New Jersey, even though it is often overshadowed by its neighbour, New York, is a treasure trove of hidden gems for those who appreciate art.
While New York has close to one hundred museums to choose from, including the famous MET, New Jersey has an enviable array of lesser known art places, all within an hour’s drive from the Cape Liberty Port in New Jersey.
So if you are an artsy couple who have just a few hours before boarding your cruise or a couple of days, you will be pleasantly surprised by the art treasures you can uncover in the Garden State.
The Noyce Museum of Art
Tucked away in the tiny town of Hammonton, art loving couples will be delighted by The Noyce Museum of Art, dedicated to contemporary fine art.
The museum has a mix of rotating and permanent art pieces, showcasing things from the mid-Atlantic region, such as paintings, sculptures and photographs.
What makes the Noyce Museum particularly appealing to couples is the intimate setting in a sculpture garden, crowd-free atmosphere and a personalised experience that is not seen in larger institutions.
The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Located in an 30-acre estate belonging to the late Gustav Stickley, a leading figure of the American arts scene, the Stickley Museum is located in Morris Plains and a must-visit for couples who admire arts and crafts.
The main building is great example of merging nature with the home and offers guided tours that delve deep into the life of its owner, and where couples can spend quality time in the serene environment of the Craftsman Farms.
The museum also is a venue for various workshops and exhibitions, where visitors can take a stroll through the scenic gardens, in order to add a touch of nature to their artistic journey.
Hunterdon Art Museum
Couples will instantly fall in love with the prime location of the Hunterdon Art Museum, located on the banks of the picturesque Raritan River
Housed within a historic 19th century stone mill, the museum presents changing exhibitions of modern art, craft and design in a stone mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Couples can enjoy an afternoon of shopping in some quaint boutique outlets, dine in restaurants that offer elegant meals and visit the Red Mill village to learn about the industrial heritage of the region.
The Zimmerli Art Museum
Often overlooked, the Zimmerli Art Museum is a university based museum, located in the campus of the New Brunswick University of Rutgers is a classic example of an institution housing world class exhibits of art.
Founded way back in 1966 as the Rutgers University Art Gallery, the museum itself was established in 1983 in demand for a permanent collection. Today it is one of the most distinguished university based museums in the country.
The collection here includes 60,000 works of art, ranging from contemporary to Avante garde Russian and French art, as well as Japanese inspired illustrations.
USA Trip
If you’re planning a trip to America, check out my other US travel guides to make the most of a trip to this amazing country.