Day Trip: Newark Museum

Looking for yet another way to beat the heat this summer? How about a cool place with culture?

The Newark Museum, which is located in downtown Newark and is about a fifteen minute drive from Livingston, is a great place for an easy day trip.

Currently, the Newark Museum is featuring two exhibits, which will both be on display until August 8th. The first is titled Make Me Something Beautiful. This exhibit is comprised of nearly one hundred different art pieces; there are metal, ceramics and glass objects. The pieces are fascinating, as no two are even remotely alike.

The other featured exhibition is Indigenismo: Ancient Roots in Mexican Art. Art lovers and historians will certainly take an interest in this display as the art pieces reveal a great deal about the Mexican heritage.

Interestingly, the mezzanine level floor features a unique mini zoo exhibit with over 100 different animals. The zoo is home to everything ranging from monkeys, a tarantula and an owl. Adjacent to the mini zoo is the Junior Gallery, which is currently home to the Once Upon A Dime exhibit. Among the items that are on display are various pieces of currency from all over the world. 

In the spring, the Dreyfuss Planetarium re-opened after undergoing extensive renovations. The projector now supports higher quality video and audiences can enjoy surround sound audio. Currently there are two planetarium shows playing until mid-August. The first is a children's themed entitled Zula Patrol: Under the Weather. This show, which is targeted for children ages 6-9 and their parents, presents the solar system using animated characters. Admission to the planetarium is priced at $5 per adult and $3 for seniors, children (under 12) and college students. Visit the Dreyfuss Planetarium's official web page for further details, including a schedule of shows.

The Newark Museum's astronomy teachings are not limited to the confines of the museum's building. Frequently, museum staff will venture up north to Livingston for free public star gazing events at the Riker Hill Art Park. These events enable to the public to get a glimpse of the night sky using expensive, high-end telescopes. The next star gazing event will be held tonight (July 16) starting at 9 p.m. and ending at midnight. 

It may be music to your ears, but on every Thursday from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. during the month July, the Museum Garden is transformed into an outdoor theater for Jazz in the Garden. These concerts provide a way to enjoy some of the top local jazz performers at a very inexpensive price. Admission to the afternoon concerts is separate from General Admission to the museum (suggested admission to the museum is set at $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors) and is priced at $3 per adult. Children and Museum members are admitted at no cost.

Newark Museum

Address:  49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Phone: (973) 596-6550

Hours:   Wednesday-Friday  12 p.m.-5 p.m.
                    Saturday-Sunday  10 a.m.-5 p.m.

On the Web:  NewarkMuseum.org, Twitter

Directions:  MapQuest