After a seven-month hiatus and careful planning, some centers are welcoming back culture-starved patrons. View art and history up-close again at these museums and galleries around the state. Below, a description of new or reopening exhibits and some updated policies, due to the coronavirus. Check individual websites for full protocol information, ticket policies and hours.
Montclair Art Museum
Reopening Saturday, September 12 for members; Sunday, September 13 for public
What to see: “Federico Uribe: Animalia” showcases animal sculptures crafted from colored pencils, shoelaces and recycled bullet shells. “Undaunted Spirit: Art of Native North America” features traditional and contemporary works from the museum’s collection. “Personal Landscapes” features recent work by artists from Essex County. $10–$15; timed admission tickets must be purchased in advance online. There will be capacity limits and temperature checks.
The Newark Museum of Art
Reopening Thursday, October 8
What to see: “Four Quiltmakers, Four American Stories” showcases this enduring textile art through distinctly different quilts made between 1864 and 2010. “Wolfgang Gil: Sonic Geometries” displays three of the Newark-based artist’s sound sculptures. Pay as you wish.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
Reopening Saturday, October 3
What to see: “Yvette Molina: Big Bang Votive,” an interactive storytelling project in which the artist interviews participants and creates paintings that respond to their personal stories, thus transforming the exhibition over time. “Hillerbrand + Magsamen: The Devices Project” is a multimedia installation that explores our relationship to everyday objects. Adrienne Wheeler’s “White Dress Narratives” is a site-specific installation by the Newark-based artist that uses dress-shaped cutouts to represent six generations of her maternal lineage. $3–$5; timed admission tickets must be purchased in advance online.
One of the stop-motion animations in artist Swoon’s exhibit “Cicada,” on view this month at the Rowan University Art Gallery. Courtesy of Genevieve Hanson
Rowan University Art Gallery
Reopening Tuesday, September 15
What to see: “Cicada,” a stop-motion animation by street artist Swoon, on view through October 20. Depictions of a house, a ship and human figures reveal imaginative and mythological creatures trapped inside. Swoon’s narratives are inspired by her parents’ addiction and substance abuse. The gallery is free and open by appointment only; call 856-256-4521.
Old Barracks Museum
Currently open
What to see: This historic building dates to 1758, when it was used as winter quarters during the French and Indian War. During the American Revolution, it stood witness to the Battle of Trenton and served as a military hospital to provide smallpox inoculations. Visitors can tour the gallery, soldiers’ bunks, a medical room and more. $8–$10.
Center for Contemporary Art
Reopening Monday, September 14
What to see: “Here and Now,” on view through December 11, celebrates the center’s 50th anniversary. Curators John Yau and Wes Sherman spent more than a year assembling the work of 19 contemporary artists. $5 suggested donation.