George Eastman House

Frommer's Review

George Eastman, the founder of the legendary company Kodak and known as the father of popular photography, was born in upstate New York and reared in Rochester. An innovator, philanthropist, and consummate businessman, Eastman endowed the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester -- just one of many civic-minded projects -- and he left his magnificent mansion, now a National Historic Landmark and the oldest photography museum in the world, to the university (in fact, for a time, university presidents lived there). Visitors can tour several rooms and the wonderful formal gardens of his magnificent 1905 Colonial Revival mansion. Every bit as interesting, if not more so, are the extraordinary itinerant exhibitions (such as 2007's Ansel Adams show) and permanent photography collections that include more than 400,000 prints and negatives. Most children love the "Discovery Room" (open Tues-Sun 1-4pm) that allows them to inspect antique cameras and make filmstrips and sun prints. On-site are a terrific gift shop and a nice cafe.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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