Location: Ithaca
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The 10 Best Museums in Ithaca, New York (NY)
"Ithaca is gorges" can be read on proud t-shirts across New York State, and there is definitely truth in advertising. Sitting on the shores of Cayuga Lake, the largest of the Finger Lakes, the hilly town of Ithaca is surrounded by dense forests, towering waterfalls, and many gorges. The natural beauty has a distinctly academic feel, as local universities have filled the woods with museums and education centers like The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which features a 220 acre wildlife sanctuary.
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1. North Star Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
North Star Art Gallery presents the works of artist-in-residence, Brian Keeler, and other regional artists. Our works are chosen from their positive view of the world.
2. Gourdlandia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Visit, Learn, Make, Shop! Gourdlandia is more than a gallery, not quite a farm. Learn about growing gourds and turning them into art, explore the gourd garden (summer and fall), shop, be inspired, maybe even make something. There are projects that are available for visitors at any time… just drop in and make something beautiful! Hours vary, please check website calendar or call.
Reviewed By travelingwinetaster - Freeville, United States
So I found Gourdlandia on a google search and I decided to check it out. Let me just saw that this was a super cool place. When I got there I wasn’t quite sure what to expect and of course what I thought I would see was totally incorrect. As I walked to the front door from my car. I looked out at land and a farm. It was peaceful and I just didn’t know what to expect. As I opened the door, the owner, a woman named Graham greeted me. She was kind with a bit is a sparkle in her eyes. I could tell from the moment I met her that she truly LOVED creating her artwork using all different types of gourds. Let me say just how beautiful her work is! There were boxes and lamps and wall art and faces and nightlights and necklaces and more items than I can name. Each one was unique and beautiful. Some were rather whimsical and others were more serious. All of them made me want to look at each one and see the intricate details. It was a wonderment. I enjoyed talking with Graham and learning more about gourds in general and her gourd art in particular. She definitely has a beautiful heart and that is so apparent in her beautiful work. I see it as a skill that few people have. I believe Graham sees it as her calling. You can just tell how much she enjoys creating beautiful, unique pieces of art. I highly recommend visiting this interesting place and buying a piece of her work that makes you smile. Next time I’m in the area, I will definitely stop there to see what new items await!
3. Sciencenter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
The Sciencenter inspires excitement for science through interactive exhibits and programs that engage, educate and empower. The hands-on museum offers visitors of all ages more than 250 exhibits, educational programs, a gift shop, an outdoor science park and a seasonal miniature golf course. Look, touch, listen & discover at the Sciencenter. The Sciencenter is open Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm. Open Mondays in July and August and holiday Mondays. The Sciencenter is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.
Reviewed By CayugaCarolyn - Ithaca, United States
My grandchildren love this place. There are so many things to do and learn. The area for toddlers and preschoolers keeps the little ones busy, and the older ones (up to age 9 or 10) can explore hands-on exhibits that are really fun.
4. Museum of the Earth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
The Museum of the Earth was established in 2003 to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore our world through a mix of natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions. The museum's 8,000-square-foot permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through 4.5 billion years of history, from the Earth's origin to the present day. Through hands-on, visual exhibitions and outreach, the Museum of the Earth encourages critical thinking about life on Earth in the past and today, and how our species is affecting the natural world.
Reviewed By BillK455 - Spencerport, United States
Been wanting to go here for a few years and finally made it happen. We arrived early and I liked the design of the building as well as some of the outside art. We walked in to see a skeleton of a North Atlantic Right Whale which was amazing. We checked out the gift shop which had some nice items ad then walked downstairs and started with the current exhibit on bees. I thought it was a nice exhibit but I was here for dinosaurs. The lay out of the fossils and dinosaurs displays was really done well and I really enjoyed the diversity of fossils on display. If you love paleontology, this is a must do museum that everyone should enjoy. Lot of nice photo ops with the Stegosaurus model and Mastodon skeleton among others. Make the trip
5. The History Center in Tompkins County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Established in 1863. The History Center is a generation-to-generation education and research center focused on engaging with the public. The Center helps people use the tools of history to understand the past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping the future. In order to accomplish this mission we preserve and encourage access to The History Center's unique collections; seek out the diverse needs and interests of our community; design learning experiences and provide services that respond to those needs; create opportunities for people to learn about themselves and their place in the world; and provide a neutral environment for public discussions that bring historical perspective to current issues. Your Ticket to Discovery. Uncover Your Local History. Connect to the Past.
6. Johnson Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
PLEASE NOTE: The Johnson Museum is temporarily closed to visitors. Visit our FAQ for more information. Cornell University's Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art in Ithaca, NY, houses 40,000 works of art in a historic I. M. Pei building. Open year-round, explore the permanent collection and regular temporary exhibitions, with spectacular views of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, and Cornell. Admission is always free! Closed Mondays, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, and from December 25 to January 1.
Reviewed By Explore280092
Some museums are so big they give me a headache to visit. The Johnson is just the right size for me. You can see it all in a leisure afternoon. Check out the top floor for amazing views and their outstanding collection of Asian art.
7. Sunny Days of Ithaca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
NOTE: Hours listed are MINIMUM/GUARANTEED - often open earlier and close later! Our NY marketplace highlights all that's amazing in and about Ithaca, the Finger Lakes, and the state as a whole - the beauty, creativity, tasty treats... Our carefully curated products are either produced in NY, about something special that characterizes NY, and/or represent Ithaca's unique spirit and values.
Reviewed By debrajean2962 - Long Island, United States
Great store for Ithaca souvenirs and arts and crafts items. Save some time, there is alot to look at. The owner has a wonderful "eye" for unique items and offers them in her store reasonably priced. I ended up buying an "art pole" which has been a wonderful addition to my garden and is a fond rememberance of our beautiful time in Ithaca.
8. State of the Art Gallery
9. Eyeithaca Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
1.5 based on 2 reviews
Our mission: eye showcases photography, painting, sculpture, comic art, ceramics, & themed shows. We promise to be keenly eclectic and never stale.
10. ARTe: Finger Lakes Art Coordination
Overall Ratings
2.0 based on 1 reviews
