The Newark Museum of Art
The Newark Museum of Art
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Newark Museum of Art, New Jersey's largest museum, invites you to enjoy unforgettable experiences in the arts and natural sciences. Take an inspirational journey through 80 galleries of world-class collections, travel to the stars in our popular Planetarium, and stroll through our beautiful sculpture garden.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
294 reviews
Excellent
202
Very good
76
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
4
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,763 contributions
Mar 2022
I have been a member of the Newark for years and one of the special events we have for members is private tours in the morning. It's nice because it gives us quiet time in the museum before it opens.
This morning we got to tour the Carlos Villa exhibition with a docent who discussed the exhibit in detail with a background history of the artist. The displays were so nicely mounted and described by the curator.
The feather works were most interesting, and it was nice to see the approach that the artist took in his work. Being an artist of the 60's reflected the times and his background. There was a lot of maturity to his later works, and he was not afraid to try new ways to create his art. He went for a more colorful and welcoming look to the pieces. It was a wonderful exhibition, and it was nice to learn about an artist that I never heard of before.
I got to tour the museum and it was quiet on this snowy morning but I had not been in the museum in two years and with new lighting and a paint job, it made the building seem brighter and more welcoming.
This morning we got to tour the Carlos Villa exhibition with a docent who discussed the exhibit in detail with a background history of the artist. The displays were so nicely mounted and described by the curator.
The feather works were most interesting, and it was nice to see the approach that the artist took in his work. Being an artist of the 60's reflected the times and his background. There was a lot of maturity to his later works, and he was not afraid to try new ways to create his art. He went for a more colorful and welcoming look to the pieces. It was a wonderful exhibition, and it was nice to learn about an artist that I never heard of before.
I got to tour the museum and it was quiet on this snowy morning but I had not been in the museum in two years and with new lighting and a paint job, it made the building seem brighter and more welcoming.
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,763 contributions
Aug 2022
The Newark Museum sponsors private member's mornings for people who hold membership to the museum and on a Sunday morning, the museum is privately opened for us to tour exhibitions before it opens to the public.
We went to tour the work of artist Saya Woolfalk who has the most unusual look to her work which is a combination of science fiction and the natural world. Her use of color and design and use of music has the most calming effect on the visitor. Her use of the color purple and light green puts a more natural look to her art.
We were able to tour the two galleries and get a perspective on the artist and the way she communicates with nature. Her video art was very brilliant and had a very calming nature to it.
It is nice to just see these works with a private docent and have the galleries to us. Afterwards I was able to tour parts of the museum on my own.
We went to tour the work of artist Saya Woolfalk who has the most unusual look to her work which is a combination of science fiction and the natural world. Her use of color and design and use of music has the most calming effect on the visitor. Her use of the color purple and light green puts a more natural look to her art.
We were able to tour the two galleries and get a perspective on the artist and the way she communicates with nature. Her video art was very brilliant and had a very calming nature to it.
It is nice to just see these works with a private docent and have the galleries to us. Afterwards I was able to tour parts of the museum on my own.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NikaJunie
Jersey City, NJ381 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
I was here for a private event that I had arranged with a curators. This was my first visit and I left very favorably impressed. The Newark Museum of Art is a pleasant and welcoming place with a great staff at all levels from security to curatorial. It houses a variety of beautiful permanent and temporary exhibitions and spacious places in which people can meet. It’s a real community asset. I use a wheelchair and appreciate that the museum is truly accessible and accessible paths and bathrooms are clearly marked. There is a small café and a museum shop.
Written March 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beechez4me
Iowa City, IA876 contributions
Sep 2022
We had a few hours to burn before our flight and found this museum. It was only $12 pp and took about an hour and half to go through. We were able to find street parking and the cost made it worthwhile for our family of 4. The staff was very welcoming and around if there were any questions.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie
United States1,574 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This was an amazing museum! You could definitely spend a good three hours here. Definitely worth the visit. Easy to get to and parking is easy. Our teenage daughter loves art, and she loved it!
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScenicTrek
New Jersey1,975 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
We visited here on a Saturday in July, and we happened to arrive right when it opened. The front desk and surrounding area is bright, open, and clean. We were greeted cordially by the staff. We spent two hours here, but because we had something else on our schedule that day we had to leave sooner than we would have liked. We could have spent at least another hour here. There were entire areas that we didn’t even see. If you really want to admire and take in all the museum has to offer, I recommend that you set aside 3-4 hours for your visit.
