Connoisseurs, we know you’re always craving that new hot spot, the one where you can pursue your passion for cool artistic excellence and dynamic cultural experiences. Come lift the curtain on New Jersey, a world-class state of the arts and culture, and prepare to be captivated, inspired and thoroughly entertained.
As the birthplace of film and home to acclaimed artists, New Jersey honors its long, rich history every day. Classical to contemporary. Fine art to folk festivals. Discover its eclectic mix of venues in vibrant towns, including acclaimed museums and galleries, distinguished colleges and universities, award-winning theaters and magnificent performing arts centers.
In this star-studded state, you can trot the globe—New Jersey awaits your rave reviews.
Marvelous Museums and Galleries on Display
Local and international visitors alike walk through the doors of New Jersey’s exceptional museums to find themselves transported into a mecca of wonder and discovery. Explore special exhibitions and enriching programs for adults and children. The state offers a vast array of venues highlighting every art form, including oils, watercolors, sculptures, photography and much more. Comprised of pieces from virtually every nationality, New Jersey’s collections are also a cultural celebration to be enjoyed by all.
Exhibits both large and small can be found at The Newark Museum of Art and the Morris Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate (Morristown), as well as smaller galleries located in every corner of the state. Peruse art museums on renowned college and university campuses, such as Princeton, Rutgers and Stockton. In Trenton, there’s the New Jersey State Museum, a four-in-one facility featuring archaeology and ethnography, cultural history, fine art and natural history. Plus, thanks to the adjacent planetarium’s Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system, visitors can feel the sensation of zooming through the solar system and beyond.
The Garden State Takes the Stage
New Jersey claims many noteworthy stages that showcase all forms and genres of the performing arts.
Bound for north Jersey? Be sure to catch a show at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. As one of the nation’s most inclusive performing arts centers, NJPAC attracts the brightest national and international stars year-round.
Heading into the central part of the state, make time for towns like New Brunswick, where “theater row” and the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center features George Street Playhouse (new and established plays), the Tony Award–winning Crossroads Theatre Company (one of the nation’s premier African American theater companies) and the State Theatre (a major venue for performing arts and entertainment). In Princeton, the McCarter Theatre Center for the Performing Arts (yet another Tony Award winner) presents numerous superb events annually.
Down at the state’s southern end, line up for professional theater at popular venues including Cape May Stage and the East Lynne Theater Company. Insider tip: While you’re there, appreciate another art—some of New Jersey’s most picturesque architecture, in the form of Cape May’s enchanting Victorian heritage and The Wildwoods’ mid-century Doo-Wop Motel District.
Explore All of Your Arts and Culture Interests
Start crafting your own New Jersey arts and culture itinerary. Whatever your pleasure, check out our calendar of events for the state’s full slate of upcoming performances, exhibitions, festivals, fairs and more.
As always, we recommend checking out the official websites or social media channels of any venue you wish to visit before heading out the door. Another way to stay in the know about all things New Jersey? Download our free travel guide, and sign up for e-news.
