CORNING, NY.- The Rockwell Museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 with a year-long series of compelling exhibitions and dynamic programs. Themed “Reframed at 50,” this milestone coincides with America 250, the national semiquincentennial commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As a Smithsonian Affiliate and a steward of American art, The Rockwell will contribute to this historic moment by presenting works that illuminate the nation’s evolving cultural narratives and elevate the voices of artists past and present.
The anniversary season reflects the Museum’s ongoing commitment to framing the American story through art that honors diverse points of view. The 2026 lineup spans a vast array of media — from historic art to contemporary textiles, sculpture and photography.
The 2026 season starts with an exhibition honoring over 25 years of collecting Indigenous art. This lineup also features a sweeping 150-year survey of African American art from the Key Collection and an exploration of the New Deal era, highlighting how the Works Progress Administration used art to advocate for a more equitable society. The Antigravity project will bridge the past and future by bringing contemporary light and glass art into the Museum’s historic rotunda.
“At 50, we are reframing what a museum can be,” said 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.”
When The Rockwell Museum first opened its doors on Nov. 13, 1976, its location, collection and name were different than they are today. 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. Through every transformation, one constant has endured: a commitment to growth, education and collaboration at the heart of the Museum’s identity.
Spotlight Exhibitions
The Museum kicks off the celebratory year with “Native Now: Contemporary Indigenous Art at The Rockwell Museum” (Jan. 24- May 4). Featuring powerful works by artists such as Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Dakota Mace, Virgil Ortiz, Cara Romero, Wendy Red Star, Sarah Sense and Hayden Haynes, “Native Now” honors the past, present and future of Indigenous creativity. The exhibition also marks the debut of the Museum’s latest acquisition by Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds and includes works ranging from painting and photography to sculpture and installation. The 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), “Native Now” brings together some of the most compelling artists working today. The exhibition is generously supported by Mary Spurrier.
The Rockwell will partner again with the Corning Museum of Glass for its annual “Antigravity” project. The site-specific installation opens March 27 and uplifts contemporary perspectives in the Museum’s historic rotunda. In honor of the 2026 Glass Arts Society Conference and the Museum’s 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-Aug. 17) 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 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.
The Rockwell is also planning two exhibitions for fall 2026, including “Art at Work: Reframing Artists of the WPA,” highlighting the unique, nationwide civic endeavor that was the Works Progress Administration. With American history in the spotlight for the semiquincentennial, “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,” a curated selection of works from the collection by the Museum’s executive director Erin M. Coe.
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 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 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 historic Diné textiles. Made possible with generous funding from Mary Spurrier, this landmark commission will embody The Rockwell’s vision of reframing American art for the future.
2026 Celebratory Events and Programs: Key Dates At-A-Glance
A wide range of community programs is being offered throughout The Rockwell Museum’s 50th year, including family-friendly experiences, engaging lectures and live music. Select highlights below:
· Jan. 30, 2026: Exhibition Opening Reception, “Native Now: Contemporary Indigenous Art at The Rockwell Museum”
· Feb. 6, 2026: The Rockwell Live! Music series featuring Paper Wings
· Feb. 12 & 13, 2026: Reframed Lecture Series: Devan Shimoyama
· March 12, 2026: Reframed Lecture Series: Hayden Haynes
· March 14, 2026: Family Day: “Opera-Go Round”
· March 27, 2026: Opening day of “Antigravity”
· April 10, 2026: The Rockwell Live! Music series featuring The Cody Sisters
· April 23, 2026: National Lecture Series: Rebecca Trautmann | Program partner for “Making History, Making Change,” Smithsonian 250 Initiative.
· May 2, 2026: Family Day: Corning Area Robotics Club
· May 23, 2026: Opening day of “Gateways: African American Art from the Key Collection”
· Sept. 19, 2026: Rockwell at 50: Block Party
· Aug. 29, 2026: Opening day of “Director’s Choice”
· Sept. 5, 2026: Opening day of “Art at Work: Reframing Artists of the WPA”
· Nov. 7, 2026: Rockwell Museum Anniversary Gala
· Nov. 8-14, 2026: Founders’ Week: Free Admission
