If you’re thinking about introducing your kids to art for the very first time and don’t want to deal with the city, why not stay local and visit the Montclair Art Museum (MAM) in Montclair? Since 1914, this museum has been a hub for American art and features an impressive collection of Native American art—one of the best in the Northeast. With over 12,000 pieces to explore, including classic and contemporary paintings, intricate basketry, stunning sculptures, and beautiful pottery, you can help your kids familiarize themselves with art genres and concepts. Gather clues in their family scavenger hunt or sign up for one of their dynamic classes, camps, and family programs together. Read on for what to know about the Montclair Art Museum and how this NJ gem is one place you won’t want to miss. (featured photo credit: @mammontclair)

The Montclair Art Museum 

Interact with art

Get a start into the world of art by bringing your kids into the galleries that feature Native American art, including pieces ranging from an original lacrosse stick to a buffalo-hide bag. Then check out the permanent collection of 19th-century artist George Inness, renowned as America’s foremost landscape artist. Other galleries revolve around displaying a single artist or a theme that gives kids an idea of the different genres and how to interpret art. While you explore the museum, use the Bloomberg Connects guide, an arts and culture app, to take you behind the scenes and help you plan your visit around the museum to make it an interactive experience. Look out for upcoming exhibits like See It Now: Contemporary Art From The Ann and Mel Schaffer Collection, which will run from February 7, 2026, to June 28, 2026.

Step into a story or take a scavenger hunt

After you explore the galleries, head to the Family Learning Lab on the third floor. The large illustrations on display will make you feel part of an experience, as families can engage with prompts, books, and, of course, art supplies. And before you get to the museum, download the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt, an interactive way to explore the exhibits as kids follow clues throughout the museum to complete it. 

Join kid and adult-friendly events

Every Sunday, join artists in the Studio for a family-friendly art-making experience where you can make anything from mixed media to pastel landscapes. Montclair Art Museum also hosts classes for all ages, starting at age 6, and features workshops in media such as digital, ceramics, drawing, and film. In the summer, look out for classes and art-centric camps where kids can build skills and use their imaginations to create. For adults, check out fun ones like the Wine and Wheel event, where you can try your hand at a potter’s wheel. 

FAQs

When is Montclair Art Museum open?

Montclair Art Museum galleries are open only on Fridays and Saturdays, 10 AM – 6 PM, and on Sundays, 11 AM – 5 PM. The museum operates private tours and special events during the week.

How much are tickets?

You can book tickets online or buy them onsite to enter the museum. Tickets for adults are $17, students are $12, and children under 12 are free. Look out for one free Thursday a month when TD Bank hosts a party with free admission, activities, and more.

Is there food available at the museum?

For food, the Cornerstone Café at MAM is open on Fridays and Saturdays until 2 PM, offering coffee and snacks. The Café is located on the Museum’s lower level and offers indoor seating and a library of art books for browsing.

Is there parking available?

You can park for free in the onsite lot; if that is full, there is free parking on South Mountain Avenue. 

To learn more about the Montclair Art Museum, visit their website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Montclair Art Museum
3 South Mountain Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042

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