About George Eastman Museum
Founded in 1947, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the largest film archives in the United States, located on the historic Rochester estate of entrepreneur and philanthropist George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography. Its holdings comprise more than 450,000 photographs, 31,000 motion picture films, the world’s preeminent collection of photographic and cinematographic technology, one of the leading libraries of books related to photography and cinema, and extensive holdings of documents and other objects related to George Eastman. As a research and teaching institution, the Eastman Museum has an active publishing program, and its L. Jeffrey Selznick School of Film Preservation’s graduate program (a collaboration with the University of Rochester) makes critical contributions to film preservation. The George Eastman Museum is supported with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Current Press Releases
Lecture Series at George Eastman Museum brings artists and photojournalists to Rochester
Rochester, N.Y., September 09, 2026—
This fall, the George Eastman Museum will present three lectures with renowned artists Deana Lawson, Philip Montgomery, and Ahndraya Parlato on select dates throughout September and October as part of the annual Wish You Were Here lecture series.
Dawn’s Rock Garden opens at the George Eastman Museum following restoration
Rochester, N.Y., September 04, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum has completed the restoration and accessibility project for its historic Rock Garden. The garden has reopened as Dawn’s Rock Garden, named in recognition of Dr. Dawn F. Lipson and her support for the museum’s ongoing preservation projects.
Margaret Rollins appointed Vice President, Development at George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., September 03, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum has appointed Margaret Rollins as Vice President, Development. She assumed this role on Monday, August 24.
Dryden Theatre and ¡Presente! Film Series partner to celebrate Latin American contributions to cinema
Rochester, N.Y., September 01, 2026—
For the second year in a row, the Dryden Theatre is partnering with the ¡Presente! Film Series to highlight the often-overlooked contributions of Latin Americans to cinema worldwide. The five-film series, free and open to the public, will take place at the George Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theatre on select dates throughout September and October. The series is generously supported by the Monroe County Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Rochester native brings one-of-a-kind baseball, film, and live music program to George Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theatre
Rochester, N.Y., August 26, 2026—
Rochester native and Grammy-nominated musician Jared Engel brings his Musicians’ Baseball Club of Brooklyn to the Dryden Theatre for The Old Ball Game: Baseball Legends Told Through Film and Live Music. A mix of baseball, silent film, live music, and poetry, the program takes place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, as part of the 2026 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival.
New Exhibition Showcases a Bold New Framework for Understanding Twenty-First-Century Photography and Video
Rochester, N.Y., August 11, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum presents GAG, an exhibition that grapples with contemporary experience through a balance of absurdity and dark humor. On view from October 2, 2026 to April 11, 2027, GAG proposes a bold new framework for understanding twenty-first-century photography and video.
George Eastman Museum Dryden Theatre presents Paul and Phil film series in honor of Philip Seymour Hoffman
Rochester, N.Y., July 31, 2026—
Between August 5 and 8, the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum will present five films on screen as part of the Paul and Phil film series, all on rare 35mm. This year’s installment is part of an annual celebration of Philip Seymour Hoffman around his birthday, honoring one of Rochester’s shining stars. The acclaimed actor would have turned 59 on July 23.
Tickets on sale now for special screening of Hidden Figures with Octavia Spencer
Rochester, N.Y., July 01, 2026—
General admission tickets are now on sale for an evening with George Eastman Award recipient and Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer.
George Eastman Museum to host Hidden Figures screening and conversation with Octavia Spencer
Rochester, N.Y., June 25, 2026—
George Eastman Award recipient and actress Octavia Spencer will have a conversation on stage in front of audience members with Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions, prior to a special film screening of of Hidden Figures (2016) at the George Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theatre on Thursday, July 16 at 8 p.m.
George Eastman Museum awarded grants totaling $1,522,000 for upgrades to HVAC infrastructure
Rochester, N.Y., June 23, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum announced today that it has received grant awards totaling $1,522,000 from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and an anonymous private foundation to support upgrades to the museum’s core HVAC infrastructure.
Tickets On Sale Now for George Eastman Award Ceremony and Gala Honoring Octavia Spencer
Rochester, N.Y., June 18, 2026—
Tickets are on sale now for the July 17 ceremony and gala where actress Octavia Spencer will accept the George Eastman Award for her distinguished contribution to the art of cinema.
George Eastman Museum’s Garden Vibes concert series celebrates New York’s vibrant music scene
Rochester, N.Y., June 16, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum is thrilled to announce the return of the beloved Garden Vibes Concert Series this summer, celebrating New York’s vibrant music scene with performances by bands from across the state.
