Wow, the bottle museum is such a hidden gem! Their collection is vast, informational and interesting within just a small space. Through a self-led tour, we had the opportunity to learn all about glass, from things people find in their yards, to how production has changed over time, color glass bottles and what they indicate, and we saw special collections including a significant bottle from each state! There are a few interactive exhibits. We didn't have the chance to view the upstairs since there was an installation of an art exhibit happening, but we'd love to come back the next time we're in town to do so. read more

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Really amazing little niche museum. The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable- I made a specific trip her and spent about an hour. They stayed open a good 20+ minutes for me, since I arrived only half an hour before closing time, so kind of them! Bottles from the size smaller than a meatball, to as big as a beachball. A neat uranium glass section of glowing glass under UV light. Thousands and thousands of shaped bottles in all sizes and beautiful colors. Little "gift shop" has t shirts, mugs, stickers, hats, and of course bottles for sale. Glad to support the museum and take home some souvenirs. You can even "adopt" a bottle, for $5- a mystery wrapped bottle, whatever calls your name. I got 2 and was glad I did. Can't wait to come back, highly recommend you visit! read more

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National Bottle Museum is a great place to visit for anyone who loves glass works, bottles, history and combination of all 3. Within the beautiful historic building is a world of many antique bottles as well as their descriptions and origin. The museum is nicely laid out and houses most of the bottles in the old shelves which used to be part of a hardware store. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly and pleasant. Whether you prefer to have a chat about the museum, local history or would prefer a quieter immersion to do your own exploring, the staff leaves that up to you. The 2nd floor includes a beautiful gallery run by Fred that is a hidden gem. It exhibits works by numerous known and unknown artists that range in different mediums, ranging from photography, paintings, metalworks, glassworks, and more. The exhibits often have a theme and are replaced with new works every few weeks to inspire visitors anew. This museum is run and maintained mostly by volunteer staff all of whom bring with them the love of art, community, history, and their wish to connect and share the experience of life's discoverable moments. read more

Excellent place to learn about glass bottles and their important history. And the best part is if you make a donation, you get an orphan bottle to take home. So fun for the kids to unwrap a treasure from the past. A new appreciation for glass bottles. If you are in the area, definitely check it out. read more

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When I first heard of a bottle museum, I was wondering what's there to display...just bottles?!? Well, it turns out bottles can be very interesting. There is tons of history around them and attached to them. The museum does a great job providing insights and making it an entertaining experience. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable and passionate about the topic. Besides more exhibits of bottles (including uranium bottles), the second floor offers a very different experience. It provides a space for local artists to display their work. There are real gems to discover that you wouldn't find anywhere else. Exhibitions change every 4-8 weeks, so make sure to come back. read more

A bottle museum for bottle nerds of which I am one. Free but donations are appreciated so throw them a fin. Cool examples of hundreds of bottles throughout history. Informed curators! read more

Unique little museum on an interesting strip of independent artsy shops. Stop in and check it out, absolutely worth a half hour.

This was a great way to spend a couple of hours (tops). The museum staff is super knowledgeable and friendly. They're happy to answer questions about the history of bottle making in general but can also give you more specific information on any bottle you're looking at. It's a great little treasure of a museum. The best part is, if you make a little donation, you get to take a mystery bottle home with you. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the general area. read more

This is not an in-depth experience, but it is a fun, niche one. I wouldn't drive out specifically to see this museum, but I would tack it on as a stop during a visit to the area. In addition to the museum itself, they host art shows on the second floor. And, as a bonus: a picture against those rows of bottles with natural light coming in through the window looks great! read more

I brought the family here. Our tour guide Meg was very knowledgable about America's first industry: making bottles. We had a great time and learned a lot of fascinating aspects of American History and glass making. The museum was free with donations requested in order to support at the end. I gladly donated five dollars and received an "orphan bottle" to take home as a thank you. It's a mystery bottle wrapped up. What a cute idea! I couldn't recommend this museum enough. We also had a great brunch at the iron roost restaurant after. A morning well spent. read more

National Bottle Museum - One exhibit - Museums Near Me - Ballston Spa, New York

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Really cool collection and displays. I learned a lot.

The National Bottle Museum was a great experience. We learned about the history of bottle making and the industries and communities it supported throughout the decades. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and was able to tell us about the collectors who donated their bottles, where and when the bottles originated and even the chemical reactions that occur when bottles degrade, change color etc. - my daughters were captivated and could not wait to get their orphan bottles home! The Museum space is truly unique and beyond the beautiful curated bottle exhibits, it also features original works by local artists. While touring I could not help but think It would be a great setting for a private event. read more

Wonderful unique small museum with an artists'space upstairs and the Glassworks Studio nearby. Learn about the history of glass bottle making and enjoy the many displays. Admission is free. A great afternoon was had by our group! read more