The Jersey City Museum is under such financial duress that it has had to cut its hours (it is now open only on Saturdays) and lay off its staff.
Brothers Paul and Eric Silverman, developers who have restored a number of historic buildings in Jersey City, created the Bar Majestic across the street from City Hall, and breathed new life into the Hamilton Park historic district, decided to go to bat for the museum–using putters, that is.
They commissioned 10 local artists to create nine miniature golf holes plus a bonus hole. The course, which is fully playable, is also an art exhibit. The brothers found sponsors for each hole.
Each sponsor donated $5,000 to $15,000 per hole as seed money for a museum-aiding fund that the brothers hope will reach $100,000. With fees to play the course and other donations, the brothers hope to achieve their goal by September, when the exhibit/course, called The Golden Door, closes.
The Golden Door (you know, as in "I lift my lamp beside the Golden Door") opened on Wednesday June 23 with a gala reception featuring food and wine donated by local restaurants. People from all over town turned out to play. CLICK PHOTO AT LEFT TO SEE THE SLIDESHOW.
Anyone can play the course from 10 am until dusk every day from now until Labor Day. The cost is $5 per round, $4 for members of the Jersey City Museum.