Glass, yo, it's from Joy-zee! This is a weird but cool arts campus in Millville, mainly about glass, but also housing a decent-size pottery guild, and a small building of textile/tribal arts. In addition to live glass blowing demonstrations, and special classes or make-and-take events for glass/pottery pieces, they have a glass museum with tons of history on glass in the USA. NJ had all the right conditions and materials (wood, sand, soda ash, and silica) for glass so it was the nation's main source of glass for a long period in US history. They make pottery and glass items on site that are sold in the store, and visitors can observe all of this being made. There is a long nature trail, a lake, historic schoolhouse, and various other interesting buildings on the campus. There are at least two stores, both with tons of glass and pottery/ceramic gift options, among other artistic mediums. There is finer art glass sculpture available too, in the gallery store. Wheaton offers a handful of free admission days every year (mostly in summer), including the Fire Muster, with a bunch of fire engines and firemen! They also host craft shows, holiday themed weekends, and other festival events. Live music and food trucks are normally part of any event day. It's a very fun place, and easily can take 2 hours to explore everything. My last visit I was there 3 hours and still didn't get to the nature trail. Nearby Vineland has many great food options, especially Puerto Rican. read more

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The Wheaton Arts Center celebrates South Jersey and the greater Philadelphia area's incredible legacy of glass making. The arts center and village is located where glass making began in North America. Before it was even legally permitted by the British colonial rulers, the sandy soil here was too ideal for glass making to be ignored. Glass makers from Central Furope were encouraged to emigrate to set up glass making here and what a job they did until American independence when it finally became openly legal to produce glass and not have to import it from England. One of the great glass-making families of America were the Wheatons who started a factory in Millville, New Jersey and who also founded this arts center and the American Glass Museum. There is much to do here. Watching and learning how glass is made is fascinating and being able to interact with the glass-blowing artisans is very educational. A visit to the comprehensive Museum of American Glass is de rigeur. You'll be amazed at what you will see inside the museum including the world's largest bottle ever created - of course right here in South Jersey. There are shops, a nature walk, and pottery making as well. It's definitely worth a visit to the Wheaton Arts Center complex when you have an afternoon free and you are in Philadelphia or at the Jersey Shore. read more

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Haven't been for a while but when we went, it was AMAZING!!!! I highly recommend this place for a day trip.

There seems to be some confusion between what is WheatonArts and what is Museum of American Glass Wheaton Village, except a slightly different address with one having most of its works stored in a barn like structure while the other which really is a village, though the one that is a village doesn't say it's a village. Hmmm? Mystery, but both are really neat and I love all the wonderful cut crystal pieces. They're docents who are most helpful in explaining everything in the event you have questions. If the two really are separate, this address location is for the far smaller of the two and my advice would be to be sure and see WheatonArts though the Yelp directions won't exactly tack you there. If you don't, you'll be not only missing the most but the best part. read more

We have been visiting Wheaton Arts for over 30 years and while it never disappoints, it is difficult to watch this spectacular spot not being utilized to its full potential. The grounds are substantial and could use some landscaping, food/beverage offerings would be a lovely touch. The General Store used to be stocked full of unique, beautiful gift options but it seems sort of empty now and the candy/snack choices have dwindled substantially. The old, cool checkers game board is no where to be seen and the piano no longer plays (sad face here). The stunning Paperwhite Gallery is still alive and well but the Christmas Shop is not. Be sure to watch pottery being made by the most fascinating artists who explain so passionately how their techniques are made into masterpieces ~ magic happening right before your eyes! The Wheaton Arts employees are all extremely friendly, contagiously happy and so welcoming ~ they enjoy their jobs and it wholeheartedly shows. read more

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Date of visit: SAT 7/8/23__My best friend from high school and I love going to places within a day's trip from our central NJ home base. Last year I saw the reality TV show "Blown Away" and I looked up the biography of the winner Debra Czeresko and it mentioned the Museum of American Glass in Millville, NJ. So I purchased tickets online and we arrived at 11:30am. There was literally NO crowd there whatsoever! This was good for us because we had unobstructed views of everything we wanted to see, there were NO lines anywhere, and we were able to park only steps away from the main entrance. This also concerned us because the facility's operating costs still need to be covered and for the number of patrons we saw during our visit, I would be surprised if they made $100 for the day. The buildings that were open which we visited included the General Store, the Museum of American Glass, the Pottery and Flamework Studio, the Glass Studio, the Down Jersey Folklife Center, the Gallery of Fine Craft, and the A.G. Paperweight Shop. We did purchase snacks at the General Store since there was no other venue on the property that sold food or drinks. And my friend made a small purchase of some decorative items at the Gallery of Fine Craft. Overall, we had a really nice visit and we HIGHLY recommend WheatonArts as a day trip destination for anyone who has interest in the arts and history of NJ glass and pottery making. read more

Although I grew up in South Jersey, I was finally back after 20 years away. And I'm always desperate to find interesting things to see and do on the weekends. Thankfully, there are a number of places like WheatonArts that help preserve some of the finer crafts traditions that exist in the area. This is a nicely maintained area. For a $10 entry fee, you can walk inside and visit any of the studios and the glass museum. Workshops are often available for $50-$200 per person. If you just want to stroll and shop, it's free. There are a number of small boutique shops where you can find anything from Christmas ornaments to clothing to quality crafts. A nice touch - it seems as though they provided chalk and bubble making supplies for any kids wandering around. read more

What a wonderful place! It's a small village that has workshops for glass blowing, pottery making, paper making and stained glass. Visit each workshop to witness the artisans demonstrate their craft skill. A must see is the the glass blowing. Visit the stores and museums and walk the nature trail behind the village. There is a small cafe located in the village and on the day of our visit several food trucks were on-site. One can easily spend several hours here. read more

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The museum is the best to put it all into context. Millville has a rich history of glass making and deserves to have a spotlight shined on this gem. read more

They have a lot of different events: school trips to educational workshops, cultural events to antiques Love it!

