Montclair Art Musuem is a small, regional museum. Emphasis is on whatever special exhibits they have on as well as Native American and American art. They have an excellent collection, some of which is always on display, is George Inness, the landscape artist who lives in Montclair. The selection of paintings is well curated and often highlights different themes and techniques in the art work. Drawbacks - It is too small to spend more than an hour, two on the outside, there. Some exhibits do not have exhibit plaques next to the paintings, so you have to use on the the bound books to figure out who painted what. Personally I found this unnecessary cumbersome. Very much worth a visit. read more

Attended the 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash Tasting celebrating Amanti Vino! Wine tasting was awesome! The food from Turtle and The Wolf restaurant and the Van Hook Cheese & Grocery were delicious! Great accommodations at Museum!! read more

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Small and cute museum. It's perfect for an afternoon to stroll around, there's enough to see that you can spend 2 hours read more

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I wish The Montclair Art Museum had a bigger impact. I guess I've been spoiled by the MET Museum, in NYC. The exhibitions we saw were colorful, were full of ingenuity, and great talent. Each room had an attendant, who were eager to answer any questions, and the items were displayed where it was comfortable to enjoy. I wish this museum was larger, but it's worth attending and checking it off your museum to-go list. read more

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What a fantastic museum! I visited the Museum for the first time with some friends for April's Free First Thursday, and we had a blast wandering around the museum while trying to solve a scavenger hunt. The theme of this month's Free First Thursday was Spring Break so we got to experience a Staycation Dance Party with a live DJ. We were pleasantly surprised by the size of the galleries: The entire second floor was sectioned off for at least four different exhibits. We saw Vanessa German's mixed media artworks, Meryl McMaster's photography, George Inness's landscape paintings, as well as Transformed and (Re)Imagine(d) exhibits, among others that I am sure to be forgetting about. We thoroughly enjoyed viewing the works and reading the exhibit panels, although admittedly we were incentivized by the desire to win the scavenger hunt. We forgot the hunt was meant for children to enjoy and spent way more time searching for the answers to questions than we should have. Still, we had a great time and loved that we could visit the Museum on a weeknight for free admission. Expect to spend an hour or two here to view all the exhibits on display! read more

Montclair Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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A beautiful small art museum that curates a lot of unique pieces and host culturally relevant exhibition themes. As a volunteer here I love the classes they offer and how they serve as a means for both children and adults to enjoy art and create art in a little nook of Montclair. Staff is very friendly and professional and everyone here is just excited to be able to engage in the art community. read more

Montclair Art Museum - Auditorium - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Last Thursday night, my husband and I went to the Montclair Art Museum. Its normal operating hours are 12pm-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday. However, the museum is open one Thursday evening a month, as part of its (free) First Thursday Night series. Just for this month though, First Thursday Night was scheduled for the second Thursday in February to include the new Kay WalkingStick exhibit for visitors. (The visiting exhibit has been advertised on banners down Bloomfield Ave for a while). The museum has a private parking lot. Though, if you're visiting First Thursdays it will be packed. We ended up parking on a nearby street. There are two entrances to the museum - one closer to S. Mountain Ave, and the other closer to St. Luke's Place. We entered through the St. Luke's entrance, which is the lower level of the museum. That night, there was a jazz concert taking place in an auditorium. Also, on that level and side of the floor are art classrooms/studios. On the lower level also is the coat room and a little room where you can sit. The coat room is just a room, no one is attending it. One flight up, there is an area called Lehman Court, where tables were setup for people to sit down, enjoy drinks from the bar, and listen to live music. The galleries were on this level. MAM has two permanent collections - the George Inness Gallery and its Native American Collection in the Rand Gallery. Then there are the visiting exhibits. Right now, the big one is 'Kay WalkingStick: An American Artist' which will be there until June. There's also 'Matisse and American Art', which really stood out to me. The top floor is geared towards kids and younger children, where the Family Learning Lab is. The museum is designed for patrons of all ages. So families with kids - this is a good museum to visit. There were a number of families with little ones out that night. It's funny, but the museum is much larger than I thought it was or imagined it was when I would pass by. There's a lot of art to see and experience inside... I really enjoyed my First Thursday Nights. I can see myself visiting the Montclair Art Museum again... Go check it out! read more

