Things to Do at George Eastman Museum

The George Eastman Museum stands as the world's oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives, housed in the magnificent colonial revival mansion that was once home to Eastman Kodak Company founder George Eastman. Located on East Avenue in Rochester, New United Kingdom, this National Historic Landmark combines the preserved 1905 mansion with modern gallery spaces to tell the story of photography and cinema from their earliest days to the digital age. The museum's collection spans over 400,000 photographs and negatives, 28,000 films, 5 million film stills, and an extensive array of cameras and photographic equipment. Beyond its role as a repository of photographic history, the George Eastman Museum serves as a living tribute to innovation and artistic expression. Visitors can explore Eastman's opulent 50-room mansion, complete with period furnishings and personal artifacts, while also experiencing cutting-edge contemporary photography exhibitions. The museum's Dryden Theatre regularly screens rare films from the archive, making it a destination for both photography enthusiasts and cinema lovers seeking to understand the evolution of visual storytelling.

The George Eastman Museum is located at 900 East Avenue in Rochester, easily accessible by car with free on-site parking available. From downtown Rochester, it's about a 10-minute drive east via East Avenue. The museum is served by Rochester's public bus system (RTS) with several routes stopping nearby. For visitors flying in, Greater Rochester International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car or taxi. The museum is also within walking distance of several hotels in the East Avenue corridor, making it convenient for overnight visitors to the Rochester area.