Penny Carlton / August 25, 2025
As summer waves its farewell for the year, many of us start to envision pumpkin-spiced delights from our favorite coffee shops, eagerly anticipating the moment when Mother Nature drapes our surroundings in vibrant shades of orange and red. Autumn in the Finger Lakes is enchanting on its own, but stepping into the Corning Museum of Glass (CMoG) unveils an entirely new way to embrace the season.
The Corning Museum of Glass is far more than just a pit stop on your Finger Lakes adventure. It’s a unique intersection of science and art, where ancient traditions blend with contemporary creativity, and where visitors leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of glass. Whether you’re captivated by the exhilarating glassblowing demonstrations, the stunning artwork, or the intriguing trivia, one thing is for sure—you’ll forever change the way you perceive a simple piece of glass.
In the crisp autumn of 2005, the Corning Museum of Glass shattered expectations with a breathtaking seasonal display: over 4,000 hand-blown glass pumpkins, artfully grouped to replicate a vibrant, striking pumpkin patch. Each was a miniature work of art, distinguished by its own unique color, shape, and intricate detail, transforming the museum into a dazzling tapestry of autumnal shades and sparkling creativity. The outcome? A Guinness World Record that celebrated both innovation and magnitude, captivating visitors with a sweeping vista of molten-glass wonders.
Then, in 2009, the museum’s glassblowing team accomplished something remarkable. Under the guidance of master gaffer George Kennard, they revealed a brilliant pumpkin boasting a circumference of 97 inches (slightly over 8 feet) and a weight of 70 pounds. This was no ordinary decorative gourd—it was a colossal, luminous creation of molten glass, shaped with remarkable precision and tenacity.
However, the ultimate success was far from effortless. The project demanded over 50 hours of dedicated work, 17 distinct attempts, and the collaborative skills of eight talented glassblowers. Picture the challenge of managing that volume of molten glass—it’s teamwork executed at the highest level.
The enormous pumpkin swiftly transformed into a seasonal symbol, showcasing that glass artistry transcends fragile vessels and museum displays. It embodies boldness, playfulness, and a larger-than-life spirit. The towering record-holder stands as a testament to what can be achieved when creativity and ambition fuse together.
Autumn at the Corning Museum of Glass is more than a mere season; it’s an immersive experience. This season’s adventure is just around the bend, as one of the museum’s most cherished fall traditions, the Great Glass Pumpkin Experiment, makes its return. Set within the Amphitheater Hot Shop, this captivating series of live demonstrations turns molten glass into enchanting pumpkins of all sizes, shapes, and characters.
Prepare for a burst of creativity: one day you might witness a classic orange gourd, and the next, a fantastical monster pumpkin or something wonderfully unexpected. Typically scheduled for Fridays and Sundays from mid-September through mid-October, this vibrant show is beloved by families.
Why settle for just watching when you can create? This fall, CMoG’s Studio is offering engaging hands-on workshops from September 8 to November 30. You can blow your very own pumpkin in the hot shop or craft a charming glass pumpkin pendant at the flameworking bench. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to capture the essence of autumn with your own two hands.
By mid-October, The Shops at the museum transform into a vibrant farmers’ market, brimming with an array of hand-blown pumpkins, gourds, and acorns, each piece as unique as if crafted by Mother Nature herself.
Two significant exhibitions enrich your fall visit, complementing the season by showcasing history and creativity in vivid, refreshing ways.
Brilliant Color (through January 11, 2026): Discover the groundbreaking innovations of glassmakers such as Tiffany and Lalique in their use of color. This captivating exhibition features over 100 stunning works, interactive displays, and archival recipes, creating a visual delight for visitors.
Table Talk: A Global Gathering (through May 2026): An intriguing exploration of glass in dining, drinking, and recreation throughout various cultures and historical periods.
This fall, the museum continues to impress with a vibrant display of thousands of hand-blown pumpkins in every imaginable color. So, as you enjoy your apple cider or cozy up with a pumpkin latte, remember that nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the Corning Museum of Glass doesn’t just embrace autumn; it transforms it through the artistry of glass.
And don’t miss out on the museums “Find the Activity”! On September 9th an adorable new guy has joined the festivity. There is a sneak peek below from his very first photo shoot!
Whether you’re a local or planning a fall getaway to the Finger Lakes, be sure to put CMoG at the top of your itinerary. Take a moment to look a little closer. The glass may just conceal a story waiting to be uncovered. After all, where else can you leave with your very own hand-blown pumpkin and a mind brimming with inspiration?
