New Jersey State Museum

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New Jersey State Museum Exhibitions, collections & research in Archaeology/Ethnography, Cultural & Natural History, Fine Art.
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The State Museum features collections, exhibitions and programs in science, history and art. Featuring the largest planetarium in the state, with a state-of-the-art, full dome video digital and laser light system.

We hope you can drop by at lunchtime on Tue., 10/20 to hear archaeologist Richard Hunter, founder & President of Hunter ...
10/18/2026

We hope you can drop by at lunchtime on Tue., 10/20 to hear archaeologist Richard Hunter, founder & President of Hunter Research and longtime Trenton resident talk about the Revolutionary era finds from various locations around Trenton! 12:00 - 12:45 pm in the Museum's STEAM Center. Free.

Drop by today for  . From 10 am - 3 pm kids can pick up an Archaeology activity book and visit artifact station to fill ...
10/17/2026

Drop by today for . From 10 am - 3 pm kids can pick up an Archaeology activity book and visit artifact station to fill in the pages. Walk down the street to see Petty’s Run archaeological site, which was the location of the Trenton Steel Works, one of only five steel furnaces that existed in the Colonies.

Additionally, Storytime & a craft happens at 10 am in the Discovery Den. This month we'll read "Lawrence in the Fall" and make a craft after the story. For ages 2 - 8 years.

The Museum will be closing at 3 pm today, Oct. 16, due to anticipated bad weather. All programs for today are canceled. ...
10/16/2026

The Museum will be closing at 3 pm today, Oct. 16, due to anticipated bad weather. All programs for today are canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

The State Museum mourns the loss of artist Paul J. Stankard (1943-2026). Mr. Stankard, who lived and worked in Mantua (G...
10/15/2026

The State Museum mourns the loss of artist Paul J. Stankard (1943-2026). Mr. Stankard, who lived and worked in Mantua (Gloucester Co., NJ), began his career as a scientific glassblower, but desired to “be on the creative side and do what he loves.” That brought him to creating the extraordinary glass paperweights for which he became internationally acclaimed. Mr. Stankard’s work was the focus of a solo exhibition at the Museum, and he has been included in numerous group exhibitions as well. Represented in over 75 museum collections throughout the world, the State Museum is honored to hold 13 works by the artist, including the early example shown here – a colorless non-lead glass paperweight with Maltese cross in center (1968), Anonymous Gift, CH1970.124.2

10/14/2026

It's ! Curator of Natural History Dr. Dana Ehret shares a special fossil from New Jersey.

Reminder: Our 2nd free sky observing nights happens Friday night at 6 pm! Visit the Planetarium for an extended sky talk...
10/11/2026

Reminder: Our 2nd free sky observing nights happens Friday night at 6 pm! Visit the Planetarium for an extended sky talk discussing what is visible in the night sky that evening. After the talk, drive to Washington Crossing State Park, where the Amateur Astronomer’s Association of Princeton has the Simpson Observatory. Using the historic telescopes they maintain, we'll view the sky objects discussed at the planetarium. If viewing conditions are poor, the talk will be followed by “Encounters in the Milky Way." Register with this link: https://events.humanitix.com/sky-observing-nights

Looking for fun, low cost activities for families? Visit the Museum! Spend a few hours exploring New Jersey history, sci...
10/10/2026

Looking for fun, low cost activities for families? Visit the Museum! Spend a few hours exploring New Jersey history, science and art. Besides our newly re-imagined Discovery Den, in several galleries you'll find hands-on activities to keep kids engaged. Small Explorers gallery cards can be found at gallery entrances to engage younger children (up to age 5.) Free admission and free weekend parking in the Museum lot.

Did you know you can help the next generation of garden pollinators?! Leaving a brush pile in your garden over winter pr...
10/09/2026

Did you know you can help the next generation of garden pollinators?! Leaving a brush pile in your garden over winter provides valuable shelter for insects and other small wildlife! Hollow stems, fallen leaves, twigs, and bark create protected places where native bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and other invertebrates can overwinter. Instead of tidying every corner of your garden this fall, leave the natural materials in place and you will be helping pollinators thrive next Spring!

Photos - alive: Bumblebee
From the collection: Swallowtail butterflies, Woolly Bear caterpillars

  is Oct. 17. From 10 am - 3 pm kids can pick up an Archaeology activity book and visit artifact station to fill in the ...
10/08/2026

is Oct. 17. From 10 am - 3 pm kids can pick up an Archaeology activity book and visit artifact station to fill in the pages. Be sure to walk down the street and see the Petty’s Run archaeological site, located between the Old Barrack and the State House. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Trent House for talks from the Archaeological Society of New Jersey.

In keeping with the theme, on Oct. 20 at 12 noon the Museum will host long time Trenton resident and archaeologist Richard Hunter. He'll discuss some of the Revolutionary War sites that have been excavated in the city.

There's still time to register for this Saturday's Small Explorers class. Toddlers can explore the wonderful colors that...
10/07/2026

There's still time to register for this Saturday's Small Explorers class. Toddlers can explore the wonderful colors that autumn brings! The program starts with a story, then moves through the fine art gallery to find paintings that remind us of autumn. Back in the STEAM Center there will be active play with movement and music. Fee: $15 for child, caregiver is free. Advance registration required: https://collections.humanitix.com/small-explorers-20262027-program-season

Address

205 W State St
Trenton, NJ
08608

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 4:45pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:45pm
Thursday 9am - 4:45pm
Friday 9am - 4:45pm
Saturday 9am - 4:45pm
Sunday 9am - 4:45pm

Telephone

+16092926464

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