Founded in 1909, the Newark Museum of Art is the state's largest museum, offering outstanding collections, exhibitions, programs and educational resources in its multi-building campus in the heart of Newark's Downtown/Arts District. The design, by world-famous architect Michael Graves, garnered the American Institute of Architects' Honor Award.
The museum complex weaves together over 20 galleries of art and science, a planetarium, gift shop, café, auditorium, sculpture garden, schoolhouse and the historic Ballantine House, which is currently closed for restoration through Fall 2023.
The Newark Museum is incredibly entertaining and interactive. If you’re starstruck, check out the daily planetarium shows that take you to another world. Those with a talent for building will enjoy the makerspace that allows individuals to create things from their own imaginations. A number of ongoing adult programs, lectures, tours and must-see rotating exhibits are hosted throughout the year.
The museum collection also offers plenty of interesting pieces to explore within its permanent exhibits. For example, the historical Seeing America exhibits emphasizes early American portraiture and folk art from the 18th and 19th centuries and diverse American experiences in the 20th century to today. Venture to the Arts of Global Asia exhibit and you’ll see highlights from the museum’s collection of more than artistic 30,000 objects from regions like Japan, Tibet, China, Korea and more. The Arts of Global Africa exhibit is one of the country's oldest and most comprehensive collections of African art pieces.
The Newark Museum of Art is a special place where history buffs will enjoy the experience as much as the most educated art enthusiast. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive exhibits of science as well. This museum truly has something for everyone.
