If you’ve been missing out on museums, arts and culture — good news! The New Jersey State Museum is reopening mid-July. The museum closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic but will open for member early access starting Tuesday July 20 and then will reopen to the public on Saturday July 24.
The museum will follow all state and federal guidelines to keep staff and visitors safe. Masks will be required for all visitors over the age of two and social distancing is encouraged.
There will be plenty of fun family-friendly events and activities to celebrate guests being back in the buildings. On Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25, visitors can enjoy discounted planetarium shows, curator-led gallery tours, hands-on activities outdoor on the museum plaza and story time on the lawn. Guests will also receive a free 24 oz. water bottle (one per person) while supplies last.
On Sunday, July 25 at 2 pm visitors can drop by for a tour of changes to American Perspectives: The Fine Art Collection galleries led by Margaret O’Reilly, Museum Executive Director/Curator of Fine Art.
“Fine Feathered Friends: Birds as Mainstay and Muse,” which had opened just a short while before the museum closed, will be open for viewing.
Families can participate in several self-directed outdoor activities, including sidewalk chalk art, creating a paper “quilt” square to be added the displayed community quilt and “Story Time under the Sycamore” with the museum’s early learning coordinator, Kerry Scott at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
The Museum Shop will also re-open for in person shopping. The Shop’s online portal will remain active and can be accessed from the Shop tab on the Museum website.
The New Jersey State Museum is located at 205 West State Street in Trenton. The main building will be open from 9 am to 4:45 pm (galleries begin closing at 4:30 pm), Tuesday through Sunday; and the Auditorium galleries are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. The Museum is closed to the public on Mondays and State Holidays. For additional information, visit www.statemuseum.nj.gov.