Where's the Glass?

Issue #366 - October 2003

As we glass collectors travel around the country, we seek out antique shops, flea markets, estate sales and anywhere else we might go to add to our collections. But we also ought to seek out the many museums - large and small - that show off glass. Not only is the glass beautiful but one can develop an understanding of the context of glass making in American history - it was the very first industry in the American colonies.

Herewith, a compendium of some of America's glass museums (as well as other museums with substantial glass divisions). This is certainly not a complete list, and I welcome any additions from you own experience. Enjoy!

• Corning Museum of Glass
  Corning, New York
  www.cmog.org
  (607) 937.5371
  Open year round. Extensive collection of glass from all times and places. Also lots of modern art glass and a fantastic collection of Steuben. Admission is $12. There is glassmaking on site and a huge gift shop. Visitors can make glass objects.
• WV Museum of American Glass
  Weston, West Virginia
  (304) 269-5006
  www.magwv.com
  Open year round, closed Wednesdays & Sundays. American production glass, especially WV glass. A lot of Depression era glass. Free admission.
• The Museum of Glass
  Tacoma, Washington
  www.museumofglass.org
  (866) 4-MUSEUM
  Open year round, closed Mondays. US and international art glass, mostly contemporary. Admission is $10. There is glassmaking on site and a gift shop.
• Historical Glass Museum
  Redlands, California
  (909) 798-0868
  www.historicalglassmuseum.com Open year round, weekends only. American production glassware from 1880's to present; lots from the Depression era. Also houses Liberace's collection of fine crystal. Call for admission prices & hours.
• Racine Art Museum
  Racine, WI
  www.ramart.org
  (262) 638-8300
  Open year round, closed Mondays. Impressive collection of contemporary US art glass. Admission is $5. There is a gift shop.
• The Chrysler Museum
  Norfolk, Virginia
  www.chrysler.org
  (757) 664-6200
  Open year round. Huge and impressive collection of glass throughout history, from ancient Egypt to Dale Chihouly. Many Tiffany & Steuben pieces. Admission is $7.
• Seattle Art Museum
  Seattle, Washington
  www.seattleartmuseum.org
  (206) 654-3100
  Open year round, closed Mondays. Huge collection of European decorative arts, including much glass & crystal. Also has a fine gallery of contemporary art glass. Admission is $7. There is a large gift shop.
• Everson Museum of Art
  Syracuse, New York
  www.everson.org
  (315) 474-6064
  Open year round, closed Mondays. US and international art glass, mostly contemporary.
• The Museum of American Glass at Wheaton Arts
  Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center
  Millville, New Jersey
  www.wheatonarts.org
  (800) 998-4552
  Open year round, limited winter hours. Large collection of American glass from 1739 to the present; lots of American production glassware. Impressive paperweight collection. There is glass-making on site and a gift shop. Admission for the Museum is $10.00 for Adults, $9.00 for Senior Adults (62+), $7.00 for Students, and Children 5 and under are free
• Sandwich Glass Museum
  Sandwich, Massachusetts
  www.sandwichglassmuseum.org
  (508) 888-1251
  Open all year, except January. 19th and 20th Century American Glass plus contemporary glass jewelry collection. Admission is $3.50.
• Imperial Glass Museum
  Bellaire, Ohio
  www.imperialglass.org
  (315) 474-6064
  Open April-October, Wednesdays thru Saturdays. Imperial Glass. Admission is $2.00.
• The Smithsonian Institution
  Renwick Gallery
  Washington, DC
  www.si.edu
  (202) 357-2700
  American studio glass from 18th thru 21st centuries. Some 19th Century production glassware. Rotating exhibits. Open every day except Christmas. Admission free.
• Duncan Glass Museum
  Washington, PA
  www.duncan-miller.org
  Open April-October, Thursdays thru Sundays. Duncan-Miller and other western PA glass. Admission is $2.00.
• National Heisey Glass Museum
  Newark, OH
  www.heiseymuseum.org
  (740) 345-2932
  Open year-round, Tuesdays thru Sundays. Fabulous collection of Heisey Glass. Gift shop with repros. Admission is $2.00.
• Tiffin Glass Museum
  Tiffin, OH
  www.tiffinglass.org
  (419) 448-0200
  Open year-round, Tuesdays thru Saturdays. Tiffin Glass. Admission free.
• Oglebay Institute Glass Museum
  Wheeling, WV
  www.oionline.com
  (304) 242.7272
  Variety of glass made in Wheeling from 1829-1939, including the world's largest piece of cut crystal, a 225 lb punch bowl. Open daily.

Send us your favorites and we'll list more museums in a subsequent issue.

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