The Rockwell Museum has been awarded a $95,000 capital design grant from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the design of a transformative renovation and expansion of the Museum’s second-floor galleries. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $82 million to 132 arts and culture facilities across New York State.
“New York’s powerful arts and culture sector is a formidable asset,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Our continued investments in museums, theaters and art centers generate incredible returns — sparking innovation, boosting local economies, driving visitors and making us the global epicenter of arts and culture.”
The grant will support architectural design that reimagines the Museum’s second floor, creating gallery spaces that better reflect The Rockwell’s evolving mission, growing collection of American art, in-gallery programming, and commitment to centering the visitor experience by serving diverse audiences—all facets of the institution’s strategic plan. With these funds, The Rockwell will engage architecture firm GBBN to lead the design effort that entails converting former administrative offices into new galleries, increasing gallery space by nearly 40 percent while introducing flexible exhibition infrastructure, museum-quality AV, upgraded environmental controls, and improved accessibility throughout the second-floor public spaces. Another key objective of the project is to support the visitor experience by establishing consistent design language through flooring and ceiling finishes, enhanced lighting, pedestals, and moveable walls that will improve visual continuity, ensuring that visitors encounter American art in more meaningful, accessible, and engaging ways.
“This award represents a critical investment in the future of The Rockwell Museum as we celebrate fifty years of community impact and look toward the next half century of progress and innovation,” said Erin M. Coe, Executive Director of The Rockwell Museum. “Our collection, exhibition program, and role in the community has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, yet our gallery spaces have remained largely unchanged. NYSCA’s support allows us to partner with an architect to reenvision these galleries, so the quality of the works of art they contain matches our aspirations for serving audiences in the Southern Tier and beyond.”
The last major gallery renovation at the Museum was twenty-five years ago; this project will support the design of adaptable spaces that support twenty-first century museum practice. The renovated and expanded galleries will allow The Rockwell to plan for installing more of its growing collection on public view, host larger and more ambitious exhibitions, create immersive experiences for visitors, while accommodating a wider range of education and community programs.
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “We know that when the arts flourish, communities follow — bringing energy, creating jobs, expanding accessibility, and increasing tourism. This grant program is a critical investment in our creative sector, empowering our creative community and inspiring innovation. Congratulations to all the grantees, we look forward to seeing these diverse projects develop all throughout the state.”
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2027, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.
About GBBN
GBBN is a nationally recognized architecture and design firm founded in Cincinnati in 1958, with offices in Cincinnati, Louisville, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, and Beijing. With a dedicated studio focused solely on arts facilities, GBBN believes that thriving arts organizations are catalysts for positive change — strengthening the neighborhoods, communities, and cities they call home. The firm brings decades of specialized experience across all facets of forming, financing, fundraising, designing, delivering, and opening arts facilities, with a portfolio spanning performing arts centers, black box theaters, proscenium houses, concert halls, museums, and cultural institutions.
About The Rockwell Museum
The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, provokes curiosity, engagement and reflection about art and the American experience.
Founded in 1976, the Museum’s collection numbers nearly 3,000 objects and includes strengths in contemporary and historic Native American art, 19th-century landscape paintings, traditional bronze sculptures and a growing collection of modern and contemporary art. Housed in Corning’s former historic City Hall, The Rockwell is an active cultural hub and a unique place where locals and travelers alike connect with art and ideas through a dynamic roster of exhibitions, programs and events. The Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Rockwell Museum (111 Cedar Street) is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Museum’s campus includes the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab, featuring family-friendly activities, games and hands-on projects connected to exciting special exhibitions and the Museum’s collection of American artworks. The Art Lab is located around the corner at 36 E. Market Street and is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the fall/winter season. One ticket provides access to both Rockwell locations.
Ticket discounts are available for local residents, students, groups and ages 55+; youth 17 and under are always free at The Rockwell. Visit rockwellmuseum.org for more information.