Over the next 25 years he amassed a significant collection of paintings, bronze sculptures, etchings and drawings, and Native American ethnographic materials.

Another collecting interest for Rockwell developed from his longtime friendship with Frederick Carder, founder of the Steuben Glass Works.

The plan was to restore and renovate City Hall as the home for the collections as the company's bicentennial gift to the community and as a major tourist attraction.

[citation needed] In 2000, the museum was focused on becoming "The Best of the West in the East" and closed in August for a complete interior renovation led by ABC Architects and Planners, under the direction of James Vincent Czajka, AIA New York Chapter.

[6] With sponsorship from LeChase Construction, a Family Exploration Studio was introduced to the museum experience for hands-on learning.

[citation needed] Designed by Rochester architect, AJ Warner and built by Corning contractor, Thomas Bradley, the building is Richardsonian Romanesque, a distinctly American style.

[citation needed] To celebrate the museum's 40th anniversary, The Rockwell and High School partnered with artist Virgil Ortiz.

The sculpture was developed as part of Ortiz's futuristic revolution story taking place in 2180 that restores sacred lands to the Pueblo peoples.

Inspired by this work, students created their own "super power" characters who are meant to help bring about critical change, such as equality for all peoples.

The Rockwell Museum collaborates with several area partners to offer the second phase of the educational Garden of Fire project to regional children during the summer.

The collaboration is celebrated each year with a Dia de los Muertos museum-wide educational event, including music, presentations, and traditional crafts.

[12] Another addition to the museum's collection includes the 1993 work by Ed Mell entitled Jack Knife, which is located on the corner of Cedar Street and Denison Parkway.

There are also some well-known pottery artists such as Tammy Garcia, Joseph Lonewolf, Nancy Youngblood, Margaret Tafoya, Maria Martinez, Al Qoyawayma and Popovi Da whose works are on display.