Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Imagine a massive concrete building, resembling a giant sewing machine with its unusual shape, towering over picturesque landscapes. This is the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art—one of the most striking architectural gems gifted to the USA and the university town of Ithaca. Designed by the famous I. M. Pei in the Brutalist style, the building is situated on a hill offering breathtaking views of Lake Cayuga.

Inside the museum lies a true treasure trove: its permanent collection features more than 40,000 works of art spanning six millennia. Here, you can encounter artifacts from ancient Asia, European classics, and bold works by contemporary American artists. Among the unique exhibits are interior elements designed by the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright.

The museum is famous not only for its galleries but also for its wonderful integration into the environment. Thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse gallery, art literally meets nature here. It is a magnet not only for Cornell University students but for all art lovers seeking inspiration in the quiet of the academic hills.

For more information on special exhibitions or to plan a group visit, you can use the following contact details:

Visiting the museum is a kind of vertical journey through the centuries. Start on the fifth floor, which is entirely dedicated to Asian art. It showcases exquisite sculptures and ceramics, while the windows offer 360-degree views of the city and campus. Moving down to the second floor, you'll find works created before the 1800s, while the first floor immerses you in the dynamic world of 19th-century and contemporary art.

Be sure to visit the glass penthouse gallery, often referred to as the "silo." It's the perfect spot to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. If the season allows, take a stroll through the sculpture court on the second floor, where the modern installation Cosmos creates an incredible interplay of light and space under the open sky.

Beyond the exhibitions, the museum frequently hosts Journeys at Johnson educational programs, lectures, and workshops. With free admission, it's an ideal place for both a quick visit to see a few masterpieces or a thoughtful exploration of world cultural history in a serene setting.

The museum is located at 114 Central Ave, in the heart of the Cornell University campus. It occupies the northwest corner of the Arts Quad and sits on a hill offering some of the best views of Lake Cayuga.

You can get here by public transport: TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) buses run regularly through the campus, stopping within walking distance of the entrance. If you prefer a taxi or Uber/Lyft services, the ride from downtown takes just a few minutes.

For those who enjoy walking, the route from downtown Ithaca takes about 20–30 minutes. Keep in mind that the path is uphill, so the walk can be quite brisk. If you arrive by private car, there are paid visitor parking lots on campus, though spaces may be limited on weekdays.

The history of this site began in 1953 when the university's president at the time established the first art museum in the renovated Andrew Dickson White house. However, over time, the collection grew so large that it required its own modern space. This was made possible by Herbert Fiske Johnson Jr., a university alumnus and head of S.C. Johnson & Son, who donated the funds and a significant portion of his personal collection.

The building's design was entrusted to the legendary architect I. M. Pei. He faced a difficult challenge: fitting a massive building into a limited space on the edge of a slope. Pei succeeded brilliantly, creating a concrete tower with cantilevered floors that visually resembles a giant sewing machine. This masterpiece of Brutalism opened its doors in 1973 and has since been considered an architectural icon of the region.

Today, the museum does more than just house artworks; it serves as a living educational center. Its mission is to bridge different cultures and inspire new generations of students and travelers, highlighting the importance of art in higher education and daily life.

To leisurely explore all floors and enjoy the temporary exhibitions, most visitors need 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is enough time to get acquainted with the key masterpieces of the permanent collection and take a few panoramic photos from the top-floor galleries.

If you plan to visit the sculpture court or linger in the penthouse gallery to admire the sunset over the lake, you should allow for a bit more time. The museum has a remarkable ability to "slow down" time thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and well-designed space.

The museum is typically open to visitors Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, it operates on a shorter schedule—from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

Operating hours may vary during university breaks or public holidays. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, it is recommended to check the official website for current hours before your visit.

A stroll around the university grounds is a perfect complement to a museum visit. The surrounding area is filled with historic architecture and scenic views that allow you to fully experience the campus atmosphere.

Exploring the campus offers both natural beauty and historic landmarks located just a few minutes' walk from the museum galleries.