New Exhibition Ahndraya Parlato: TIME TO KILL Explores Fears and Fantasies Around Aging
Rochester, N.Y., June 11, 2026—
Visitors to the George Eastman Museum have the opportunity to experience Ahndraya Parlato: TIME TO KILL, on view from June 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
New Exhibition Explores How Kodak’s Pioneering Lambda Network Transformed LGBTQ Inclusion in the Workplace
Rochester, N.Y., June 09, 2026—
Visitors to the George Eastman Museum have the opportunity to experience the exhibition Picturing Equality: The Lambda Network at Kodak, on view in the museum’s community gallery, Gallery Obscura, from June 27 to November 8, 2026.
George Eastman Museum Announces Listening Sessions Regarding Photography Access
Rochester, N.Y., June 08, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum has heard the concerns, questions, and suggestions shared by photographers, artists, families, and community members regarding the implementation of its photography policies.
Octavia Spencer to Receive George Eastman Award for Contribution to the Art of Cinema
Rochester, N.Y., May 28, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum will honor Octavia Spencer with the George Eastman Award for her distinguished contribution to the art of cinema on Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m. in the Dryden Theatre.
Historic Dryden Theatre Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with Four Films on Screen
Rochester, N.Y., May 05, 2026—
This May, the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman Museum celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a four-film series. The series honors the enduring contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists to American cinema, in addition to the long legacy of cinema brought to the United States from across the globe.
Historic Gardens Now Open for the Season at George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., May 01, 2026—
The gardens at the historic George Eastman Museum reopen today for the season, welcoming visitors to experience their beauty in bloom. Guests are invited to enjoy a stroll in one of Rochester’s most iconic landscapes as well as participate in seasonal experiences and programs. Guided tours of the historic landscape, free with museum admission, are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., from May through October.
George Eastman Museum Announces Major 2025 Acquisition of Over 900 Photographic Works
Rochester, N.Y., April 21, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum’s Department of Photography has acquired over 900 works through purchase and gift in 2025. As one of the oldest photography collections in the world, the museum continually adds to its holdings, which include objects pre-dating the introduction of the medium in 1839 through to the present day.
George Eastman Museum to Host 90-Second Newbery Film Festival to Encourage Reading and Media Literacy Among Youth
Rochester, N.Y., April 17, 2026—
On Saturday, April 25 at 2 p.m., the George Eastman Museum will once again host the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, a program of short films by children and teens.
George Eastman Museum to Welcome Ted Neeley, star of Jesus Christ Superstar, for Special Screening and Meet-and-Greet
Rochester, N.Y., March 24, 2026—
Ted Neeley, iconic actor and star of Norman Jewison's classic 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar, will visit the Dryden Theatre at the historic George Eastman Museum for a special screening of a remastered version of the film. His visit is part of the nationwide Ted Neeley Farewell Tour.
George Eastman Museum to celebrate Home Movie Day, a free worldwide event, on March 28
Rochester, N.Y., March 12, 2026—
On March 28 the George Eastman Museum will present Home Movie Day, bringing this free, worldwide event to Rochester, New York.
The Dryden Theatre Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary with a Weekend Full of Events
Rochester, N.Y., March 04, 2026—
The Dryden Theatre will mark its 75th anniversary this March with a two-day celebration, March 13–14, honoring its past and ongoing commitment to the art of cinema.
New Exhibition Edward Steichen and the Garden Provides a Portrait of the Artist Through the Lens of the Garden
Rochester, N.Y., February 26, 2026—
Visitors to the George Eastman Museum have the opportunity to experience Edward Steichen and the Garden, on view from March 27 to September 6, 2026. The exhibition explores how Edward Steichen’s (1879–1973) immersive relationship with gardening and nature shaped his photographic vision, revealing a creative evolution central to his enduring legacy.
George Eastman Museum to Remove University Avenue Fence to Be More Open to the Community
Rochester, N.Y., February 24, 2026—
The Rochester Preservation Board has voted unanimously (6–0) to approve the George Eastman Museum’s proposal to remove the deteriorating fence along its frontage on University Avenue, making the museum more open and welcoming to the community. The fence is expected to be removed in April.
George Eastman Museum Presents Creative Works by Student Artists in Flower City Arts Center’s Studio 678 Photo Club
Rochester, N.Y., February 19, 2026—
Creative works by student artists who are a part of the Flower City Arts Center’s Studio 678 Photo Club 2025/2026 will be presented in the George Eastman Museum’s community gallery, Gallery Obscura, from February 28 through June 21, 2026. These photographs and texts are inspired by the students’ vision of the world around them.
