Upstate New York Museum Celebrates 50 Years With Powerful Exhibit

The Rockwell Museum in Corning turning 50, and they’re marking the milestone in a meaningful way. Instead of just throwing a party, they’re opening a brand-new exhibition called “Native Now: Contemporary Indigenous Art at The Rockwell Museum.”

When and Where You Can See It

They are highlighting Indigenous identity, resilience, and creativity and it features work from more than 30 artists. The exhibition will be on display at The Rockwell from January 24th to May 4th, 2026, so there is time to plan a visit.

Big Names in Native Art

“Native Now” brings in work from well-known Indigenous artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Wendy Red Star, Virgil Ortiz, Edgar Heap of Birds, and Preston Singletary. Thanks to a partnership with the Art Bridges Foundation, the museum is borrowing even more pieces from artists like Jeffrey Gibson and Raven Halfmoon.

More Than Just Art

The exhibit is split into three sections: Indigenous Landscapes, Past/Future, and Thrivance. Each one has a different theme, like how Native artists connect to the land, how they blend tradition with the future, and how they continue to thrive despite challenges. One example is artist Virgil Ortiz, who combines traditional pottery skills with a sci-fi twist to tell stories of Native survival and strength past, present, and future.

Created With Indigenous Voices at the Table

The museum didn’t build this show by themselves. They partnered with Randee Spruce of the Seneca Nation as co-curator to make sure the exhibit is presented with respect. Rockwell Museum director Erin M. Coe says the exhibit represents more than 20 years of building relationships with Native artists and advisors.

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As the museum celebrates its anniversary and as America approaches its 250th they want to put Indigenous perspectives front and center.

Plan Your Visit

The Rockwell Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 111 Cedar Street in Corning. Tickets give you in the main museum and the KIDS ROCKWELL Art Lab just around the corner. Kids 17 and under get in free, and there are discounts for locals, students, seniors, and groups.