Once owned by the founder of Kodak, this opulent mansion features a huge collection of early photography equipment, interesting architecture and beautiful gardens.
The George Eastman House is a celebration of photography, of Kodak and ultimately of Rochester. George Eastman was the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company and its maverick boss until his death in the 1930s. The house expresses both his genius and his quirks. It holds movie collections of prominent directors including Ken Burns, Spike Lee and Martin Scorsese. It is home to one of the world’s largest collections of photographic equipment, much of which is on display. Learn about film or simply gape at the luxury of this magnificent mansion.
Start in the home’s modern museum addition, which is full of artifacts from the history of photography. Join one of the guided tours or wander around, peering at the walls of chemicals used to create Technicolor film and the exhibit tracking the evolution of cameras over time. Compare the historical photographs of Rochester with your own snapshots from your stay. Admire the contemporary photography on display in the rotating exhibits or sit back and relax in front of one of the films that the museum offers.
Tear yourself away to explore the Eastman House, a masterpiece of early 20th-century design. Learn about its history from one of the enthusiastic and knowledgeable docents or simply explore this interesting character’s house on your own.
In the living room examine the enormous elephant head, rumored to be a fake. A variety of animals have been preserved as umbrella holders, ashtrays and decorations. End your visit strolling through the gardens each seems set up as the perfect backdrop for a photograph.
Find the George Eastman Museum east of downtown Rochester, a 7-minute drive from the central train station. Take a bus or taxi from the train station in 20 minutes or walk in 40 minutes. Free parking is available on site.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from mid-morning to early evening, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays. Tours are held in the mornings and afternoons from Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday afternoons. Admission is required for all parts of the museum except the West and Rock Gardens.
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