Your Destination for Art & Community Since 1976
The Rockwell Museum celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long series of compelling exhibitions and dynamic programs, honoring the Museum’s past and its commitment to community while boldly looking to the future. The anniversary theme, Rockwell Reframed, reflects this spirit of commemoration and innovation. In each decade, the Museum has embraced new ways to inspire, engage, and serve as a vital hub for culture and creativity in New York’s Southern Tier.
“At 50, we are reframing what a museum can be,” says Erin M. Coe, Executive Director of The Rockwell Museum. “As a collaborative partner with living artists and community organizations, we are committed to re-centering diverse perspectives in our storytelling and redefining the museum experience through innovative approaches to interpretive exploration—deepening our impact and enhancing the well-being of both individuals and the communities we serve. Our 50th year is both a milestone and a launchpad.”
The Museum’s origins trace back to the personal collection of Robert and Hertha Rockwell, local business owners who displayed their growing collection of American art in their namesake department store in downtown Corning. Guided by a deep belief that art should be shared, the Rockwells — alongside a group of civic and corporate visionaries — transformed a private collection into a public resource for the community. When The Rockwell Museum first opened its doors on November 13, 1976, its location, collection, and even its name were different than they are today. Through every transformation, one constant has endured: a commitment to growth, education, and collaboration at the heart of the Museum’s identity.
The Museum’s anniversary also coincides with America 250, the nationwide commemoration of the United States’ founding. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and steward of American art, The Rockwell is proud to contribute to this historic moment by presenting exhibitions and programs that illuminate the nation’s evolving cultural narratives and elevate the voices of artists past and present.
Spotlight Exhibitions
The Museum’s 50th Anniversary exhibition lineup reflects its ongoing commitment to framing the American story through art that spotlights underrepresented voices and perspectives.
The Museum kicks off the celebratory year with Native Now: Contemporary Indigenous Art at The Rockwell Museum (January 24 – May 4, 2026). Featuring powerful works by artists such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Virgil Ortiz, Wendy Red Star, Sarah Sense, Hayden Haynes, and, on view for the first time, the Museum’s latest acquisition by Edgar Heap of Birds, Native Now honors the past, present, and future of Indigenous creativity. With works ranging from painting and photography to sculpture and installation, this dynamic exhibition affirms the continued vitality of Native voices in American art today. The exhibition will be bolstered by key loans from Art Bridges, including sculptures by renowned artists Jeffrey Gibson, Raven Halfmoon, and Cannupa Hanska Luger. Native Now commemorates over 25 years of the Museum’s collecting focus on contemporary indigenous art. Through a partnership with independent curator Randee Spruce (Seneca Nation, Heron Clan), and with generous support from Mary Spurrier, Native Now brings together some of the most compelling artists working today. The exhibition is generously supported by Mary Spurrier.
The Rockwell is pleased to once again partner with Corning Museum of Glass for its annual Antigravity (opens March 27) project, a site-specific installation that uplifts contemporary perspectives in the Museum’s historic rotunda. In honor of the 2026 Glass Arts Society Conference and our sister institution’s 75th anniversary, The Rockwell welcomes glass artists Meryl Pataky and Kelsey Issel, founders of neon art collective She Bends. Their work “True Gravity” will fill The Rockwell’s rotunda with woven light, greeting visitors and providing an unexpected surprise as they enter the Museum. In addition, the Corning Museum of Glass’s Amphitheater Hot Shop will host Pataky and Issel for a residency allowing them to experiment with new techniques that bring their artistic vision to life in glass.
During the summer months, Gateways: African American Art from the Key Collection (May 23 – August 17, 2025) will offer a sweeping look at 150 years of creativity, resilience, and expression. Assembled by museum leader and educator Eric Key, this extraordinary collection features more than 80 works by 76 artists, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and works on paper. From Henry Ossawa Tanner’s luminous depictions of North Africa to Elizabeth Catlett’s striking modernist sculpture and Richard Mayhew’s bold explorations of color, the exhibition showcases some of the most significant voices in American art. Portraits by Delita Martin, Gordon Parks, and Al Burts explore the joys and complexities of life in America, celebrating humanity in all its forms. The nationally-touring Gateways: African American Art from the Key Collection is organized by International Arts & Artists, and supported by Mary Spurrier.
The Rockwell is also planning two exhibitions for fall 2026, including Art at Work: Reframing Artists of the WPA (opening September 5), highlighting the unique, nationwide civic endeavor that was the Works Progress Administration. With American history in the spotlight for the semi-quincentennial, Artists of the WPA will explore the remarkable work of the New Deal to push for a greater and more caring society. The fall exhibition calendar will also feature Director’s Choice (opening August 29), a curated selection of works from the collection by the Museum’s own Erin M. Coe. More details coming soon about both of these fall exhibitions.
