Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Museum renew exhibits?

The Museum renews exhibits several times each year, rotating its large permanent collection of art through galleries based on themes: Wilderness, Buffalo, Horse, Indian and Cowboy.

The Museum endeavors to present a series of Special Exhibitions throughout each year. Typically 3-4 each year, these exhibitions are designed to show off the depth of our own permanent collection, the breadth of the Western Art genre, and a diversity of perspectives in terms of artist, medium, and region.

What are the Museum Hours?  Cost?

The Museum is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  The Museum offers extended summer hours Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Special holiday hours, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on December 24. The Museum is closed January 1, Thanksgiving Day, and December 25.

Admission is FREE for Museum members.
Adults (20-54) $6.50
55+ $5.50
Students (with ID) $5.50
AAA Show Your Card & Save $5.50
Kids & Teens (19 & under) FREE

Local Resident Rate: The Museum offers a special $3.00 admission rate to local residents who live in areas where the zip codes begin with 148, 149, or 169.

What is nearby?  Hotel accommodations, restaurants?

Visit web sites of Finger Lakes Wine Country, the Corning Chamber of Commerce, and the Corning Finger Lakes for information regarding local events, lodging, and attractions in the region.

Who is Bob Rockwell and how did he begin collecting Western art?

Corning businessman and collector Robert F. (Bob) Rockwell, Jr. was born on November 8, 1922 in Bradford, Pennsylvania to Aileen and Robert Fay Rockwell. But for many years, Bob's birthplace was the only eastern element in his life. When he was an infant, his family returned to their cattle ranch near Gunnison, Colorado, and Bob grew up in and around the west-central part of the state.  It was here, during his childhood that he developed his love of collecting. >more

How long has the Rockwell Museum of Western Art been around?

The Museum opened in 1976. In 1974, executives from Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) proposed that the collections be housed in a new museum in Corning. The company would provide some support, along with the Corning, New York community.

In November 1976, a temporary home for the new museum was created in the former Baron Steuben Hotel. A permanent home was found in the Old City Hall building, a grand but deteriorating structure that had been vacated in 1972 following a devastating flood caused by Hurricane Agnes.

I own something that I think could be worth something.  Is there anyone at the Museum that can appraise it for me?

As a non-profit institution, the Rockwell Museum of Western Art is prohibited from providing appraisals. If you need a monetary evaluation of an object for insurance or other purposes, contact a professional appraiser in your area. Many auction houses and independent antiques dealers offer appraisal services. Member associations such as the ones listed below can also refer you to specialists by region:

American Society of Appraisers
P.O. Box 17625
Washington, DC 20041
800-272-8258
www.appraisers.org

Appraisers Association of America
386 Park Ave. South, Suite 2000
New York, NY 10016
212-889-5404
www.appraisersassoc.org

International Society of Appraisers
206-241-0359
888-472-4732
www.isa-appraisers.org

Can I rent Museum space for a meeting or function?

Yes.  Please click here for further details.  You could also contact Patty Campbell for more information, campbellp@rockwellmuseum.org or 607.974.2810.

What kind of activities does the Museum have for kids?

Families can explore the Museum's collection together through a variety of daily drop-in activities. The Museum offers a variety of hands-on activities are self-guided and are available every day. Just ask a Visitor Services Team Member at the Admission Desk. Best of all, they are free.

I am visiting The Corning Museum of Glass during my visit.  How do I purchase a combination ticket?

You can purchase a combination ticket online or at either Museum's Admission Desk.  You can also purchase a combination ticket at the Information Center in Centerway Square on Market Street in Downtown Corning.