This state is not synonymous with art. But, if we look beyond the campy glitter of Atlantic City and focus on the most visited art attractions in New Jersey, we can find some gems hidden all around the state. Some of these are popular, others should be.
The five places you shouldn’t miss if you are an art lover visiting the state are:
● Newark Museum
● New Jersey State Museum
● African American Heritage Museum
● Princeton University Art Museum
● Montclair Art Museum
And not in any particular order. The Newark Museum is probably the largest and houses the biggest installations, but if you have the time it would be best to visit all five. Some will focus on fine arts while others will focus on historic artifacts and art made by groups that might have been overlooked in the past.
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#1 Newark Museum
The Newark Museum is the largest collection of not just art but also natural history and science exhibits in the state, and probably wider. It has collections from all over the world including Asian, African, as well as American pre-Columbian art.
Additionally, the museum houses a planetarium and a sculpture garden, making a visit here not just an artistic experience but one that can be charming and emotional.
Finally, there are some quite interesting modern pieces, depicting the city, the state, nation, and the world. These pieces will surely become historical in the future, but even now they resonate with audiences and tell a tale about the modern world that we can understand both with our mind and with our soul.
#2 New Jersey State Museum
In many ways, the NJ State Museum is mostly gauged toward young people, and if you want to introduce someone to art and natural history then this might be the best place to start in the State.
One of the most interesting exhibits is a collection of art and historic artifacts from Delaware Indians, collected from the 1740s to 1890s by those who have moved during the ever-increasing number of immigrants from Europe and other places in the world to America.
Additionally, this exhibit houses several pieces that were made by
non-Indians but for that population in the 18th century. For many, this will be an unforgettable experience.
#3 African American Heritage Museum
It is regretful that this wouldn’t be considered one of the most visited art attractions in New Jersey. The AAHMSNJ is a gem hidden in Atlantic City amongst all of the casinos and glitter, showing both history and art that often went either unnoticed or rejected by the ‘’posh’’ society.
The museum houses more than 3000 cultural and historic artifacts, including a wide variety of art from different eras depicting the life and struggle of black Americans. Aside from stories known, there is a number of personal tales and trivia that show how even during strife humans tend towards the arts.
For those who are not a part of the culture, it will be a great insight into the evolution of black American culture in the United States. For those who are, it will be a great way to understand in better detail the struggle and disposition of their forefathers.
#4 Princeton University Art Museum
The Princeton University Art Museum might be the go-to place for any art lover visiting New Jersey, but all such art lovers know that art can’t be divided from the humans who made it. This museum houses 5000 years of history in the art we as humans made in different eras.
The exhibits include everything from Egyptian and Hindu artifacts, including those from South-East Asia, as well as
Hellenistic and Roman pieces, and later European, African, and American art.
For both students of art and history, as well as those who study life before anything else, this is a magnificent place to spend the day.
#5 Montclair Art Museum
This museum contains a combination of historic and contemporary art, focusing greatly on pre-Columbian American and black American artifacts, as well as modern pieces made by
contemporary black American and Native American artists.
Additionally, this museum is a great learning opportunity for both young and old, with regular workshops that often include some of the artists that worked on the pieces. This way, you can not only experience the art emotionally but also receive the first-hand context of the emotions of the artists that made or restored it, which is priceless.
