If you’ve missed the thrilling sensation of walking into a museum super excited to experience all the moving artwork, you’re not alone. This is why we have created a guide to a number of amazing museums in Essex County that are worth a trip. From Newark to Montclair, we have discovered an array of interesting and diverse museums for you to visit soon (virtually and in-person). While not all have reopened their doors, many local museums have virtual programs available for the public to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Read on for a guide to amazing museums that are worth a visit in Essex County.
GRAMMY Museum Experience | 165 Mulberry Street, Newark
{Photo credit: @grammymuseum}
Located at The Prudential Center, the GRAMMY Museum Experience is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of the GRAMMY awards and past winners. It is easily accessible to Essex County residents by bus, train, and car. Tickets are only $10 for the general public and discounts are available for students, seniors, and more. While the museum is currently closed, there are online exhibits available which include Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston tributes.
Historical Society of Bloomfield | 90 Broad Street, Bloomfield
A non-profit organization founded in 1966, the Historical Society of Bloomfield celebrates the history of the township for all those who are interested in learning about it and its neighboring communities. HSB’s museum collection consists of furniture, clothing, tools, household articles, paintings, toys, posters, maps, postcards, letters, deeds, books, and much more. Volunteers are the backbone of HSB and are relied on to preserve and run the museum as well. To visit the HSB, call or visit the site to set up an appointment.
Jewish Museum of New Jersey | 145 Broadway, Newark
If you’re interested in learning about the rich history of Jewish culture and teachings, The Jewish Museum of New Jersey is the perfect place. The Jewish Museum of New Jersey is located at Ahavas Sholom, which is the longest continually operating synagogue in Newark. The museum is temporarily closed due to the pandemic but make sure to check out the website to find an array of beautiful artwork including Reinventing Eve, a series of paintings created by women to explore the identities and diversity of Jewish female artists.
Read More: Art Galleries to Visit in Essex County
Montclair Art Museum | 3 South Mountain Avenue, Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum has officially reopened its doors with over 3 new exhibitions including Fragile Freedoms. MAM was founded in 1914 and was the first museum in New Jersey to grant access to the public + focus only on art. It has preserved American and Native American Art since its inception and contains over 12,000 pieces of artwork including sculptures, ceramics, artifacts, and more. Tickets to the museum must be reserved prior to entering and Fridays from 11AM to 12PM are reserved for immunocompromised persons as well as seniors. MAM’s artwork can be enjoyed virtually on the website as well.
Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
{Photo credit: @newarkmuseumart}
Located on the Rutgers University-Newark Campus, The Newark Museum of Art is the largest museum in the state offering collections of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art, and arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the ancient world. While the Museum is temporarily closed, it will most likely re-open sometime early this year. The museum can still be enjoyed through the virtual program #NMOathome with daily events scheduled.
See More: A List of Fun Outdoor Activities in New Jersey
The New Jersey Historical Society | 52 Park Place, Newark
With archives, a research library, and educational programs, The New Jersey Historical Society is the place to go if you’re looking to learn about all things NJ. The Society includes a historical museum section in the library where you’ll find manuscripts, reference books, rare books, photographs, maps, the writing of an 18-year old World War II soldier from Singac, and other materials that document the cultural and historical heritage of New Jersey from the colonial era through the 20th century. The Society’s mission is to be a state-of-the-art center for the study of New Jersey history with convenient access to all archival collections and educational programs for all ages. Admission to the museum is only $3 and $5 for the library.
Nutley Historical Society | 65 Church Street, Nutley
{Photo credit: Nutley Historical Society}
The Nutley Historical Society first opened its doors back in 1945 when local citizens wanted to collect and preserve the historical material and genealogy of the town. The not-for-profit center was established to serve the educational, historical, and cultural needs of the Nutley community. The Society’s museum houses a large collection of photographs and memorabilia including that of sharpshooter Annie Oakley who lived in Nutley. The Church Street School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center | 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls
Technically Passaic — but close enough, so baseball lovers rejoice! The Yogi Berra Museum is dedicated to the beloved New York Yankees catcher, Yogi Berra. The mission is to sustain and promote the values of respect, perseverance, sportsmanship, and excellence through inclusive, culturally diverse sports-based educational exhibits and programs. The museum is located on Montclair State University’s campus. There are virtual tours as well as virtual school trips with interactive sports-based education experiences available on the website. The museum can also be reserved for special events like weddings, birthdays, receptions, and more.