Listen as glass artist William Gudenrath describes how this glass harmonica was made. 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

The European glass cases in the Museum tell the story of glass from the Renaissance in the 15th century to 1900. The Venetians were the master glassworkers of the Renaissance. Later, different parts of Europe produced their own distinctive styles. These pieces are featured in the Museum's app,

During their long careers, Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka made many thousands of models of small animals and plants. They sold these all over the world, including to Harvard University. Can you guess which objects in this case are not made of glass?

This small masterpiece is a 35000-year-old portrait of an Egyptian king. Under certain conditions, glass "weathers" (deteriorates). When it was new, the head was deep blue. Centuries of burial have altered the surface to a stone-like tan color.

Listen as glass artist William Gudenrath describes the technique used to make this cup with gladiators on it. Much like today, sports fans 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

We're now setting off on a unique voyage through the history of glass and glass making that started over 3500 years ago. In the case to your left, called The Origins of Glassmaking, you'll discover treasures from the first 1500 years of glassmaking in the ancient world. The second large

Many pieces go together to make this portrait of an ancient Egyptian. Every piece is glass, except one. Can you tell which piece is not made of glass?

Learn about the ways that glass artists have used artistic expression in the Museum's Modern Glass Gallery.

Listen as glass artist William Gudenrath describes the technique of making a core-formed vessel. 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

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.