
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Ithaca (must see)
The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is a celebrated cultural destination. Designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei, its distinctive brutalist structure, completed in 1973, is as remarkable as the artwork it houses. The museum boasts a collection of over 40,000 pieces, encompassing a diverse range of art from ancient Asian artifacts to modern works by American artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol.
The building's design, with its narrow tower and cantilevered fifth floor overlooking a sculpture garden, was carefully planned to preserve views of Cayuga Lake and Library Slope, making it both a functional and visual masterpiece.
The museum's collection is a highlight of its appeal, featuring works by iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Matisse, Manet, and Goya, alongside prints, photographs, and artifacts from African and Asian cultures. One of its unique treasures is a pair of windows from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House, which adds architectural significance to its holdings. Regularly updated exhibitions and installations, such as Leo Villareal’s "Cosmos," a stunning LED display honoring late Cornell professor Carl Sagan, further enhance the museum’s reputation as a dynamic and innovative space for art.
Beyond its impressive collections, the Johnson Museum offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake from its fifth-floor observation area. The museum’s unique location, atop a knoll where Ezra Cornell is said to have chosen the site for his university, adds to its historic significance. Admission to the museum is always free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for visitors and residents alike.
The building's design, with its narrow tower and cantilevered fifth floor overlooking a sculpture garden, was carefully planned to preserve views of Cayuga Lake and Library Slope, making it both a functional and visual masterpiece.
The museum's collection is a highlight of its appeal, featuring works by iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Matisse, Manet, and Goya, alongside prints, photographs, and artifacts from African and Asian cultures. One of its unique treasures is a pair of windows from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House, which adds architectural significance to its holdings. Regularly updated exhibitions and installations, such as Leo Villareal’s "Cosmos," a stunning LED display honoring late Cornell professor Carl Sagan, further enhance the museum’s reputation as a dynamic and innovative space for art.
Beyond its impressive collections, the Johnson Museum offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake from its fifth-floor observation area. The museum’s unique location, atop a knoll where Ezra Cornell is said to have chosen the site for his university, adds to its historic significance. Admission to the museum is always free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for visitors and residents alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ithaca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on Map
Sight Name: Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Sight Location: Ithaca, USA (See walking tours in Ithaca)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ithaca, USA (See walking tours in Ithaca)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ithaca, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Ithaca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ithaca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ithaca Introduction Walking Tour
Ithaca, New York, blends history, academia, and natural beauty into a lively yet laid-back setting. Located in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is known for its waterfalls, liberal spirit, and deep ties to higher education—Cornell University and Ithaca College anchor the town's intellectual atmosphere.
The name "Ithaca" comes from the Greek island glorified by Homer in his epic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
The name "Ithaca" comes from the Greek island glorified by Homer in his epic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Cornell University Walking Tour
Cornell University, a prestigious Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New York, was founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White. The university's blend of tradition and innovation is reflected in its academic offerings and ever-evolving campus design. Indeed, the main campus of Cornell, sprawling 745 acres on East Hill overlooking Ithaca and Cayuga Lake, is recognized as one of the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles