100 Things To Do In Finger Lakes Wine Country This Summer, #6 Visit the Arnot Art Museum

I grew up just a few blocks away from the Arnot Art Museum and remember going there for elementary school field trips. Since moving back to the Finger Lakes a few years ago, a visit to the museum has been on my list of things to do. Just recently I finally had the opportunity to go – and walking through the doors of the museum I was absolutely amazed. I didn’t remember much about the museum, but then again, what my eight year old self would remember probably wouldn’t be very enticing now. What I did remember about the museum was lots of old paintings – of course, now I have a higher appreciation for this fine art. Upon walking through the doors you feel as if you’ve just walked into The Met - however, you’re not on 5th Avenue, rather you’re on Lake Street in Elmira, NY. This museum is a must-see while visiting Finger Lakes Wine Country!

The museum is actually housed in a mansion that was built in 1833. The home of Matthias Arnot, the mansion was filled with more than 80 paintings and sculptures he had collected. Arnot was a very wealthy businessman as well as an art enthusiast. It is said that he would go to the auctions in New York City and go up against some of the richest men in the world, like members of the Vanderbilt family, for prized pieces of art. Mark Twain, who married Olivia Langdon of Elmira, is said to have spent quite a bit of time with Arnot at his mansion. Needless to say, the mansion has great history. Arnot bequeathed his collection and his home to the city of Elmira as the Arnot Art Gallery.

The collection of 19thand 20th century art is absolutely spectacular. It is one of the most comprehensive collections in the country and it is right here in Finger Lakes Wine Country! I was blown away at some of the pieces and especially the sculptures that Diane Koeppel, Executive Director of the museum, said she had just found in the basement. One in particular sculpture was of a cupid that is said to have been created by an artist who only made two others – one is in the Louvre and the other is in a museum in Russia. Also impressive are the contemporary art exhibits. The museum focuses on showcasing the work of local artists and it was apparent that many local Finger Lakes artists are very talented.

I haven’t stopped talking about how fantastic the Arnot Art Museum is and look forward to going back. Whether you were born and raised in the region or if you’re just visiting for a weekend, you must make time to visit this treasure in Elmira. While in Elmira and Mark Twain Country, make sure to make time to visit the Mark Twain Study, the Christmas House, the National Soaring Museum, Wings of Eagles Discovery Center, and much more!

Watch this short video about the history of Chemung County including the Arnot Art Museum.