Creative Commissions and Collaborations
In its 50th year, The Rockwell continues its commitment to partnering with contemporary artists to uplift diverse and relevant perspectives in American art.
One exciting focal point of 2026 will be a new work of public art created in partnership with multimedia artist Devan Shimoyama for the Museum’s long-standing Alley Art Project. Known for his stunning works that explore themes of identity and the Black experience infused with his personal narrative and cultural commentary, the Pittsburgh-based artist left an indelible impression on Rockwell audiences with his 2023 exhibition Devan Shimoyama: Untitled (For Tamir). His striking large-scale, multimedia artwork Le Mat (The Fool), acquired by the Museum that same year, has since become a must-see highlight for visitors. Throughout 2026, Shimoyama will collaborate with Rockwell educators and students from the Corning-Painted Post High School Learning Center to design and paint a vibrant mural on the exterior parking lot façade of the Southeast Steuben County Library, an enduring public artwork created with and for the community. The mural will be painted and unveiled in August 2026.
To mark the anniversary, The Rockwell has also commissioned an original tapestry by acclaimed Diné (Navajo) textile artist D.Y. Begay. A fifth-generation weaver celebrated for her masterful artistry and ability to capture the spirit of place, Begay brings extraordinary cultural and artistic significance to the Museum’s golden anniversary. To inform her design, Begay traveled from her home in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Corning, New York, immersing herself in the extended region’s hues, textures, waterways, and landforms. Drawing from these inspirations, she will create a one-of-a-kind textile that bridges the landscapes of the Southwest and New York state. The tapestry, to be unveiled in fall 2026, will stand as both a commemoration of the Museum’s milestone and a lasting addition to its outstanding collection of historical Diné textiles. This landmark commission will embody The Rockwell’s vision of reframing American art for the future. The commission is made possible with generous funding from Mary Spurrier.
Celebratory Events and Programs
Loyal locals can expect the return of the Museum’s most popular events, including family-friendly programs, thoughtful lectures, and live music.
Every second Saturday at 2 p.m. February through December, visitors can stop in for a staff-led tour of the collection highlights. For those who have not visited the Museum in recent years, this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the collection and all the exciting progress The Rockwell has made.
The Rockwell Live! music series features five concerts throughout the year, featuring up-and-coming folk and Americana musicians. In the first half of the year, we’ll host Paper Wings (February 6) and The Cody Sisters (April 10) for intimate, seated concerts in the Museum’s Visions of America Gallery. Stay tuned for the lineup of energetic happy hour bands coming to the Museum’s famous terrace coming Summer 2026. TRL! Music Series is made possible by CCU Wealth Strategies.
The Museum will once again partner with local organizations for kid and family programs, including the Tri-Cities Opera “Opera-Go Round,” (March 14) and the Corning Area Robotics Club (May 2), on Family Days featuring hands-on workshops and unique performances for all ages. And, join us every first Thursday morning at the Art Lab for Lil Rockwell!
Lifelong learners are invited to dive deeper into the Museum’s collections and anniversary exhibitions through the 2026 Rockwell Reframed Lecture Series. This year’s speaker lineup includes two artists featured in the Museum’s collection: Devan Shimoyama (February 12 & 13) and Hayden Haynes (March 12) will both offer evening lectures and daytime gallery talks. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, The Rockwell is pleased to host an evening of the Making History, Making Change National Lecture Series with Rebecca Trautmann (April 23) assistant curator of contemporary art at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Generous support for this year’s lecture series is given in memory of Nat and Wilhelmina Wollin. The Making History, Making Change Lecture Series, a project of Smithsonian Affiliations, is supported in part by the Dreier Family Foundation, the UHL and KK Foundation, Vaishali Shah Chadha and Family, and Michael Vu and Meridel Bulle-Vu.
On September 19, art-lovers of all ages are invited to The Rockwell @ 50 Block Party, aligned with Corning’s Harvest Festival throughout Downtown Corning. This free, open-house style event plans to feature live performances, collection and public art tours, fun hands-on projects, photo stations, and opportunities to win Rockwell-inspired collectibles and prizes. The Rockwell @ 50 Block Party is made possible with support from Chemung Canal Trust Company.
On November 7, guests can experience a special Anniversary Gala, where Rockwell supporters and friends gather for a festive evening of entertainment and fashion in support of The Rockwell Museum’s next half-century of impact.
Celebrate with Us
We look forward to seeing our community members, new and returning, at this year’s 50th celebrations.
Check out the upcoming events calendar>>
Thank you! This anniversary lineup is brought to you by
Mary Spurrier
James B. Flaws and Marcia D. Weber
Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.
CCU Wealth Strategies
Chemung Canal Trust Company
Wegmans
Celebrate the Museum’s 50th! Give today.