The 5 Best Museums in Newark

Newark Museum is New Jersey’s largest museum. It holds fine collections of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art, and arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the ancient world. The Newark Museum’s Tibetan galleries are considered among the best in the world. In addition to its extensive art collections, the Newark Museum is dedicated to natural science. It includes the Dreyfuss Planetarium and the Victoria Hall of Science which highlights some of the museum’s 70,000 specimen Natural Science Collection. These activities stretch over all ages so everyone can participate. Opening hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-5pmNewark Museum, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ, USA

Aljira, a center for contemporary art, is an art gallery in downtown Newark. The NJ State Council on the arts has designated the gallery as a major arts organization. The gallery was founded in 1983 and Aljira displays the work of both established and emerging, or under-represented, artists. The center sells books, fine art and prints through its online store. Each spring, the center holds an auction of fine art. Alijra programs serve to aim as catalysts for inclusiveness and diversity, promoting cross-cultural dialog, and enabling us to better understand the time in which we live in. Opening hours: Wed-Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat 11am-4pmAljira, 591 Broad St, Newark, NJ, USA, +1 973 622 1600 © Hudconja/WikiCommons

City Without Walls (cWOW) is an urban gallery of emerging art that advances the careers of artists while building the audience for contemporary art. City Without Walls is New Jersey’s oldest not-for-profit alternative art space, and has been in continuous operation in the City of Newark since 1975. They operate a professional fine art gallery that showcases the work of contemporary artists on-site, off-site, online and through travailing exhibitions. Opening hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-6pmCity Without Walls, 6 Crawford St, Newark, NJ, USA, +1 973 622 1188 © Hudconja/WikiCommons

The New Jersey Historical Society is a historical society and museum located in Newark. The Historical Society is housed in the former headquarters of the Essex Club. It has two floors of exhibition space, a gift shop, and a hall for lectures. The NJHS offers occasional Newark walking tours. Exhibitions can be found on the second and third floor while the library reading room is housed on the fifth floor. The Society is open to the public but non-members will need to pay an admission fee. Patrons visiting the library are encouraged to make an appointment. Opening hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pmNew Jersey Historical Society, 52 Park Pl, Newark, NJ, USA, +1 973 596 8500 © David Shankbone/WikiCommons

Gallery Aferro is an artist-originated organization serving a diverse community through the import and export of ideas. They offer an average of 12 yearly exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists. There’s also a wide range of public events such as interactive public art projects, performances, talks, on and off-site film screenings, portfolio reviews, a year-round residency program, educational offerings and a publication line. Contact the gallery if you are interested in having a free tour, lecture or demonstration arranged for your group. All ages are welcome at the Gallery Aferro. Opening hours: Wed-Sat 12pm-6pm and by appointmentGallery Aferro, 73 Market St, Newark, NJ, USA, +1 973 353 9533 © Kcarucci/WikiCommons By Talitha Duncan-Todd