Carli Clesmere 
Of all the ways to mark a historic moment, free museum days might be one of our favorites. In honor of the 2026 inauguration of Mikie Sherrill, museums across New Jersey are opening their doors with free or discounted admission for one day only, giving locals a great excuse to explore art, history, science, and culture without the usual price tag. This special offer is available on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with select parameters varying by location. Read on for the full list of museums participating in this one-day-only museum event.
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Battleship Museum | 100 Clinton Street, Camden
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Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial, located along the Camden Waterfront, is ranked among the best museums in New Jersey and one of the top attractions near Philadelphia. Visitors can explore the historic battleship through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Edelman Fossil Park | 66 Million Mosasaur Way, Swewll
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Edelman Fossil Park & Museum offers a hands-on, immersive experience centered around real fossil discovery and the true story of dinosaurs. Through interactive exhibits and first-hand exploration, the museum connects the past to the present.
Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
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Liberty Science Center’s mission is to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers while exciting learners of all ages about the power, promise, and fun of science and technology. With hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and interactive experiences throughout the space, it’s a great destination for minds of all ages.
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Monmouth Museum | 765 Newman Springs Road
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The Monmouth Museum is a 15,000-square-foot cultural center and one of the largest independent museums in New Jersey, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Its mission is to educate, entertain, and inspire through dynamic exhibitions and programs in art, history, and science.
NJ Aviation Hall of Fame | 400 Fred Wehran Road, Teterboro
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The Aviation Hall of Fame & Museum of New Jersey has been celebrating for over 50 years since its founding in 1972. The museum provides an enriching experience for visitors, highlighting New Jersey’s role in pioneering achievements in air and space exploration.
NJ Maritime Museum | 528 Dock Road, Beach Haven
The New Jersey Maritime Museum, located in Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, is both a museum and a research facility dedicated to education. Visitors can explore a wide range of marine artifacts, attend guest lectures, and learn about New Jersey’s rich maritime history.
NJ State Museum | 205 West State Street, Trenton
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The New Jersey State Museum is a hub for exploring science, history, and the arts. Through its exhibits and programs, the museum preserves and shares stories that spark curiosity + creativity.
Nordlandz | 495 US Highway 202, Flemington
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Northlandz is the world’s largest miniature wonderland, featuring an intricate and imaginative display of detailed miniature art. From replicas of real-world landmarks to cool dreamlike structures, the tiny worlds are designed to surprise + inspire visitors of all ages.
Paranormal Museum | 621 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park
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The Paranormal Museum, located in the heart of Asbury Park’s downtown, has been welcoming the curious, the skeptical, and the believers since 2008. Founded by historian Kathy Kelly, it is America’s first museum dedicated exclusively to the paranormal.
Red Mill Museum | 56-74 Old Highway 22, Clinton
The Red Mill Museum Village is a historic museum complex located in Clinton, on land traditionally known as Lenapehoking, the ancestral territory of the Lenni-Lenape people. The site preserves and shares the area’s history through its historic buildings, exhibits, and educational programming.
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Sterling Hill Mine | 30 Plant Street, Ogdensburg
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum was once one of the world’s richest zinc ore deposits and a renowned working mine. Today, it has been transformed into a world-famous museum and attraction, providing a look into New Jersey’s mining history.
The Hermitage | 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus
The Hermitage is a historic landmark in Ho-Ho-Kus with roots dating back to around 1760. Once home to British officer Lieutenant Colonel James Marcus Prevost and his wife, Theodosia, during the Revolutionary War.
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