The Rockwell Museum

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NY: Where Art, History, and Architecture Converge

Stepping into the Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York is like taking a journey through time, art, and architectural brilliance. Housed in what was once Corning’s original City Hall, this Romanesque Revival-style building stands as a testament to both civic history and American art. The museum, now a Smithsonian Affiliate, offers visitors a rich blend of the American Experience, showcasing works that span from early Western art to contemporary Native American pieces. Yet, beyond its stunning collection, the story of the museum’s home is equally compelling.

Designed by the architect A. J. Warner and constructed by Thomas Bradley in 1893, the building is a prime example of American Romanesque Revival architecture, a style known for its imposing brickwork, terracotta elements, and locally quarried Blue Stone. This was a popular architectural trend for civic buildings across the United States at the time, and Corning’s City Hall was no exception. Its grand facade, combined with intricate detailing, speaks to a bygone era when public buildings were designed to inspire civic pride and durability.

For nearly a century, the building housed Corning’s vital institutions. The first floor was home to the City Clerk, City Court, Police Department, and jail cells, while the second floor hosted the Mayor’s office and even served as living quarters for the firemen. The firemen would famously slide down a pole to the fire truck below, a relic of which remains visible today, though the opening has since been closed for safety. The museum's gift shop, once the fire engine garage, still retains the original tin ceiling, a charming reminder of its former purpose.

However, time and the elements weren’t kind to the building. By the 1960s, weathering and age began to take their toll, leaving the once-proud City Hall in a state of deterioration. Then came the devastating Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The resulting floods submerged the basement and much of the ground floor, leading to extensive damage. The building’s fate seemed sealed—until a $1 sale and a visionary philanthropist stepped in.


Resurrecting a Historic Landmark
In a fortuitous turn of events, Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) and local philanthropists Bob and Hertha Rockwell came to the building’s rescue. Together with the City of Corning, they devised a plan to not only restore the building but also transform it into a space that could house Mr. Rockwell’s impressive collection of American art. Architect John D. Milner was tasked with leading the adaptive reuse renovation, ensuring that the building’s historical elements were preserved while making it a suitable home for a museum. In 1982, the old City Hall was reborn as the Rockwell Museum, a perfect marriage of American art and distinctly American architecture.

Today, the Rockwell Museum stands as a cornerstone of the community and a gateway to Corning’s Market Street, offering an experience that is both deeply rooted in history and forward-looking in its artistic approach.


Meet Artemus: A Whimsical Public Art Addition
As you approach The Rockwell Museum, it's impossible to miss Artemus, the striking fiberglass figure that has become a beloved part of the museum’s exterior. Created by local artist Tom Gardner, Artemus is one of several playful public art pieces Gardner has contributed to the community. Other works from his series include the melting clock at West End Gallery and the smiling face at the corner of Chestnut Street and Market Street.

Artemus came to life in September 1999, thanks to a grant from the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes Project Funding Program. With a sturdy metal skeleton hidden beneath his colorful exterior, Artemus has become a symbol of the Rockwell Museum’s ethos—art is a must! In fact, his name was chosen through a community contest, underscoring the close connection between the museum and the people of Corning. If you visit during the winter months, you might even spot Artemus sporting a cosy scarf, lovingly knit by locals or tourists at Wooly Minded on Market Street. Visitors can add a row to his scarf if they're feeling crafty, adding a personal touch to this whimsical figure that watches over the museum.


Art of the American West and Beyond
The Rockwell Museum’s permanent collection is a rich celebration of the American West, featuring iconic pieces from artists like Frederic Remington, whose sculptures and paintings bring to life the rugged landscapes and larger-than-life figures of cowboys, Native American warriors, and the untamed wilderness. Remington’s work captures the raw beauty of the frontier, a time before the West was fully settled, and a time when the land felt boundless, wild, and full of possibility. His works are juxtaposed with stunning landscapes from the Hudson Valley School of Art, whose romanticized depictions of untouched wilderness evoke a sense of awe and wonder. These works helped spark a national appreciation for the natural world that would later inspire conservation efforts, including those of President Theodore Roosevelt.


While Remington’s bronzes and the Hudson Valley School’s sweeping vistas capture the spirit of the land, the museum’s collection of Native American art offers a profound glimpse into the spiritual and cultural connections between Indigenous peoples and the land they called home. From beadwork to sculpture, each piece tells a story of survival, tradition, and a deep reverence for nature. One particularly moving exhibit features a sculpture by an artist, Michael Naranjo, who lost his vision but continues to sculpt from memory, creating beautiful pieces that speak to the resilience of both the artist and the cultures he represents. Unlike most museum pieces, visitors are invited to touch “The Last Dance” and imagine his experience creating this treasure.


From Jail Cells to Galleries
As you explore the museum, you can’t help but marvel at the way the space has been transformed. The galleries themselves once served as jail cells, community dance spaces, and offices for the City Clerk and City Court. During special visits, you can even see the original women’s jail cell door, preserved as a historical feature within the museum. The museum staff offices are housed in what were once the men’s cells, a curious nod to the building’s multi-faceted history.


Though the museum has been completely reimagined, many of its original architectural elements have been lovingly preserved. The grand windows at the front of the building, once doors for the fire wagons, now flood the gift shop and galleries with natural light. And while the fire pole is no longer in use, you can still spot the circular opening in the ceiling where it once allowed firefighters to slide swiftly to the engines below.

A Thriving Community Center
The Rockwell Museum isn’t just a place to view art—it’s a thriving community center, offering high-quality education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Its Kids RockWell art projects engage the younger generation, encouraging them to explore their creativity and appreciate the art of storytelling through visual mediums. In a delightful offshoot, local high school students collaborate with established artists to create vibrant urban murals that now adorn alleyways throughout Corning, bringing art to the streets and fostering a new generation of artists.

As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the Rockwell Museum also hosts travelling exhibits from the Smithsonian’s extensive collection, continually refreshing its offerings and ensuring there’s always something new to see. During our visit, the mezzanine was being prepared for an upcoming exhibit, but the upper floors were open for exploration, offering small-town views from the outdoor terrace and showcasing the museum’s exceptional collection of sculpture and Native American art.


Plan Your Visit to The Rockwell Museum: A Must-See in Corning
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique experience in the charming town of Corning, a visit to The Rockwell Museum should be at the top of your list. From its stunning collection of American art and Native American treasures to its beautifully restored historic setting, the museum offers a rich, immersive experience that captures the essence of the American spirit. For information to whet your artistic appetite before you go on this blanket tower, visit MarieWattStudio.com/projects/western-door.

Be sure to say hello to Artemus on your way in and take a moment to admire the blend of art, architecture, and community that defines this incredible space. Whether you're strolling through the galleries or participating in one of the many programs and workshops, The Rockwell Museum provides something for everyone. Don't miss out on this gem in the heart of Corning, NY where art, history, and creativity converge. Plan your visit today and discover why The Rockwell Museum is a cornerstone of the Finger Lakes art scene!

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