The museum consists of four main buildings: the main building, the Ballantine House, the North Wing, and the South Wing. The museum’s collection consists of art from various cultures (American, Native American, African, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, South Asian, and Tibetan) and times (18th to 21st centuries for American art as well as ancient Mediterranean, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman works), a jewelry gallery, a ceramics gallery, a decorative arts gallery, and a Tibetan Buddhist altar. There is also the Dreyfuss Planetarium, Engelhard Court (an open area with tables and chairs), the Atrium, Victoria Hall of Science, an auditorium, two program halls, and classrooms.
My favorite area was the Ballantine House, the one-time home of the Newark beer-brewing family consisting of eight Victorian period rooms. I was so impressed with it that for me it was worth the price of admission to the museum all by itself.
The museum complex also houses a memorial garden, Discovery Garden, the Old Stone School House, and the Newark Fire Museum (historic firefighting equipment).
Helpful Things to Know:
1) The museum has a different visiting schedule compared to other museums. It’s not open on Monday or Tuesday, and on the days it is open the hours are shorter than regular hours, namely from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Plan your visit accordingly.
2) There is a parking lot adjacent to the museum. As of July 2019, it costs $9.00 to park on the weekend. Weekdays have varying rates ($6.00 first hour, $10.00 up to five hours, and $16.00 max to close). Be advised that the lot is not striped the usual way—that is, with individual spots marked. Rather, there are long lanes that can accommodate multiple cars each. When we visited there were not many cars in the lot, and we were told to park where we wished. We didn’t have any issue with getting blocked in by anyone else, but I don’t know if that becomes a concern when it gets crowded. I recommend that you ask the parking attendant how their system works when there are many cars there so you can avoid being blocked in. Please note that the parking lot is maintained by a separate entity, not the museum.
3) The museum is surrounded on three sides by one way streets which go counter-clockwise around it, so when planning your driving directions, take this fact into account. Central Avenue to the south is the only two-way street.
4) Admission is $15.00 for adults. Veterans and their families, senior citizens (65 and over), teachers and students with a valid ID, and children cost $8.00 each. Children 2 years and younger are free. AAA adult price is two for one. Admission to the planetarium is additional. Check their website for additional information about general admission discounts.
5) There is a gift shop located on the west (left) side of the entrance lobby. Patrons can purchase books, postcards, framed artwork, hats, throw pillows, woven baskets, decorative objects, and even some clothing and jewelry.
6) Lighting in the Ballantine House is rather subdued. Flash photography is allowed, but in some cases even a camera flash was insufficient to light up certain areas properly.
7) The museum has a large elevator and hence is handicap accessible. They also provide wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
8) They have a limited number of assistive listening devices which are also provided free of charge.
9) Washington Park is right across the street. It’s a triangular-shaped park that has a few statues and monuments in it, walking paths, the benefit of shade provided by trees, and a NJ Transit train station.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here, and we would certainly return. In fact, we plan to do so before the summer is over because there is more we want to see. I heartily recommend this site.
Since most reviewers posted photos of the Ballantine House, I will post photos of elsewhere in the museum as well as rooms in the Ballantine House that have not been posted.
If my review was helpful, please consider clicking the thumbs-up button. Thank you!
The museum consists of four main buildings: the main building, the Ballantine House, the North Wing, and the South Wing. The museum’s collection consists of art from various cultures (American, Native American, African, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, South Asian, and Tibetan) and times (18th to 21st centuries for American art as well as ancient Mediterranean, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman works), a jewelry gallery, a ceramics gallery, a decorative arts gallery, and a Tibetan Buddhist altar. There is also the Dreyfuss Planetarium, Engelhard Court (an open area with tables and chairs), the Atrium, Victoria Hall of Science, an auditorium, two program halls, and classrooms.
My favorite area was the Ballantine House, the one-time home of the Newark beer-brewing family consisting of eight Victorian period rooms. I was so impressed with it that for me it was worth the price of admission to the museum all by itself.
The museum complex also houses a memorial garden, Discovery Garden, the Old Stone School House, and the Newark Fire Museum (historic firefighting equipment).
Helpful Things to Know:
1) The museum has a different visiting schedule compared to other museums. It’s not open on Monday or Tuesday, and on the days it is open the hours are shorter than regular hours, namely from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Plan your visit accordingly.
2) There is a parking lot adjacent to the museum. As of July 2019, it costs $9.00 to park on the weekend. Weekdays have varying rates ($6.00 first hour, $10.00 up to five hours, and $16.00 max to close). Be advised that the lot is not striped the usual way—that is, with individual spots marked. Rather, there are long lanes that can accommodate multiple cars each. When we visited there were not many cars in the lot, and we were told to park where we wished. We didn’t have any issue with getting blocked in by anyone else, but I don’t know if that becomes a concern when it gets crowded. I recommend that you ask the parking attendant how their system works when there are many cars there so you can avoid being blocked in. Please note that the parking lot is maintained by a separate entity, not the museum.