George Eastman Museum to Receive $500,000 in Federal Funding, Secured by Senator Charles Schumer, for the Preservation of Historic Mansion
Rochester, N.Y., January 29, 2026—
Federal funds of $500,000 have been secured by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and appropriated for the George Eastman Museum to support the restoration of its historic house’s chimneys, parapets, and roof railings—all of which are in critical need of upgrades. The museum will receive a Save America’s Treasures grant from the Historic Preservation Fund of the National Park Service. United States Senator Chuck Schumer delivered this federal funding through the FY2026 Interior appropriations act, passed in the House (397–28) and Senate (82–15) and signed by the president.
Dutch Connection Annual Floral Display Returns to George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., January 27, 2026—
The George Eastman Museum’s annual Dutch Connection floral display will be on view February 6–22 throughout the historic mansion. A favorite drawing thousands of visitors yearly, the display serves as a sweet reminder that spring is on its way.
Tickets on Sale Now for the 10th Nitrate Picture Show at the George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., January 20, 2026—
Tickets are now on sale for the 10th Nitrate Picture Show, June 4–June 7, 2026. The festival of film conservation features screenings of vintage nitrate prints from international archives and the Eastman Museum’s own collection, as well as lectures from leading archivists, inviting attendees to experience the art and science of film preservation, from print conservation to archival projection.
George Eastman Museum Council Celebrates Valentine's Day With Brunch and Film Event
Rochester, N.Y., January 16, 2026—
On Sunday, February 15, the Eastman Museum Council will present the 2026 Valentine's Day Brunch and Film, with proceeds benefiting the George Eastman Museum. The event begins at 10 a.m. and includes brunch by Creative Caterers in the Potter Peristyle, an opportunity to view the Dutch Connection floral display, and a screening of The King and I (Walter Lang, US, 1956) in the Dryden Theatre.
Tickets Go On Sale January 20 for the 10th Nitrate Picture Show at the George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., January 13, 2026—
The Nitrate Picture Show, the festival of film conservation, returns to the George Eastman Museum Dryden Theatre for its tenth year June 4 through June 7, 2026. Tickets for the event go on sale beginning Tuesday, January 20 at 12 p.m. EST.
George Eastman Museum Receives Agha Jani Kashmiri Archive
Rochester, N.Y., December 04, 2025—
The George Eastman Museum is now the permanent home of the papers and creative archive of Agha Jani Kashmiri (1908–1998), one of India’s most celebrated story, screenplay, and dialogue writers, whose work shaped the golden era of Indian cinema from the 1930s through the 1970s.
George Eastman Museum Presents Photo Art Therapy: A Convergence of Creativity and the Healing Process
Rochester, N.Y., November 25, 2025—
Visitors to the George Eastman Museum are invited to experience Photo Art Therapy: A Convergence of Creativity and the Healing Process, now on view through February 22, 2026, in the museum’s community gallery, Gallery Obscura.
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Sweet Creations at the George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., November 04, 2025—
Visitors are welcome to celebrate the season at the George Eastman Museum as its beloved annual holiday displays return Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 for its 30th year.
George Eastman Museum to host West Side Story screening and conversation with Rita Moreno
Rochester, N.Y., October 06, 2025—
George Eastman Award recipient and actress Rita Moreno will have a conversation on stage in front of audience members with Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions, prior to a special film screening of West Side Story (1961) at the George Eastman Museum’s Dryden Theatre on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
Ghosts, Vampires, and Cult Classics Haunt at the Dryden Theatre this October
Rochester, N.Y., October 02, 2025—
This October, the Dryden Theatre embraces the uncanny, the ghostly, and the weird with a chilling lineup of classics and cult favorites in its Halloween at the Dryden film series.
New exhibition by artist Erica Baum presents poetry of word and image at the George Eastman Museum
Rochester, N.Y., September 29, 2025—
The George Eastman Museum is pleased to present the bite in the ribbon—a paper show, artist Erica Baum’s first solo museum exhibition, on view November 22, 2025 through June 7, 2026.
George Eastman Museum Showcases Major Photography and Moving Image Exhibitions Throughout 2025 and 2026
Rochester, N.Y., September 25, 2025—
The world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives, George Eastman Museum, presents a variety of world-class photography exhibitions by national and international artists and institutions, as well as rarely exhibited objects from its own collections, throughout 2025 and 2026.
Tickets On Sale Now for George Eastman Award Ceremony and Gala Honoring Rita Moreno
Rochester, N.Y., September 17, 2025—
Tickets are on sale now for the October 29 ceremony and gala where actress Rita Moreno will accept the George Eastman Award for her distinguished contribution to the art of cinema.
Dryden Theatre Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Latin Film Screenings and Discussions
Rochester, N.Y., September 09, 2025—
The George Eastman Museum will present five free film screenings in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, held every Wednesday from September 17 through October 15 at the Dryden Theatre.
Press Contact
Danielle Raymo
Communications Manager
George Eastman Museum
585-327-4813
draymo@eastman.org