American values take shape in the objects we make, desire, cherish, and discard. A table laden with ripe fruit, a meal served up at a luncheonette, the inside of a medicine cabinet—ordinary materials around us chronicle our lives. The still life, a genre of art that dates back to the ancient world, captures those objects of everyday life while often conveying deeper meanings and hidden messages.

Special showings through end of February: Elton John has sold over 300 million records over 6 decades in show business, making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. Laser Elton John celebrates his larger than life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light.

In his seven-minute video, The Hikers (2019), Rashid Johnson presents a chance encounter between two Black men in an environment where they never expected to see each other. Two masked men—one ascending, the other descending—come upon each other in the mountains in Aspen, Colorado. They dance, and in an exquisite moment of recognition, they remove their masks that manifest anxiety. What unfolds is a narrative of connection, an exchange of platonic love, and independence.

Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you. Lunch is optional.

Enjoy some of Rochester’s favorite local musicians performing live aboard Riverie. Cruise the scenic Genesee River and historic Erie Canal and soak in the sunset as you are serenaded. Culminate the evening with a spectacular view of the Rochester skyline as you’ve never seen it before.

Step back in time as you cruise along the historic Erie Canal. Live narration brings to life the bold vision that transformed a hare-brained idea into an engineering marvel that opened the American West. Travel through a working lock, soak in the scenery, and relax as history unfolds around you.

Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, glowworms, or members of the Lampyridae family, are magical little creatures. Come join us to learn more about them and their powers of bioluminescence, right in their natural habitat. Bring your family for a guided evening hike across our Oatka Creek meadow, behind the scenes of the Museum.

This summer, Seneca Park Zoo will transform into an immersive outdoor storytelling experience with a new traveling sculpture exhibit. Opening Memorial Day weekend and running through August 18, the Tales of Conservation sculpture exhibit includes 12 larger-than-life sculptures of animals that were brought back from the brink of extinction, all with the assistance of zoos. Running Memorial Day Weekend through August 18.

If you know a current college undergraduate who was born in the US and has at least one immigrant parent, please invite them to participate in the research study of Wiljar Ojuro, 2026 doctoral candidate at the University of Rochester. The purpose of this study is to examine mental health and academic outcomes among these students, with the goal of informing higher education practices related to student retention and counseling center support services. Students who choose to participate click the survey link, review the information sheet, and complete the survey. After finishing, they will have the option to enter a drawing for a $100 Amazon electronic gift card through a separate link.

Join us for a delightful set of exclusive luncheons set against the backdrop of the Museum Gazebo, nestled in the heart of the great meadow! Indulge in a thoughtfully crafted, summer-inspired menu while you soak in the views from the gazebo’s main stage. Sip on refreshing sweet tea and savor the vibrant seasonal flavors as you unwind in the warm embrace of summer.

Ready to introduce your kids to the exciting world of climbing? Our guided climbing service is perfect for first-timers or those who just want a quick, staff-guided adventure. In this one-hour session, we'll make sure the focus is on getting the kids climbing and, most importantly, having a blast! Let's make their first climbing experience a memorable one!

Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With over 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. Laser Taylor Swift: Remixed takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light. Song selection and order are randomly chosen for each show - no two shows are alike!

The Iceplex Skating 101 Program provides an excellent opportunity to learn a new skill while staying active during the winter. This program is an ideal starting point for those interested in ice hockey, figure skating, or recreational skating.

Cruise with birding experts Randi and Nic Minetor and observe some of the 100 species of birds that make their home along the Erie Canal and Genesee River. Perfect for every bird watcher from novice to die-hard enthusiast, you’ll see local birds in their lush habitat and learn to identify them from sight and sound. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, though binoculars will be available on board for use during the cruise.

Potluck at the Burroughs Nature Sanctuary in Powder Mills Park, Pittsford, Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Please join our presenter, the amazing and active Barry Childs, and learn how he has been able to take his concept of helping wildlife and orphaned children in Tanzania and make it a reality! The potluck supper is at 5:30, and the presentation is at 7:00. Don’t forget to bring your place settings and a dish to pass for eight helpings.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Enjoy a night out while we handle the kids! We will have a FUN FILLED night of dancing, partying, crafting, and gaming!

Family Passes are available every Sunday after 4PM! Bring your family climbing for just $16 per pass (regularly $25 for each youth and $28 for each adult). To participate, at least one parent must purchase a pass or be a current member. Each pass includes rental shoes, harness, and an Auto Belay and Bouldering orientation. The offer is limited to 4 passes per family (e.g., 1 parent with 2 kids or 2 parents with 2 kids).

Enjoy a cruise narrated live by our Captain with live instrumental music departing from Fairport 8-miles to Lock E32 in Pittsford, then experience locking up and down approximately 25 feet while our Captain explains the process, next enjoy great live instrumental music AND vocals too as we cruise 8-miles back to Fairport. These special cruises offer the opportunity for LIVE narration by our Captain about canal history/info, sites along our tour route, canal related stories, info about our beloved Colonial Belle and her amazing history, some tales about our family tour boat business that has been operating on the Erie Canal since 1989, answers to your questions & more. These cruise also offer fantastic LIVE MUSIC performed by talented local musicians with a different solo/duo/trio performing each week.

We offer one of the nation’s most comprehensive 19th-century base ball programs, including games most Sundays May – October and the National Silver Ball Tournament mid-summer! Each season the Museum’s vintage base ball teams unpack their woolen uniforms, brown balls, and double-knobbed bats to play in Silver Base Ball Park, the first and finest replica 19th-century base ball park in the country.