From our past to our present, the United States is home to a rich tapestry of art and history museums. These cultural treasures are meant to be explored and celebrated. Keep reading as we highlight some of the top art and history museums in the U.S.
New Jersey
By Jim.henderson – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
The Garden State is the most densely populated state in the U.S. It is also a state steeped in history and art. Are you ready for your next cultural adventure? Check out some of the following top art and history museums in New Jersey!
Newark Museum of Art
The Newark Museum of Art was founded based on the belief that art and learning are for everyone. It has stayed true to this belief for over one hundred years and continues to prioritise public programming targeted towards local artists and the public as a whole.
The NMOA has been a leading cultural institution for more than a century. It is the largest museum in New Jersey and is home to over 300,000 artworks and artifacts in science and natural history.
The NMOA campus is an experience in itself. Spanning 3.1 acres, visitors are invited to explore the many sites including the following: the National Historic Landmark Ballantine House (1885); the Ward Carriage House (1860); the Old Stone School House (1784); the Dreyfuss Memorial Garden; and the Dreyfuss Planetarium (1954).
Walt Whitman House
A visit to Camden would not be complete without a tour of the Walt Whitman House. The Walt Whitman House was the last home of American poet Walt Whitman.
The modest structure was constructed in 1848 and features a Greek-revival style. It is where Whitman lived when his “Leaves of Grass” brought him fame. It is the home where he welcomed international visitors and continued to write poetry until his death in 1892.
African American Historical and Cultural Institutions
New Jersey is home to two notable institutions dedicated to African American history and culture– the Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum and the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.
The Afro-American Historical and Cultural Society Museum is located in a public library in Jersey City. This museum is dedicated to the research, collection, preservation and exhibition of Afro-American history and culture. It features documents, artifacts, and exhibits and includes historical information on the history of the Underground Railroad and Civil Rights movements.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey has two locations in Atlantic City and Newtonville. These locations include permanent collections that focus on generations of African American history with over 12,000 pieces on display.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey also offers limited-time showings featuring local African American artists. These local showings are a great way to view art by those breaking into the gallery world.
Grounds For Sculpture
Located in Hamilton, Grounds for Sculpture is one of the top cultural destinations in New Jersey. As its name suggests, Grounds for Sculpture is a sculpture park and outdoor art museum.
The 42-acre park is a great place to wander, explore, imagine, relax, and unwind. Visitors are invited to leisurely stroll through the gardens and galleries that include nearly 300 works of art as well as the six indoor galleries that feature rotating exhibitions. Grounds For Sculpture also hosts performances, creative lectures, and workshops.
Are you ready for a memorable cultural experience? Request your free print and downloadable New Jersey Official Travel Guide today!
New York
The Empire State is one of the top places to visit for art and history museums. If you are looking for cultural experiences beyond the hustle and bustle of New York City, check out some of the amazing art and history museums including those discussed below.
Storm King Art Center
Located in Orange County, Storm King Art Center is a vast 500-acre outdoor museum. The sculpture park is open rain or shine and is a top place to experience monumental works under open sky.
The museum is best experienced with comfortable walking shoes and a curious eye. It offers new and interesting discoveries for every visit. This includes large-scale sculptures, site-specific pieces, drawings, and photographs—all meant to be experienced in nature.
Fenimore Art Museum
Situated in Otsego County, Fenimore Art Museum provides exhibitions and programs that engage, delight, and inspire. Its collection tells the stories of American art, history, and culture and includes fine art, folk art, American Indian Art, and so much more.
If you visit the museum before the end of the year be sure to check out the “Exploring Calvin and Hobbes” exhibition, featuring the comic strip created by Bill Watterson. The exhibition features original Calvin and Hobbes comic strips and specialty pieces by Watterson.
Are you ready to discover the wonders of New York State? Check out all of our free print and downloadable New York Travel Guides!
Maryland
Maryland is spectacular. It is known for all things water including sailing, its blue crab and soft clam production, and the Chesapeake Bay. It is also home to some of the top art and history museums in the US. If you are interested in a memorable Maryland getaway, be sure to check out the following museums!
American Visionary Art Museum
Located in Baltimore, the American Visionary Art Museum specializes in original thematic exhibitions. It is fantastic and unique. It aptly identifies itself as the official national museum, education center, and repository for intuitive, self-taught artistry. AVAM is beyond description and must simply be experienced.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Founded in 1914, the Baltimore Museum of Art encompasses the belief that access to art and ideas is integral to a vibrant and healthy civic life. This belief remains the BMA’s core value.
The BMA focuses on both collecting art of the present moment and developing its historic collection. This focus has enabled the BMA to expand its collection to more than 95,000 works including prints, photography, sculpture, and decorative arts.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the wonders of the Ruth R. Marder Center for Matisse Studies, a space dedicated to French artist Henri Matisse. This new space is home to the most comprehensive collection of works by the artist in a public museum.
Jewish Museum of Maryland
Located in Baltimore, the Jewish Museum of Maryland is one of the nation’s top museums for exhibits on Jewish history and culture. The museum has evolved from historical society to cultural center to fully formed 21st century museum.
The museum has been undergoing a transformation and after more than a year of work recently reopened its doors. It is home to updated galleries, new gathering spaces, and a participatory museum experience. The updated museum encourages connection and curiosity through its exhibits, art, and artifacts.
Walters Art Museum
Located in Baltimore, the Walters Art Museum is home to more than 36,000 objects spanning seven millennia. Established in 1934, the museum is for the benefit of the public and maintains this value to this day. Admission is always free and the museum’s collection can be explored online through the Walters’ works of art site.
The Walters Art Museum includes five historic buildings providing insight into Baltimore’s architectural history. Each building is worth viewing. The Palazzo building provides a setting that is both unique and dramatic. The Centre Street building was designed in the Brutalist architectural style and provides additional galleries for the collection and temporary exhibitions. The Hackerman House (1 West Mount Vernon Place) is an elegant townhouse preserved magnificently. It houses contemporary art and additional pieces in the collection.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
A trip to Maryland would not be complete without a visit to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. The CBMM preserves the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region and provides engaging, immersive, and transformative experiences for visitors of all ages.
The CBMM offers a truly unique learning experience. The museum prides itself on providing interactive and immersive experiences. CBMM offers numerous indoor and outdoor exhibitions, a working Shipyard, Museum Store, and a floating fleet of historic vessels.
Are you ready for an unforgettable Maryland Vacation? Now is the perfect time to order your free print and downloadable Maryland Travel Guide!
Discover America’s Cultural Treasures Today!
Exploring the nation’s top museums is more than just a day out—it is an opportunity to learn and be inspired. The U.S. is home to amazing art and history museums just waiting for you to discover and explore. Are you ready to be inspired? Check out all of our free print and downloadable travel guides today!