Architecture
Founded in 1909, the Newark Museum of Art is the state's largest fine art museum, with a multi-building, 4.5-acre campus in the heart of Newark's Downtown/Arts District. The museum offers outstanding collections, rotating exhibitions and educational programs. The campus itself is also a stunning example of amazing architecture. Re-designed by world-famous architect Michael Graves, the Museum received the American Institute of Architects’ Honor Award in 1992.
About an hour's drive from Newark is the New Jersey State House in Trenton. One of the oldest state houses in continuous use, it features a majestic gold-leaf dome and a dramatic Renaissance Revival-style rotunda. Take the FREE guided tour for a detailed account of the history, art, and architecture of this impressive space. Before making the trip, be sure to review the latest visitation policies on the State House website and reserve your tour time by calling 609-847-3150.
Classic & Contemporary Artwork
With more than 12,000 works of art, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience an array of works: paintings, prints, sculptures and more. This comprehensive museum especially shines when displaying the works of American artists. Of course, art is just the start! You can also explore the museum’s planetarium, rotating special exhibits and collections relating to archaeology & ethnography, cultural history and natural history.
Other can’t-miss spots for fine art lovers include the Montclair Art Museum, Hunterdon Art Museum, Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, and the Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University.
Glasswork
Boasting a collection of more than 20,000 pieces, a research library, and archives, the Museum of American Glass in Millville has one of the most comprehensive collections of American glass in the world. While you’re there, check out the Historic American Glass collection to learn about Southern New Jersey’s long heritage in glasswork and see professional artisans at work in the Artist Studios at WheatonArts.
A tour of glasswork in New Jersey wouldn’t be complete without a stop in – you guessed it – Glassboro! Open most Saturdays, the Heritage Glass Museum preserves the legacy of South Jersey’s glassmakers with displays of historic glass, bottles and figurines, some dating back more than 200 years. Don’t forget to view the schedule of operation on the museum’s website before you plan your trip.
History
History buffs will find no shortage of historic attractions, museums, and battlefields in New Jersey. Visit the Cornelius Low House in Piscataway, which is one of only a few surviving structures from the 1700s Raritan Landing Colonial port community. Museum admission is FREE and open to the public year-round.
Also built in the 1700s, the structure for the Old Barracks Museum in Trenton once served as quarters for British regulars during the French and Indian War. Today, it offers tours and interpretations of American Colonial life.
If you’d rather be transported back to the 1800s, you can explore the living history museums at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May and The Historic Village at Allaire, open seasonally in Farmingdale. Then, explore even more unique historic sites in New Jersey.
Transportation
Aircraft enthusiasts can take their pick of aviation museums up and down the state. The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey in Teterboro houses everything from the first American hovercraft to helicopters to airplane models and more – online reservations can be made. Housed within a real WWII hangar, the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum in Cape May features aircraft from the era, along with a 1940s memorabilia room and an air traffic control tower you can explore. Don’t miss another important site in our military aviation history: The Millville Army Air Field Museum, where 1,500 pilots received advanced fighter training in the Thunderbolt.
Locomotive lovers will enjoy the New Jersey Museum of Transportation at Allaire State Park, where you can climb aboard a restored train and experience a peaceful ride down the historic Pine Creek Railroad. For more stops you won’t want to miss, explore these train-centric trip ideas.
Space & Stars
Travel to faraway galaxies – or at least feel like it – when you visit the Planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. The Planetarium features 360 degrees of viewing, customized star talks, and reclining seats for a truly out-of-this-world experience. Can’t get enough of our solar system’s twinkling constellations? Experience the wonders of the universe under the 89-foot dome in America’s biggest planetarium at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City. If you’re traveling without kids, be sure to check their schedule and plan your visit to coincide with one of their monthly, adults-only Space Talks.
Sports
Baseball fans will love the memorabilia, educational programs, and character-focused exhibits at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center in Little Falls. While you're there, see photographs and artifacts that document the inspirational life of the greatest winner in baseball history. Then, honor local legends across every aspect of pro athletics – including football, hockey, tennis and more – at the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey in Bridgeton.
Museum Mavens: Be sure to check the official website or social media pages of your intended attraction for the most up-to-the-minute details before you go. In some cases, advanced reservations may be required. Need help planning your getaway? Explore our complete list of New Jersey museums, then download our free travel guide for everything New Jersey.
