaces are without compare and highlight the beauty and history of art glass,” said Danielle Roman, director of sales and marketing for the Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes Conference and Visitors Bureau.
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Cooperstown
Located on Main Street in the heart of Cooperstown, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors in 1939. Visitors enter the Baseball Time Line with a new exhibit, “Taking the Field: The 19th Century,” which features more than 180 items from baseball’s formative beginnings. The museum houses thousands of artifacts, video and audio footage, historic images and interactive displays that test baseball knowledge. The Hall of Fame Gallery is lined with plaques of all 312 Hall of Fame members. And no baseball aficionado leaves without browsing the gift shop.
“In the summer season, the Hall of Fame Gallery can be reserved for a dessert reception after 9 p.m., when the museum closes,” said sales manager June Dolhun. “After hours in the offseason starting at 6 p.m., the gallery is available for cocktail receptions accommodating 150 or seated dinners for up to 120 people. Two approved caterers will also provide alcohol.”
The VIP Experience can be scheduled in the 56-seat Bullpen Theater. Artifacts from the archives are brought out, and a staff member gives a 30-minute presentation with a question-and-answer session. Labor Day to Memorial Day, the 198-seat Grandstand Theater can be reserved for multimedia presentations or meetings.
