It can be so tempting to stay home and binge another Netflix true crime doc on winter days. We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with that, of course, but if you’re looking for a way to shake up your winter weekend routine, consider checking out one of the many excellent museums in the area. From art to history to science, there’s something for everyone to explore – plus most of these museums feature special exhibits to make each visit feel unique. Keep reading to learn about some of the best new local museum exhibits to check out this winter.
North Jersey Museums
Hoboken Historical Museum | 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken
Located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Hoboken Historical Museum gives visitors a chance to step back in time and learn more about The Mile Square. After a brief closure for new installations, the museum reopened on January 22nd, 2023 with two new exhibits both by Christopher López. The main gallery features The Fires: Hoboken 1978-1982 and the upper gallery showcases a related installation called (UN)ERASED. Both exhibits look at the impact of arson and gentrification on Hoboken through visual and oral displays.
Liberty Science Center | 222 Jersey City Blvd, Jersey City
There’s always so much to see at the Liberty Science Center – most recently a Taylor Swift laser show playing in the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium. For another unique experience, consider checking out the museum’s current special exhibit, Pompeii: The Immortal City. This immersive experience features artifacts and archeological finds that transport visitors back to this ancient Roman town.
Read More: Grounds For Sculpture: A Must-See Outdoor Art Museum
Mana Contemporary | 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City
This cultural hub with outposts in Jersey City, Chicago, and Miami features works by contemporary artists. Visitors can also watch the artists in residence create new pieces during their visit to the museum. Keep an eye on the calendar for upcoming events.
Montclair Art Museum | 3 S Mountain Ave, Montclair
The Montclair Art Museum has invited locals to engage with Native American and American art for more than 100 years. Exhibits change frequently but this winter visitors can see Abelardo Morell’s photography in the Abelardo Morell: Projecting Italy installation and a salon-style exhibit titled George Inness: Visionary Landscapes which features works that Inness created while living in Montclair.
Newark Museum of Art | 49 Washington Street, Newark
The Newark Museum of Art features a permanent collection of both American and international artists including works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Mary Cassatt. Current special exhibits include Animal Kingdom, an immersive look at the natural work which runs through May 26, 2024, and a collection by artist-in-residence Saya Woolfalk called Tumbling Into Landscape which is on view until summer 2023. Fun fact: the Newark Museum of Art is New Jersey’s largest museum.
NYC Museums With Museum Passes
Hoboken + Jersey City library cardholders can get free museum passes to certain NYC museums. All you have to do is visit the main branch of the library to check out a pass. Here’s a look at some of the exciting current exhibits at the museums you can visit with these passes from the Hoboken + Jersey City libraries.
American Museum of Natural History | 200 Central Park West, NYC
In addition to the impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and marine life models, the American Museum of Natural History puts on a variety of special exhibits – like Sharks. This new exhibition allows visitors to get an up-close look at shark fossils and experience what it is like to “hunt like a hammerhead” through a unique interactive exhibit.
See More: A Look Inside the Montclair Art Museum + Everything It Has to Offer
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is running a special exhibit titled Eva Melady’s Birds through March 12th, 2023. This exhibit includes paintings of birds that are often seen in the botanic garden. If it’s not too chilly, explore the grounds after checking out the art to see if you can find any of the fowl from the paintings.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum | Pier 86, W 46th Street, NYC
The Intrepid offers a chance to learn about maritime and military history but with a new permanent exhibit, guests can also learn about space travel. The exhibit – Women Astronauts of the Space Shuttle Era – highlights the stories of women astronauts throughout American history. Another new exhibit – On the Mend: Restoring Intrepid’s Sick Bay – offers a look at maritime medical care and the restoration work to open this part of the ship to visitors.
