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Community Happens Here:
Rockwell Holidays 2016

The Rockwell believes in reaching all audiences in meaningful ways through a commitment to authentic educational and cultural experiences – we love our regional community! That’s why we’re proud to once again offer a variety of holiday traditions for you and yours. 

Here’s everything you’ll find at The Rockwell this holiday season:

SenecaHarbor2Second Annual Gingerbread Invitational

November 22, 2016 – January 2, 2017 | Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm

The Rockwell Museum is pleased to present the Second Annual Gingerbread Invitational − a fun, artful gingerbread competition and exhibition with a focus on historic landmarks and architecture in the beloved region surrounding historic Corning, NY. Visit The Rockwell to see these whimsical, saliva-inducing creations, and vote for your favorite to win The Community Choice Award! Gingerbread Art Hunts and special winter-themed activities in the Family Exploration Studio make this sweet exhibit fun for all ages. 

learn more

Moon MilkArt Explorers’ Story Hour: Sweet Stories & Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, December 1, 2016 | 10 – 11 am

The Rockwell believes that museums act as community centers – a place for safe and authentic arts experiences for all audiences. That’s why we’re proud to once again partner with the Southeast Steuben County Library for Art Explorer’s Story Hour. This month, Children’s Librarian Sue McConnell  will read “The Moon Might be Milk” by Lisa Shulman. Art Explorers will then decorate their very own moon cookie as a special treat! 

Attendees are invited to explore the galleries after Story Hour for free, including a visit to the hands-on Family Exploration Studio at no charge. This event is free and open to the public – no registration required – for preschool age children and their families.

See the year-round schedule here

GingerbreadWinners_FirstPlace_webGingerbread Invitational Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, December 1, 2016 | 5:30 – 7 pm
Awards Announced at 6:00 pm
Community Choice Award Voting Takes Place Until January 2, 2017

Continuing this spirited tradition at The Rockwell Museum, The Gingerbread Invitational is an artful competition and exhibition with a focus on historic landmarks and architecture of Corning and the surrounding region – in gingerbread! Teams of gingerbread enthusiasts and community members like you have built our region’s beloved parks, community centers, museums and more!

With the help of a panel of judges, we’ll award First-, Second-, and Third-place prizes, then guests will launch public voting for the Community Choice Award (winner announced in January 2017). Come dressed in your favorite sweater for sweet treats and holiday fun! 

RSVP online

sparkle20_fff82a7b-5056-b365-ab4160bad75264a1Family Sparkle: Cookie Decorating

Saturday, December 3, 2016 | 3 – 6 pm

Join The Rockwell in celebrating Sparkle with Corning’s Gaffer District by stopping by to participate in the fun, family activities available.  Decorate your own gingerbread man cookie – you will end up with a tasty treat to take home and enjoy! Additional activities include Bison Bingo and winter-themed Gallery activities and crafts. All ages are welcome! 

plan your sparkle evening

shutterstock_SnowmenHouse_web_lgHoliday Open House: Free Admission

Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4, 2016 | 9 am – 5 pm

Every year, The Rockwell Museum and our sister museum, Corning Museum of Glass, offer FREE admission for the kick-off to the holiday season. Come in and vote for your favorite gingerbread creation during Open House weekend! Families will love the special winter-themed crafts and activities in the Family Exploration Studio! Also the perfect opportunity to get everything you need on your shopping list at The Rockwell Museum Store and throughout the Gaffer District.

get in the spirit

The Polar Express

Movie at the Museum: Polar Express

Friday, December 16 |  6 – 8 pm     online registration
Saturday, December 17 | 2 – 4 pm  online registration

All aboard! Pack up the kids in their pajamas and favorite pillow to watch THE POLAR EXPRESS® movie in the galleries! We’ll feature two showings for this popular event, and little ones will have a chance to meet The Conductor himself! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Kids free, adults only $5.

Pre-registration suggested.

FEs 1Family Night Sponsored by LeChase Construction

Thursdays, December 8, 15, 22 & 29 | 5 – 7 pm

Free admission and after-hours shopping on Thursday evenings in December! Your chance to get to The Rockwell for a visit to experience The Gingerbread Invitational and other winter activities during the busy holiday season.

December 26 – January 4: School’s Out!

Open daily | 9 am – 5 pm
Closed December 24, December 25 & January 1

If you have family visiting from out of town and kids bouncing off the walls, The Rockwell is the perfect destination while school is on holiday break. Did you know locals always get 50% off museum admission – including two of their out-of-town guests? Families will love the special winter-themed crafts and activities in the Family Exploration Studio. 17 & under always free!

family activities, all-year-round

Can’t get enough holiday spirit? Visit our friends at the Eastman Museum in Rochester, NYHolidays2

Just a quick 90-minute drive from Corning, our friends at the Eastman Museum present holiday festivities with perfection – the perfect day trip. Whether you have a passion for history, photography, and cinema, or you’re simply looking for classic holiday festivities, the Eastman Museum offers a wealth of ways to celebrate this year.

Not only do they have their own series of gingerbread displays every year, you’ll find tree and wreath displays, holiday and family film showings, live music and a unique shopping experience for the art-lover on your list. 

history & holiday at the Eastman museum