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Probably one of the best regional art museums in the country. Founded by the same folks who started the Newark Museum. Montclair was an artists' colony back in 1890. Museum was founded in 1914, an outgrowth of that history. (The Newark Museum had been founded in 1909). They have a permanent American collection, including a lot of George Inness. And a permanent Native American collection. Major works by major artists are often on view. I remember a Man Ray exhibit. They also had a fun exhibit about the original creators of the comic book Superman. Has events and a nice gift store. https://www.montclairartmuseum.org/ read more

I came here to kick off gay pride month at the first Thursday's celebration for pride. It was very family-oriented, respectable and fun! I enjoyed the drag show and the music - since it's been a while that I've been out and about. read more

I would like to recommend the Montclair Art Museum as it is now, with an exhibition called Impossible Shadows. It's on view through the rest of the year and consists of images "drawn" in shadows. They are created by metal sculptures that look interesting in and of themselves. I couldn't resist holding my hand up to some of the closer wires to see if I was right about what lines they cast. What a cool idea. The people viewing the exhibit were quite invigorated by it. Just when you think there's nothing new in the world... some people think like that, anyway (not the type who go to art museums :p ) One comment I have is that the artist should've done the classic of all shadow figures, the bunny. I mean one that looks like the hand puppet. There is a rabbit, coincidentally, but it's a realistic one. Also on view are Native American artifacts with pretty interesting placards. I didn't get to read that many, but maybe next time. By the time I got to the other exhibits, I had had my fill and so I didn't look closely at them. Personally I didn't read what was on view before coming, and so I was pleasantly surprised. I've spoiled it by describing it... it would've been better just to say, "There's something interesting at the Montclair Art Museum right now" and leave it at that. But that would not make a review. There is some paradox or catch in that. Anyway all I can say is I entered the exhibit in a certain state of mind today and left feeling rejuvenated. Maybe I'll visit this museum more often. read more

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One of my favorite museums. Great place to go with or without kids. Art curation is top notch. You will be in your feelings here, and certainly. WalkingStick is the current featured artist and a lot of her work revolves around growing into her identify as a Native America. Interpret this how you will. Her work is thought provoking and introspective as is all the works here. Lovely gift shop on 2nd floor has some interesting books, gorgeous jewelry including 3rd cube frame earrings (!!), books, mugs and nick nacks. 3rd floor is a special lab with an interactive exhibit. Made for children to explore art in an interactive way. When we went it was a self portrait table with mirrors, colored pencils and a 10 step guide. We loved it! Nearby there is even more street art to look at. All you have to do is walk south on Bloomfield Ave. Montclair is a wonderful town so consider spending the whole day exploring the rest of it. read more

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With 12,000 objects in it's collection., special programs and art classes for all ages, MAM is keeping art alive and well in this small suburban town. Their permanent collection includes the Rand Gallery of Native American Art which is composed of pieces collected during the late 1800's by Annie Valentine Rand, mother of co-founder of the MAM, Florence Rand Lang. The collection features 69 Native American baskets collected between 1890-1930. I particularly enjoyed the Kachina Dolls, Pueblo pottery and Native American clothing articles. The George Inness room is a permanent exhibition, as well, and I liked his painting of the "Delaware Water Gap" (1857). One of the themes of the exhibition was "Work and Leisure in American Art", an interesting grouping of paintings from the 18th century to the present. Patricia A. Bell's piece showing a woman sitting reading a newspaper with a wall of newspapers behind her caught my attention. Other notables for me were: Benjamin West's "Oliver Cromwell Dissolving the Long Parliament *1782) and John George Brown's creation "Music Hath Terms" (1910). Having been to the MAM several times, I came this time to see the Eric Carle exhibit "Animals and Friends" and was not disappointed. Carle was a children's book author and illustrator (1929) and the exhibit was quiet extensive. Unfortunately No photos were permitted in this area. All other areas permit photos with no flash and for personal use. The museum has free first Thursday of the month admission (5-9)(Oct-June) and first Friday of every month admission (12-5). Bank of America card holders can also gain free admission, as well as, those whose local libraries have free Museum Passes. For others it's $12 for adults, Children under 12 years are free and discounts for seniors and students with IDs. There is a free museum parking lot. NYC and NJ buses drop you off at the corner. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevator service. Most of the exhibits allow you to get right next to the sculptures and paintings. With a diversity of quality restaurants within walking distance of the museum, it's a great way to enjoy a day in Montclair, New Jersey. Show less read more

