There is a beautiful, well organized, diverse museum located in North Jersey that is worth a visit with or without the kids.
The Newark Museum of Art has two wings of exhibits, plus the Ballantine House, a garden area and a planetarium that you can wander through for hours. Founded in 1909 to make art accessible to everyone, the displays range from fashion samplings from Black designers and info on America’s history to the animal kingdom (a fun spot for kids to explore and do activities) and international art.
When you walk up the steps of the architecturally beautiful building, you’re welcomed into a gorgeous space with high ceilings, bright lights and an expansive atrium. As you head to the welcome desk you can already see interesting sculptures in your view.
To the left of the atrium is the South Wing, which includes the auditorium, rotunda and education lobby on the first floor; and MakerSpace area and program halls on the second.
If you go right, the North Wing features Native Artists of North America, 18th and 19th century art and decorative arts; then take the stairs or elevator up for 20th and 21st century art, The Spanish Caribbean Body, global contemporary art, Arts of Global Asia and a Tibetan Buddhist Altar.
Don’t forget to go through the main lobby when you come back down, because there is lots to see, such as Arts of the Ancient Mediterranean, Arts of Global Africa, the Animal Kingdom and the fan-favorite planetarium.
There is also an outlying Ballantine House which has more of a lighter feel, with the library, music room, billiard room, game room and an exhibit called Party Time: Reimagine America.
Either when you start your journey, need to take a break or are finished wandering around, visit the NMOA Shop for gifts to take home; or PJ’s at The NMOA, a quick-service cafe. There’s a beautiful atrium off the entrance where you can sit and think about all the exhibits you saw, have your lunch, or work on your laptop.
There’s also the Alice Ransom Dreyfuss Memorial Garden which has more picture-worthy sights for your eyes.
The museum offers special events throughout the year. Next up is Game Night on April 25 for teens ages 13-18. Come by for music, games and prizes. Student ID is required.
The museum will offer camp sessions from July 8 to August 16. Camp NMOA is open to kids ages 3-13 and focuses on different themes like artmaking, science experiments, makerspaces, the planetarium, yoga, music and movement, and Fun Fridays. They get a lunch and recess break, too. The idea is to have campers develop their skills in art and science while building community.
The Newark Museum of Art is located at 49 Washington St. in Newark. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm Thursday to Sunday, including holidays, except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tickets are $10 for adults; or $8 for kids, seniors, teachers and students with valid ID. The museum offers free admission to Newark residents, active duty military and veterans, students attending college in Newark, members of the museum, kids under 2, plus members of certain organizations and credit cards. Tickets to the planetarium are included with all general admission tickets.
Parking is available next to the museum for a $10 fee, with entrances located on Washington Street and Central Avenue. Payment is through Pay by App and Text to Pay. Cash payment is not available. Members with a Complimentary Parking Pass do not need to use the app to reserve parking., but passes must be displayed in the windshield.
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