The best arts & culture spots in Ithaca

4 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 4 places · showing the latest additions first

Gourdlandia

Arts & Culture

Gourdlandia turns humble gourds into wearable art, glowing nightlights, and sculptural showpieces. Stroll the gourd garden, learn how to…

77 Rachel Carson Way · ✓ checked Jul 31

“Gourdlandia turns humble gourds into wearable art, glowing nightlights, and sculptural showpieces. Stroll the gourd garden, learn how to grow and dry your own, then jump into a workshop or simply shop and get inspired this week, a quirky creative reset for locals.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Sciencenter

Arts & Culture

Whether your crew is into reptiles, weather, or building wild contraptions, Sciencenter packs over 250 interactive exhibits that actually…

601 1st St

“Whether your crew is into reptiles, weather, or building wild contraptions, Sciencenter packs over 250 interactive exhibits that actually invite touching. Zip balls through the fifteen-foot Airways Maze, play Pet Vet, then explore Ocean Bound to see how our watershed choices protect the ocean.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Museum of the Earth

Arts & Culture

Whether you’re fossil-curious or just need a break from doomscrolling, Museum of the Earth delivers hands-on science, a 44-foot Right Whale…

1259 Trumansburg Rd

“Whether you’re fossil-curious or just need a break from doomscrolling, Museum of the Earth delivers hands-on science, a 44-foot Right Whale skeleton, and the Hyde Park Mastodon. Swing by the Fossil Lab this week to find and take home your own tiny ancient souvenir.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Arts & Culture

Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art packs 40,000 works into that striking I. M. Pei tower, and the summer shows are peak cozy-brain time.…

114 Central Ave

“Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art packs 40,000 works into that striking I. M.”

From the Finger Lakes newsletter, August 11, 2026

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