The Rockwell Museum

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes | September 11, 2024

Stepping into the Rockwell Museum in Corning, New York is like taking a journey through time, art, and architectural brilliance. Housed in what was once Corning’s original City Hall, this Romanesque Revival-style building stands as a testament to both civic history and American art. The museum, now a Smithsonian Affiliate, offers visitors a rich blend of the American Experience, showcasing works that span from early Western art to contemporary Native American pieces. Yet, beyond its stunning collection, the story of the museum’s home is equally compelling.

Designed by the architect A. J. Warner and constructed by Thomas Bradley in 1893, the building is a prime example of American Romanesque Revival architecture, a style known for its imposing brickwork, terracotta elements, and locally quarried Blue Stone. This was a popular architectural trend for civic buildings across the United States at the time, and Corning’s City Hall was no exception. Its grand facade, combined with intricate detailing, speaks to a bygone era when public buildings were designed to inspire civic pride and durability.

For nearly a century, the building housed Corning’s vital institutions. The first floor was home to the City Clerk, City Court, Police Department, and jail cells, while the second floor hosted the Mayor’s office and even served as living quarters for the firemen. The firemen would famously slide down a pole to the fire truck below, a relic of which remains visible today, though the opening has since been closed for safety. The museum’s gift shop, once the fire engine garage, still retains the original tin ceiling, a charming reminder of its former purpose.

However, time and the elements weren’t kind to the building. By the 1960s, weathering and age began to take their toll, leaving the once-proud City Hall in a state of deterioration. Then came the devastating Hurricane Agnes in 1972. The resulting floods submerged the basement and much of the ground floor, leading to extensive damage. The building’s fate seemed sealed—until a $1 sale and a visionary philanthropist stepped in.

Resurrecting a Historic Landmark
In a fortuitous turn of events, Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) and local philanthropists Bob and Hertha Rockwell came to the building’s rescue. Together with the City of Corning, they devised a plan to not only restore the building but also transform it into a space that could house Mr. Rockwell’s impressive collection of American art. Architect John D. Milner was tasked with leading the adaptive reuse renovation, ensuring that the building’s historical elements were preserved while making it a suitable home for a museum. In 1982, the old City Hall was reborn as the Rockwell Museum, a perfect marriage of American art and distinctly American architecture.

Today, the Rockwell Museum stands as a cornerstone of the community and a gateway to Corning’s Market Street, offering an experience that is both deeply rooted in history and forward-looking in its artistic approach.