Marvelous Marble Day

Marvelous Marble Day at the Corning Museum of Glass on February 15, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM celebrates the history and craft of glass marbles through live demonstrations, interactive games, gallery hunts, and hands-on activities. Admission varies based on age and residency status, with free entry for children 17 and under. The four-hour event includes marble-making demonstrations by the museum’s master glassblowers, traditional marble games, a gallery scavenger hunt focused on spherical glass objects, and family-friendly activities suitable for all ages.

The Corning Museum of Glass opened in 1951 when Corning Glass Works built it to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary. Today the museum holds more than 50,000 glass objects spanning 3,500 years, from ancient Roman vessels to contemporary sculptures by Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra. The museum’s collection includes antique marbles from various periods and cultures, demonstrating how glassmakers have crafted these small spheres for centuries using techniques that remain largely unchanged. The Amphitheater Hot Shop offers 360-degree views of glassblowing demonstrations throughout the day, with narrated presentations explaining the ancient Roman techniques still used by modern glassmakers.

Museum tickets are valid for two consecutive days, so you can return the next morning to explore galleries you missed or watch additional demonstrations. Free parking fills the main lot off Exit 46 on Interstate 86, with seasonal shuttle service to downtown Corning’s Gaffer District. February weather in Corning typically brings temperatures in the 20s and 30s with occasional snow, though the museum’s enclosed walkways and heated galleries make weather largely irrelevant. The museum spans a large campus, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for plenty of walking. If marble activities become crowded, the Innovation Center’s hands-on science exhibits provide an alternative, as do the 35 centuries of glass history displayed in the permanent galleries.

After your museum visit, explore downtown Corning’s walkable Gaffer District with its boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Rockwell Museum, a short walk across a pedestrian bridge, focuses on American Western art and makes a good pairing with the glass museum if you purchased a combination ticket. For dinner, Corning’s restaurant scene offers farm-to-table options and classic American fare, though specific historical establishments are harder to pinpoint than in nearby cities. Make a long weekend by continuing to Keuka Lake or Seneca Lake, both about 30 minutes north, where Lake.com lists waterfront properties with boat access, wine trail proximity, and peaceful winter settings perfect for families looking to combine museum outings with lakeside relaxation.