The cutting of a ribbon made of molten glass marked the highly-anticipated opening of The Studio at The Corning Museum of Glass in New York. The result of the $55.3 million enterprise is the launch of North America’s only facility capable of creating large-scale works in cast glass.

In addition, it increases education programs in glassmaking, and provides opportunities for additional, longer residency programs for both emerging and established artists. To top it all off, the expanded facility can now accommodate about twice as many museum visitors wishing to participate in the Make Your Own Glass program.

© Courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass

“The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s foremost authority in the art, history and science of glass,” said Karol Wright, president and executive director, CMoG. “With the on-time, on-budget completion of the Studio’s expansion, we are now the international comprehensive center for artists and students working with glass.”

Visitors have a lot to look forward to. The new, 5,000-square-foot James Flaws & Marcia Weber Casting Center will be available in early 2025, with acclaimed contemporary artist Karen LaMonte scheduled to be the first artist to work in the new space. Applications are now being accepted for The Studio’s new Glassmaking Institute, which will offer expert-led, small-class training in furnace glassblowing, flameworking, kiln working and cold working.

© Courtesy of Corning Museum of Glass

“The Studio’s successful expansion is a testament to the power of glass as a medium for contemporary art making and the appeal it holds for established, emerging and potential glassmakers eager to find an environment that supports their practice,” said Amy Schwartz, director, The Studio, Corning Museum of Glass. “As the founding director of The Studio, I am both proud and gratified to see The Studio’s vision for a vibrant artistic and educational community realized beyond our wildest initial dreams nearly three decades ago.”