5 Incredible Virtual Art Exhibits You Can Browse From Home In New Jersey

While museums are closed across New Jersey (though several are opening), many are offering online tours, exhibits, special events, and virtual programming. These online offerings are not a substitute for visiting, but they sure are interesting in the meantime. Below are a few Garden State art exhibits you can enjoy from home. You'll find links to the virtual exhibits mentioned at the bottom of the article.

1. Morris Museum Automata

The Morris Museum has a little bit of everything, from fossils to trains to Native American artifacts and beautiful gemstones. However, it may be best known for its collection of kinetic art and automata (moving and musical works of art). They're beautiful, historic, occasionally a bit eerie, but always fascinating. You can browse a portion of this collection online!

2. Newark Museum of Art Snapshots

The Newark Museum, now the Newark Museum of Art, offers a wide range of exhibits with a focus on art. Much of their collection is available in photograph form on their website but what I love most is their Snapshot series on YouTube. These are short (under 30 minutes) narrated videos highlighting a variety of collections. I've learned a lot while watching! Snapshots cover a variety of exhibits including Native Artists of North America and Ancient Mediterranean Galleries.

3. Hunterdon Art Museum Virtual Exhibits

This beautiful museum offers changing exhibitions of contemporary art, craft, and design in a breathtaking historic mill. They have several online exhibits including Art + Design, A Young Artist Showcase, and Explorations In Felt. These detailed exhibits are virtual reality based and actually immerse you in the collection. They're more like self-guided tours. Enjoy unique perspectives and interesting information.

4. South Orange Performing Arts Center's INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition

There's a lot to love about SOPAC but I'm especially enamored with the young talent on display in their online gallery. Find photographs, sketches, and more!

5. Princeton University Art Museum Online Collections

The Princeton University Art Museum is one of the most impressive university art museums in the state, if not the country. They offer a photo gallery with tens of thousands of works, but they offer even more than that! Online collections include everything from Asian art to ancient American cultures. Find high resolution images, facts, timelines, 3-D models, and more.

Morris Museum Guinness Collection of Automatic Musical Instruments and Automata

Newark Museum of Art Snapshot Video Series

Newark Museum of Art Collection Photos

Hunterdon Art Museum Virtual Exhibits

South Orange Performing Arts Center's INSPIRED MINDS: Young Artist Exhibition

Princeton University Online Art Exhibits

If you enjoy art, culture, and/or history, you'll want to check these out...free, from your couch!