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This is a pretty small museum but nonetheless a nice place to walk around and look at art. I'd advise you to check their website - we came on a Saturday in January and several exhibits were closed (they were transitioning to the next exhibit). We were not charged the full admission price but there was not that much to see. Friendly staff. Cute little gift shop. I also came here a while ago for a 90s dance party which was pretty awesome. So kudos to this museum for hosting events like that. read more

Came here for the famous Thursday night and had a blast. Extremely well set up event night with an amazing live band, singer, food truck along with drinks. Also, they have drawing classes and yoga classes in session at the same time. The museum entrance is small so I didn't expect it to be so big, but it's 2 stories with amazing/endless arts that house a lot of new jersey and domestic artists' work which I think is crucial in developing and promoting their work in local communities. Amazing staffs are working really hard and I'd love to be back again. read more

Montclair Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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4 is more for the area. There was an interesting Matisse exhibition. It was a mix of Matisse stuff and work from artists who were inspired by him. I highly recommend their guide. She was quite good and took time explaining the influence for a good number of the works. it's a pretty small place but the museum is fine for the price. The shop is also pretty nice. They sell some inexpensive/humorous cards among others things which makes a good gift. 3.5 read more

I went to the Montclair Art Museum about a month ago with cousins who are 7 and 9, They are fairly cultured and have family memberships to the Natural History Museum and frequent many children museums. That being said they were a little touch happy around the exhibits - which I understand is a huge NO NO! I suppose it's due to the kids but we seriously had a security guard following us everywhere. There was even one moment toward the end of our visit when he pulled back a shade and peeked down at us from an above window - certified creeper. The exhibits were small but well curated. The Native American section is fairly substantial and has a variety of traditional garments, jewelry, and sculptures. My favorite images were some Camera Obscura photos from Abelardo Morell and an original Andy Warhol. Part of the museum was closed off because they were setting up for the next visit. I love museum gift shops and this one was alright. Some handmade jewelry, artsy books for kids, rulers, pencils, postcards - but not really any of the pieces I saw. They did have a pretty good sale section on comic art books - probably from their last exhibit that was no longer up. I'm sure a museum of this size is a very different place when in full swing - I'll definitely be back to check out the Cezanne and American Modernism exhibit Sept 13 - Jan 3. read more

I read an article about Montclair, NJ in a magazine (I think it was The New Yorker) and decided to visit recently. I generally like to have a "centerpiece" location when I visit a new town to aim towards and center my visit around. For Montclair it was this art museum. MAM felt a lot to me like a "mini" version of the Met. It has a very stately exterior complete with stone seats and tables, stone work and statues on small grassy hills. It sits across from very expensive looking mansions and generally gives you an air of sophistication. The ticket office has really nice plaques indicating who their sponsors were and listing ticket prices (along with messages encouraging you to become a supporting member). If you are a Bank of America card carrier, you can get in for free with an ID (as of this writing). Otherwise adult entrance is $12 per person. The coat is "self check in" meaning you just hang your own coat up on a rack. Not a bad system really given the size of the venue. When I visited (January 2015) there were several exhibitions on display including one focused on quilts (https://montclairartmuseum.org/content/heart-hand-african-american-quilts-montgomery-museum-fine-arts) and another celebrating 100 years of art (https://montclairartmuseum.org/exhibition/selections-100-works-100-years-centennial-celebration). I really enjoyed this display and was surprised to see works by folks like Warhol and Hopper on display. The staff was very nice though I noticed the guards keep *real* close to folks. I think they've probably had situations where folks touched the displays so they are extra cautious. I understood this, especially given how close you could get to some of the displays. If you're in the area this is definitely worth a visit. It served the purpose of a "centerpiece" of my Montclair visit perfectly! read more

This is a small museum, but they have some gems in their permanent collection (eg paintings by Inness) and they occasionally host interesting special exhibitions (see their website). Strength is in American and Native American art. read more

Montclair Art Museum - Sloan, Bonfire 1919 - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

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We went there today using a pass that I checked out from my local library (although I would have gladly paid admission) and was very impressed. It's on the smaller side so you get through there fairly fast, but so worth going. We saw the Impossible Shadows exhibit (the art of Larry Kagan) and were absolutely blown away. Everyone there was knowledgeable and very friendly, from the woman at the front desk to the man in the gift shop. I live very close by but haven't been there since i was a child, so glad we made it happen today. We're very lucky to have this in our area and we will definitely make it a point to return more often. If you're local, do yourself a favor and go see Impossible Shadows, it's truly amazing. Thank you for such a lovely visit! read more

