This is a medieval mystery. No one is certain where or when this cut glass beaker was made. It is named for St. Hedwig of Silesia (modern Poland). Fewer than 20 of these beakers are known to exist. This piece is featured in the Museum's app, specifically in the kid-friendly version. Download

Ancient glassmakers discovered a technique called core forming. A core was formed from dung and clay, then dried. The core was covered with glass. After cooling, the core was scraped out. The bottles were used for perfume and cosmetics.

When you try to fill this glass with liquid, some of the tubes and bulbs remain empty. If you try to drink from the glass, the air in the tubes makes the liquid gush out when you least expect it. This piece is featured in the Museum's app, specifically in the kid-friendly version. Download the

This is a full-scale model of half an Egyptian glass furnace. The original is more than 3500 years old.

Much like today, sports fans throughout history have enjoyed drinking from cups decorated with pictures of their heroes. This cup is decorated with pictures of famous gladiators. This piece is featured in the Museum's app, specifically in the kid-friendly version. Download the app from iTunes

Try glassblowing at The Corning Museum of Glass (any age if accompanied by an adult).

Benjamin Franklin invented this strange musical instrument. It was popular in the late 18th century. Sounds were made by running moistened fingers along the rims of the glasses. Some people were afraid that this strange music would drive them crazy. This piece is featured in the Museum's app,

This cup is named for JP Morgan, the famous banker who once owned it. It is the only known ancient Roman cameo glass vessel that has survived intact. The scene shows worshippers at a shrine.

People have decorated with glass beads for hundreds of years. This crown was made in Nigeria in the mid-20th century.

Listen as curator, David Whitehouse describes the stages of making a paperweight.