The best arts & culture spots in Cortland

“Dowd Fine Arts Center houses Dowd Gallery, serving up to seven fresh exhibitions a year and a 900-plus piece collection spanning the 13th through 21st centuries. Catch smart talks and workshops, Student Select and the Faculty Biennial, plus a masterworks mix with names like Picasso, Dali, and Goya, all free.”

“Homeville Museum channels Cortland’s past into lively military displays, railroad history, model trains, and the remarkable Ken Eaton collection.”

From the Cortland newsletter, September 15, 2026

“1890 House Museum lets you wander the Wickwire family’s Victorian rooms while learning how Chester Wickwire’s wire innovations reshaped rural life, and about the servants and factory workers who kept it all running, whether you go self-guided or join a tour.”

From the Cortland newsletter, September 26, 2026

“CNY Living History Center packs Homeville’s military and local lore, the Brockway museum’s hometown truck pride, and Tractors of Yesteryear’s ag heritage under one roof. Perfect when you want a rainy afternoon to turn into “whoa, I didn’t know that” about Cortland’s past.”

“Ake Gallery is the quirky local art spot where Paul Kozlowski curates remastered exhibitions and a delightfully oddball clay universe featuring Duck, Red Octopus, and friends. Also tune into the 'Look Who Showed Up' webcast, an audio cocktail party with comedy heavyweights roasting the host for your entertainment.”

From the Cortland newsletter, September 22, 2026

“Whether you're into big-name moderns or curious about what SUNY Cortland's emerging artists are making, Dowd Gallery rotates sharp, thoughtful shows drawn from a permanent collection of over 900 objects and work by nationally and internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, plus talks and workshops, all free and…”

“Whether you’ve lived here forever or just long enough to mispronounce a road name, Cortland County Historical Society is where our stories live. Peek into the Suggett House Museum, let little ones time-travel in the new Then & Now Children’s Room, and chase family roots at the Kellogg Research Center.”