The State Museum, in collaboration with the NJ State Police, has instituted enhanced security measures at the Museum. Personal items and bags are subject to search upon entering the Museum. Security may consist of electronic, physical and/or visual inspection of individuals and/or personal items. We suggest leaving backpacks/large bags in your vehicle. Passage through magnetometers and wanding procedures will be conducted at entry for all visitors. Video surveillance is in use throughout the Museum.
Thank you for your cooperation.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
“The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the NJ State Archives” gallery talk.
12:00 pm 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
1:00 pm One World, One Sky
2:00 pm Worlds Beyond Earth
3:00 pm Tales of Mayan Skies
12:00 pm 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
1:00 pm One World, One Sky
2:00 pm Worlds Beyond Earth
3:00 pm Tales of Mayan Skies
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm Magic Tree House: Space Mission
2:00 pm To Space and Back
3:00 pm Destination Mars
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Learn about Cyantotypes! Sun prints, known as Cyantotypes, use the sun to make prints from objects. It’s photography without a lens! For ages 13+
9:30 am
It’s the last session of the year and we can’t wait to go to the shore! Families will explore a variety of boats and what you might find on the beach or in the sea. We’ll read “Boats Float!” and enjoy some fun hands-on activities. At this session, we will also “graduate” our 5 year-olds.
Advance registration required: https://collections.humanitix.com/small-explorers-learning-together-programs
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm Magic Tree House: Space Mission
2:00 pm To Space and Back
3:00 pm Destination Mars
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Join us in the Riverview Court to hear Dr. Synatra Smith, Project Manager, Black Heritage Trail, explore the dynamic history of African Americans in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War period. She will share an overview of the historical marker program and discuss specific Black Heritage Trail sites throughout New Jersey that are doing phenomenal work to share the contributions of Black soldiers, the establishment of early Black communities, and the way Black women created public and private spaces for themselves.
9:30 am
It’s the last session of the year and we can’t wait to go to the shore! Families will explore a variety of boats and what you might find on the beach or in the sea. We’ll read “Boats Float!” and enjoy some fun hands-on activities. At this session, we will also “graduate” our 5 year-olds.
Advance registration required: https://collections.humanitix.com/small-explorers-learning-together-programs
10:00 am
This month we’re reading “Snippets: A Story About Paper Shapes” by Dian Albers. The story reveals the power of kindness and the beauty of being unique. Following the story will be a related craft.
4:15 pm
Join us in the Planetarium for this free talk with Ronan Hix, Princeton University.
Stars are amongst the most important and interesting objects in astronomy. Our own sun supplies the energy that makes life on Earth possible, distant stars make up the constellations in our night skies, and ancient, long-dead stars created almost all the atoms in our bodies. Our Milky Way contains 100 Billion stars, but where do they all come from, and how are they born? Ronan will discuss our best answers to these questions and more, and explore the exciting research underway to find out more. Join us to learn about the exciting lives and times of the stars, and how it all impacts our own lives on Earth.
Reserve your seat with this link: https://forms.office.com/g/0vJ0yXMrBC
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm Magic Tree House: Space Mission
2:00 pm To Space and Back
3:00 pm Destination Mars
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm Magic Tree House: Space Mission
2:00 pm To Space and Back
3:00 pm Destination Mars
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
3:00 pm One Sky Project
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
3:00 pm One Sky Project
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Join us for a fossil collecting trip at Big Brook Fossil Preserve in Colts Neck, NJ! $15 per person, discount for Museum Members.
Complete details and registration with this link: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-fossil-collecting-with-the-new-jersey-state-museum
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
3:00 pm One Sky Project
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
12:00 pm We Are Guardians!
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
3:00 pm One Sky Project
1:00 pm The Great Solar System Adventure
2:00 pm Messengers of Time and Space
2:30 pm One Sky Project
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Join us for a fossil collecting trip at Big Brook Fossil Preserve in Colts Neck, NJ! $15 per person, discount for Museum Members.
Complete details and registration with this link: https://events.humanitix.com/2026-fossil-collecting-with-the-new-jersey-state-museum
3rd Tuesday of each month, April – December, 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Bring a friend and join us for gallery talks by the curators! Upcoming:
May 19 – Gallery talk for “The Power to Change: Revolutionary Stories from the NJ State Archives”
June 16 - Dr. Synatra Smith, Project Manager with the NJ Historical Commission, the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail, discusses the dynamic history of African Americans in New Jersey during the Revolutionary War period.
3rd Saturday of every month, 10:00 am
Join us in Discovery Den every 3rd Saturday of the month to hear a story and make a craft to take home. Story Time is designed for children ages 2-8 and their caregivers. Families are encouraged to explore the galleries on their own after the program. Pick up a Small Explorers gallery cards throughout the Museum.
Offered the 2nd Thursday of each month, 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Free afternoon art program offering a different project each month. Drop by anytime during the hour. For teens ages 13+.
Small Explorers Learning Together is the Museum’s program for families with children ages 1-5. Hundreds of families have experienced the magic of exploring the Museum in these sessions and now you can too! Two classes are offered each month, the 2nd Saturday or the following Thursday, at 9:30 am and are limited to 20 children per class. Classes meets in our Discovery Den play space and begins with an interactive story time. Families move together to playfully explore a gallery and end in our classroom space with thematic activity stations, including a craft to take home. Classes are 45 minutes long and meet October to June.
Cost: Classes are $20 per child, each additional sibling receives a 20% discount. Caregivers attend free. New Jersey State Museum Foundation members receive 10% off. Details and reservations can be found at this link, https://collections.humanitix.com/small-explorers-learning-together-programs
If you are not on our mailing list please use the Subscribe link found on this page. If you have additional questions contact Devra.Hock-Reid@sos.nj.gov.
The New Jersey State Museum is a wonderful setting for your special event with changing exhibits that can provide a unique backdrop for any occasion. The Museum is ideally located in the State Capital Complex in Trenton, and offers a one-of-a-kind venue with incredible architecture and beautiful views of the Delaware River. For rates and availability, please view our rental information or email Rentals.NJSM@sos.nj.gov.
Available Rental spaces:
This exceptional space is an ideal setting for buffet receptions, intimate sit-down dinners, business seminars and more. Available evenings and weekends only.
The 384-seat Auditorium is available for a wide variety of lectures, conferences, movie premieres, theater performances and more.
Official Site of The State of New Jersey