While its name suggests a hall of galleries, the Newark Museum of Art is far from your typical art museum. With fun interactive exhibits, a family-friendly planetarium, and engaging programs for kids and their parents, it’s a place where your family can enjoy a day filled with wonder and curiosity. Read on for the surprising and fun things to do while you’re there, and take a look at more of our favorite museums in New Jersey. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

The Newark Museum Of Art

Exploring the Museum

Before you get started, get the lay of the land—the Newark Museum of Art contains 80 galleries of collections that include Asian, American, African, and Classical art, in addition to lots of kid-friendly places to explore. The Museum is one big loop around, and plan to spend the bulk of your visit at Animal Kingdom, featuring animal and oceanic creature displays that beg “please touch me” to keep kids engaged. Kids will be mesmerized by the Audubon Immersive Experience, where they can travel through forests, coastal areas, and wetlands to see Audubon’s Birds of America come to life. They’ll also want to experience the Animal Match Game, where you can step into a cave of ancient rock drawings to learn about the animals pictured. Older kids will enjoy seeing the Ballantine House from 1885, which recently reopened after a multi-million-dollar renovation, inside and out. The mansion highlights the unseen stories of the skilled craftspeople who built the home, those who kept it running, and the Ballantine family who lived there through rotating exhibits of contemporary art, historical objects, and new interactive experiences. Younger families should take advantage of special exhibits like the interactive Animal Kingdom (through December 31, 2026) on the third level and, in warmer months, The Garden, which includes a Fire Museum, Old Stone Schoolhouse, and Discovery Garden.

See an aquarium come to life 

At one of the newer exhibits, Sketch Aquarium: Connected World, visitors are invited to draw creatures on paper and scan them to “swim” in an underwater digital aquarium designed by the international art collective teamLab. Kids will be thrilled to see their drawing leap from the page and watch the sea creation enter the digital habitat. It’s truly interactive—tap on the wall to change the course of the sea life or follow your drawing. There’s also a bag of treasure that floats by every so often. Kids can touch it to reveal gems that “feed” the fish and their creations.

Engage in family activities

Each month, check out the Family Saturdays or Sundays, where the whole family can immerse themselves in art and even catch a live performance. From planetarium shows and creative play to acts of service and science drop-ins, parents and kids will find engaging in these activities a fun way to create and learn. Tip: check the activities beforehand since they are recommended for ages and locations can vary. Before you visit, you can also engage in virtual tours and games at home to get everyone excited about the upcoming visit. 

See the world at the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium 

For kids who want to learn more about space (and parents who need a relaxing break), a stop at the Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium in the South Wing is a must. Look for unique presentations that change throughout the year—there are usually two shows, one for younger children and one for ages 12 and up. Though the planetarium is smaller than other museums, it still offers an out-of-this-world experience that all ages will love. 

FAQs

How much are tickets to The Newark Museum of Art?

Tickets to the Museum are $10 for adults and $8 for children (ages 3-17), seniors 65+, and teachers and students with valid IDs. Free admission is granted to members 2 years and younger, Newark residents, active-duty military, veterans, and their families, and to some other exceptions. The planetarium is first-come, first-served, and included in general admission.

When can I visit The Newark Museum of Art?

The Museum is open Thursday-Sunday and closed Monday-Wednesday. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, so be sure to check often to see what’s new and what’s closing. 

Where can I park?

Due to current construction, there is no longer on-site parking, but the Museum has partnered with nearby garages, and parking on the street is available. There is a handicapped entrance with automated doors, elevators to the first and second floors, and stroller and wheelchair-friendly restrooms on the second level. The main-level bathroom is not stroller-friendly—you need to climb a small flight of stairs to reach it.

Is food available?

The cafe offers breakfast and deli to-go lunch items, and there are small tables to eat at. 

Learn more about The Newark Museum of Art by visiting their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Newark Museum of Art 
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102

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