3) The museum is surrounded on three sides by one way streets which go counter-clockwise around it, so when planning your driving directions, take this fact into account. Central Avenue to the south is the only two-way street.
4) Admission is $15.00 for adults. Veterans and their families, senior citizens (65 and over), teachers and students with a valid ID, and children cost $8.00 each. Children 2 years and younger are free. AAA adult price is two for one. Admission to the planetarium is additional. Check their website for additional information about general admission discounts.
5) There is a gift shop located on the west (left) side of the entrance lobby. Patrons can purchase books, postcards, framed artwork, hats, throw pillows, woven baskets, decorative objects, and even some clothing and jewelry.
6) Lighting in the Ballantine House is rather subdued. Flash photography is allowed, but in some cases even a camera flash was insufficient to light up certain areas properly.
7) The museum has a large elevator and hence is handicap accessible. They also provide wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
8) They have a limited number of assistive listening devices which are also provided free of charge.
9) Washington Park is right across the street. It’s a triangular-shaped park that has a few statues and monuments in it, walking paths, the benefit of shade provided by trees, and a NJ Transit train station.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here, and we would certainly return. In fact, we plan to do so before the summer is over because there is more we want to see. I heartily recommend this site.
Since most reviewers posted photos of the Ballantine House, I will post photos of elsewhere in the museum as well as rooms in the Ballantine House that have not been posted.
If my review was helpful, please consider clicking the thumbs-up button. Thank you!
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HunterBridge
Loudoun County, Virginia3 contributions
An incredible treasure in Newark New Jersey? A resounding YES!
When I told friends and family that I would be visiting "The Newark Museum" in downtown Newark New Jersey, there was a collective gasp. Surely, I meant somewhere else. Only 15 miles from New York City, the Newark Museum is a mix of Art Museum, Science Center, and Historic Home.
Located near the New Jersey Performing Art Center and the new Prudential Center, this is a museum that lives in a revived downtown district. Newark has always had a bad reputation, but the area is changing. Access to the museum is easy, and there is an adjacent parking lot, although it is owned by a contractor and the fee is $7.00. Admission to the museum is $9.00.
The art museum's collection focuses exclusively on American Art from the late 1700's to contemporary times. Big name artists include Sargent, Cassat, Innes, Peale, Sully, Copley, Bierstadt, Hartley, and Demuth. Although you may only see one picture from each artist, literally every well known artist is here. I even discovered a great Artic Nautical scene by William Bradford.
The crowing treasure is the Ballantine House which is a 4 story mansion built by the Ballantine Beer magnate. Two floors are open to the public, and the house is an architectual treasure with a stained glass window, special wall and ceiling treatments, and an array of interesting furnishings.
Additional holdings include an Asian Collection, African American and Native American art, plus there is a planterium and science center for the kids. All in all, this is clearly a GREAT place to visit. And its pretty QUIET here; there were more security people than visitors, making this an undiscovered treasure!
When I told friends and family that I would be visiting "The Newark Museum" in downtown Newark New Jersey, there was a collective gasp. Surely, I meant somewhere else. Only 15 miles from New York City, the Newark Museum is a mix of Art Museum, Science Center, and Historic Home.
Located near the New Jersey Performing Art Center and the new Prudential Center, this is a museum that lives in a revived downtown district. Newark has always had a bad reputation, but the area is changing. Access to the museum is easy, and there is an adjacent parking lot, although it is owned by a contractor and the fee is $7.00. Admission to the museum is $9.00.
The art museum's collection focuses exclusively on American Art from the late 1700's to contemporary times. Big name artists include Sargent, Cassat, Innes, Peale, Sully, Copley, Bierstadt, Hartley, and Demuth. Although you may only see one picture from each artist, literally every well known artist is here. I even discovered a great Artic Nautical scene by William Bradford.
The crowing treasure is the Ballantine House which is a 4 story mansion built by the Ballantine Beer magnate. Two floors are open to the public, and the house is an architectual treasure with a stained glass window, special wall and ceiling treatments, and an array of interesting furnishings.
Additional holdings include an Asian Collection, African American and Native American art, plus there is a planterium and science center for the kids. All in all, this is clearly a GREAT place to visit. And its pretty QUIET here; there were more security people than visitors, making this an undiscovered treasure!