The Montclair Art Museum isn't huge, but its a delightful place in the middle of the Jersey burbs. We decided to go to the "Free First Thursday" event that the museum holds most months. It certainly seemed as though a lot of effort goes into this event. There was a Jazz band playing among the paintings, a food truck, bar, a School of Rock performance, and of course art. The crowd was mixed between families with young children and adults. I enjoyed the Native American artwork, but I was disappointed the coming 90's art exhibit wasn't open yet...maybe next month. The museum is worth checking out especially during the "Free Thursday" events. read more

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Where family fun and education meet! Awesome space filled with classic art, and great summer programs for children. I've enjoyed every visit and appreciate having an abundant museum available to the Montclair community read more

Montclair Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

What is especially insulting from this affair is that in MAMs response to my review, they suggest there is no fault but only confusion. I posted my negative review after MANY things occurred. It's been two years since this affair and I am still pissed. PM me for specific questions. read more

Here's the deal: This place used to be a gem. Today, I went there and we learned that the permanent collection was down. They made it seem like this was a recent development, but other yelp reviews show that this has been the case for several months now. We saw some modern art inspired by Matisse and a Native American exhibit. Nothing too impressive. We also checked out the overpriced museum shop. All in all, we only spent about forty minutes because there wasn't much there. We were specifically keen on seeing the masterpieces by George Inness and were very disappointed that we were not able to. This museum needs to spend less time booking weddings and kiddie birthday parties and get the art back in the museum! read more

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This is a small local museum that is worth a visit. You likely will not spend more than and hour and a half in here so make sure to have plans to visit a restaurant nearby afterwards. I have been for a Saturday afternoon visit where it was very quiet with very few visitors and I have also been on the first Thursday of the month. On the first Thursday of the month MAM offers free admission, a bar cart, food trucks, a live band and discounted admission in to the featured exhibit. The museum was significantly more busy on this Thursday, I would even say that it was packed but worth it. The only thing to be aware of is that they are very strict about showing your admission sticker on your clothing the entire time that you are viewing the pieces and they are very strict on taking pictures. read more

We had a good time exploring the museum. There was a security guard there we spoke to and what a nice staff. I will come back to see other exhibits in the future it's a gem so close to home. read more

I do not give lower-than-three-stars for a free place. This is an awkward visit last weekend. As you may know, BoA card holder can have free access to this art museum for free on the first weekend. So we did. Paying $5 for my old man, we spent 15 minutes here and left. For some reason, there are only two exhibitions in two halls on the second floor. The entire first floor became a party ground for high school kids with super loud pub music. The third floor...nothing. Maybe we were here at bad timing. I would spend our time in other free museums like the one in Morristown. read more

Fun Free parking Not very expensive Lots of art to view Will return Highly recommend read more

I came here for a wedding this past weekend. The space is incredible. Who would of thought there would be a nice museum outside of New York? They display some talented artists and right now one of their exhibitions is Georgia O'Keefe. I just think of Breaking Bad episodes when I reference it, but wow, just gorgeous. The staff was so helpful and friendly. They informed me they hold an event every weekend. Wow to be that busy is great. Also to have such a nice space for weddings was also very nice. So much room and plenty of seating area in their auditorium for a reception. I wish to return again soon! read more

I went here for the 100th anniversary event in January 2014 and was happy the museum leadership classed the place up with complementary beverages from NJ Beer Company and cupcakes from Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken. Admission was free on this particular night, but it's worth your $12 as an adult non-member to go check out the collection. I'm not a huge fan of modern art, but fortunately, that is only half the collection. The other half falls within the classic/contemporary style so the museum has enough variety for those with different tastes. read more

Amazing place. 1) This is one of the best museum in NJ. 2) First month of every month is free. 3) They give a great guided tour. When I went it was at 2pm. read more

My husband and I recently held our baby shower at the MAM and had a wonderful experience--as did our guests! We needed an event hall that could accomodate 100-150 people with Indian catering and Lier Hall was the perfect space. The rental operations manager, Carol Taylor, was a blessing to work with. She was friendly, flexible and responsive to all our questions. I would not hesitate to recommend the MAM to anyone looking for a great venue for any special event! read more

Well let me just start: this isn't a place you'd want to come from all the way from another state. It's a nice place and clean! But it is awfully small with four to five galleries in my opinion might not be really worth $12.00 admission? Maybe $8.00? Not really much to spend an hour or two...don't be disappointed if you see a bunch of kids running around screaming around the exhibits from a summer camp... but I guess...if you're bored...maybe might be good... but I don't blame the guards for following you...they are probably bored from being in the same room 24/7. Parking, alot. Price, $$$. Location, 4/5. Not impressive. By the way I'm a museum lover and went to every museum in the tri state area. read more

I have visited here before and it is definitely small, but, was a nice place to visit. Today I went and the smell of mold is awful. I had to go outside for fresh air. I am sensitive to mold and wish someone had written a review about the smell before I came. My family also commented on it, so it wasn't just me. I hope they take care of this because it is a nice little museum otherwise. read more

I love this museum and It's a special place for my son. They try to go out and bring in some decent collections. We went to opening night of the Cezanne exhibit and had a blast. My son also been to the Art camp and he painted some pretty cool stuff. read more

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Great place to see some amazing art. I would definitely check the exhibits before planning a day with the kids, the children I saw there looked bored as heck. I nolticed there are classes held for kids there which is great. I took advantage of this free Saturday special which required you to make a reservation online. I am not sure if $12 to get it would have been worth it. The staff is great, very friendly. There was just an annoying security guard walking around humming..... at one point I thought I was a part of a seance or something - very distracting. Very nice gift shop, lots of books and some interesting items for the kids. read more

I went here for something more then just to view the wonderful art. I had the opportunity of attending a wedding reception and it was absolutely goegeous. We started in the main lobby for the cocktail hour and we were able to view the beautiful pieces as well. The actual reception was held in the basement of the museum and the setup was gorgeous. One of the best parts of the reception was that the ceiling retracted and you can see the night sky!! read more

Montclair Art Museum - At the reception - Art Museums Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

I am heart broken that this museum that I passed on a weekly basis and have been wanting to visit for months has such blatant discrimination and harassment to its visitors. On Thursday, March 1, 2018 around 7pm, I finally took my mom to the Montclair Art Museum for their Free Thursday. I was interested in becoming a member after the tour but never got to finish walking through the museum because their security guard (who refused to give his name when asked) literally followed us from the moment we stepped foot in the gallery. He discriminated against (singled us out) and harassed us and followed us closely yelling "don't touch don't touch" when we were no where near the exhibits/art work and saying it loudly to intentionally embarrass us. Apparently he made it his job to follow the only two black people in the museum from the moment we walked in as if black people don't have an interest in art. We walked in a room, he closely followed. We even went backwards to a previous room to see and he literally followed. He wasn't even discreet, he looked right at us like a hawk as if we were going to walk out the museum with a 20 foot art painting from whoever was on the wall. After we approached him (halfway through the museum walk) he said no I'm not giving you my name, and snatched his badge so we couldn't look. We were so upset that we ended the museum tour and went straight to find the supposed man in charge. Supposedly, Daniel Mueller (Operations Manager of Montclair Art Museum) was the person to speak to in order to have the situation handled. My mom and I told told him what happened and how disappointed as first time patrons that this exist amongst his staff and all he did was insult us further by offering us a $1 drink coupon and free admission for next time. It was free this time. Why would I want to come back if you didn't address the problem. We told him we can walk him to the security guard and address the problem with all parties involved. He refused and just gave us his business card and said "sorry you feel that way" as if it was our fault. We was so disgusted we immediately left. We hope this situation is corrected because nobody should have to go through this! read more

Adorable place. Friendly and professional employees. Cute events going on all year round.

Went for Family Day, and although my son was a little too young for most of the activities we still had a good time. There is a lot of great stuff on exhibit. For a small museum, this place will surprise you. read more

Decent enough museum for a single level. The front desk attendant was friendly and gave us plenty of info about the exhibits and events coming up. We came here for the 'come as you are' exhibit which examined the art that came up in the 90's and influenced by the events of that time. It was nice but I honestly thought it there would be a little more pop cultural works and generally more recognizable for people who came up in that decade. Unless you were heavy into art, its mediums and the 90's you won't get some of the art and the descriptions don't do much. Overall it was ok and the other galleries were nice too. One thing I didn't like was there was some kind of party or bar mitzvah going on in the hall downstairs and it was LOUD. You could hear it all across the museum where you want to view the gallery in relative silence. This killed that. I felt something like that may have been appropriate for the evening or at night not in the peak museum hours. Nice museum and visit otherwise. read more

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