Written May 13, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Herstory_62
Philadelphia, PA549 contributions
Dec 2019
At the center of the historic & once grand Newark downtown the first class museum with striking exhibit space offers insights into both the old & resurgent city. Adjacent to the elegant Ballantine mansion, overflowing with silver & handsome furnishings, the eclectic collection contains masterpieces from the 19th century & Hudson River School, Corning & Steuben glass, jewelry & modern crafts as well. Although we ran out of time, on our next visit - with discounts for seniors - we look forward to exploring the 20th century art.
Written December 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FurmanP
Livingston, NJ22 contributions
Jul 2017
This is the best little museum this side of the Hudson. The permanent Joseph Stella paintings are a must see as well as the Ballantine House and jewelry exhibits. Easy to get there. Plenty of parking.
Written July 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller2010NYC
New York254 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
A wonderful multi-purpose museum facility that serves Newark residents and visitors alike. It's the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History rolled into a family-friendly, welcoming, community-minded complex. Unlike these two Manhattan tourist stalwarts, the Newark Museum is manageable and not completely overwhelming. Plus, it has the friendliest museum staff I have ever encountered in the metropolitan New York area.
During a recent visit, my main goal was to see a new fine arts installation, but I ended up also seeing the Native American and African Art galleries, and went on a tour of the historic home attached to the museum complex. Our guide to the Ballantine House was very knowledgeable and I suspect had possibly been a teacher (or perhaps she still is) because she introduced us to the house and its past inhabitants with animation and attentiveness to each tour participant, including a young girl.
The museum seems to take pride in making its holdings accessible to everyone, regardless of age, educational level or income. It is free to residents of Newark and costs very little to everyone else. Cookies, coffee and tea are available for purchase -- all $1 each! (can you imagine that at the Met?) -- and there is a rotunda in which to sit and take in the atmosphere.
I would recommend the museum to New Jersey residents and New Yorkers who can easily take the PATH train under the Hudson and make a day of it in Newark. The only downside is that there are not a lot of dining options in the immediate neighborhood if you don't want to go the chain fast food route.
During a recent visit, my main goal was to see a new fine arts installation, but I ended up also seeing the Native American and African Art galleries, and went on a tour of the historic home attached to the museum complex. Our guide to the Ballantine House was very knowledgeable and I suspect had possibly been a teacher (or perhaps she still is) because she introduced us to the house and its past inhabitants with animation and attentiveness to each tour participant, including a young girl.
The museum seems to take pride in making its holdings accessible to everyone, regardless of age, educational level or income. It is free to residents of Newark and costs very little to everyone else. Cookies, coffee and tea are available for purchase -- all $1 each! (can you imagine that at the Met?) -- and there is a rotunda in which to sit and take in the atmosphere.
I would recommend the museum to New Jersey residents and New Yorkers who can easily take the PATH train under the Hudson and make a day of it in Newark. The only downside is that there are not a lot of dining options in the immediate neighborhood if you don't want to go the chain fast food route.
Written December 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnrstamp
West Orange, NJ
Is there parking in the museum?
Derrick W
22 contributions
There is a paid parking lot, a few doors down from the museum and the Ballantine House, that is specifically for patrons of the Newark Museum. Not sure how much it was...somewhere between $5-10. Gives you 3hrs or something like that. Sorry my visit was some time ago. Things may have changed.
Cafeteria hours
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ3,763 contributions
There is no restaurant at the museum. There a few good ones down the block like 27 Mix and Queen Pizza.
Poplar838
New York City, NY9 contributions
Is there a restaurant within the museum, or is it necessary to look for something nearby?
SharonNDanny
Newark, NJ15 contributions
There is a small cafe inside the museum but there is also many other eateries in the surrounding areas
How much for tickets
SharonNDanny
Newark, NJ15 contributions
membership is $50. a year.
Adults $15.
Children, Seniors and Students with ID $8.
Under 2 ears old free
Newark residents and members free
Planetarium price of museum admission + $6.
I have one like it and would like to authenticate it
SharonNDanny
Newark, NJ15 contributions
ok
Henry miller piano circa 1895 in Ballantine museum
SharonNDanny
Newark, NJ15 contributions
ok
How much for
tickets
HARLAND R
FORT COLLINS371 contributions
As we got in for free with our History Colorado Museum cards, I don't recall the posted sum. There was a small charge for the excellent Planetarium show. I suspect you could call them and get current admission costs. Very worthwhile museum--allow enough time.
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Claim your listingThe Newark Museum of Art - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Newark Museum of Art
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