My daughter and I decided to make Christmas ornaments at Wheaton Glass. What an awesome experience! Marcus, our instructor, was very patient and made us feel at ease. I have seen glass blowing demonstrations before, but never thought I would be able to try it. Thanks, Wheaton, and Marcus for helping me cross this off my bucket list. Hopefully, I'll be back to make a pumpkin. read more

WheatonArts - Marcus is a great instructor. - Art Museums Near Me - Millville, New Jersey

Finally visited again decades after my last visit here, back when it was called Wheaton Village. It was time for the holiday sale, so there were great deals on pottery and glass. I wished I didn't live so far away--I was afraid that the fragile items wouldn't survive the trip home. The holiday sale had beautiful items at great prices. We enjoyed browsing in the shops (we had to stop for some nostalgia candy) and the museum. And watching glass-makers at work is always fun. (It was straight out of an episode of Portlandia, except their look--jumpsuits, sweatbands--were affectation but actually functional.) Quaint, wholesome fun for the whole family. They also have an old playground that my family thinks is the best around. read more

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Always a nice to visit. Great little shops to browse in and watching the artists at work is awesome. Glass blowing is really cool! There is a small fee to get into artists area, but worth it. Pleasant surrounding and woodsy grounds to stroll around. The Paws for Art event in April is a lot of fun and animal friendly! read more

WheatonArts - Paws for Art! - Art Museums Near Me - Millville, New Jersey

My family and I come here at least 2-3 times per year for various events and love it every time. They have events and activities all ages, keep the location neat, clean and beautiful and are very nice and courteous to all guests. I highly recommend the "make your own" glass blowing sessions that range from $50-100 for a 30-45 minute session. I purchased a session for my wife last year for her birthday and she loved it, we just did it again today for a more complex item and the experience was again very consistent. Joe was her teacher for both years and he's very patient and a great teacher. The center has various events throughout the year such as mini ren-faires, antique shows, and kids programs. My only criticism is that they should sell food. Even if its a small ice cream and drink cart. Occasionally there are food trucks but it would be great if they had snacks or something. read more

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Wheaton Arts gets a five star rating from me not necessarily because of the actual little village but because of the awesome programs they are running. When my best friend turned 30 I knew her gift had to be spectacular, and since she has always had an affinity for glass I thought I'd get her some extravagant glass piece. But then it struck me, wouldn't it be cool if we could take a glass blowing class together, and low and behold Wheaton Arts had one we could take! It's called the "Make Your Own" workshop. You have a choice to make a paperweight, glass jewelry beads or your own vessel (bowl or vase). I was so psyched that we could take a glass blowing workshop together, and she thought it was the best present anyone could ever give her. *tear* So I scheduled our class for last weekend, two 1 hour sessions. It's actually a one on one workshop, since well you know, you're working with molten glass and it can be dangerous. She made me go first, so she could "watch and learn from my mistakes" (such a nice friend) and took lots of photos. When it was her turn I did the same. It was seriously the coolest (and hottest literally) thing I have ever done in my life to date and I suggest if anyone is interested in this that they try it. It's a little pricey but then again look at what your doing/getting. Our vases came out perfect and I can't wait to pick them up now that they are ready. Another awesome thing they're doing now at Wheaton Arts is actual 5 week courses you can take to learn how to make glass beads/jewelry making, glass blowing I, glass blowing II, and various other classes. This wasn't an option when I was researching for her gift, but now that they are and we've seen how freakin' awesome it is just for one hour, we've decided we're going to take the next course that comes up. With five 3 hour classes in a row we'll be able to make several items! If you are an artist or just have a creative side, and have never worked with glass, I highly recommend Wheaton Arts. read more

WheatonArts - Where the magic happens. - Art Museums Near Me - Millville, New Jersey

Wheaton Arts (formerly Wheaton Village) is a quaint bit of local heritage with broad appeal. Entrance to Wheaton Arts's campus is free, but the train, Museum of American Glass, glassblowing and potter's exhibits require a small free (senior, children and group discounts apply.) I frequent Wheaton's with the kids just to take walks, play on the vintage play ground equipment, look at the ducks and buy REAL penny candy from the general store. In addition to the general store, there are several shops selling artisinally made products, most especially hand-blown glass. Wheaton's also frequently hosts many wonderful special events. Their website outlines this information in detail. I recommend a visit to Wheaton's to anyone in the area. It's also a great place to buy gifts for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life who has everything, since most everything they sell is one of a kind. read more

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This review is for the annual WheatonArts Festival of Fine Craft on 10/06/2012 We think this is one of the better Arts Festivals as far as artist diversity and overall setting. Everyone should experience it at least once (especially great for kids!). They had over 125 Juried Artist's Booths, Artist Demonstrations, Hands-On Kid's Activities, Musical Entertainment and good food. (crab cakes, veggie burgers, Kettle Corn, Angus burgers... the usual suspects but better than other festivals) The artists showcased clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed medium, wearable arts, wood, etc. The setting is very nice. You have pop-up tents/booths set up in the middle of the woods along a winding/ circular trail. You also have an indoor location. Wheaton is known for blown glass artists........ We enjoyed seeing the Pumpkin Patch (made up of blown glass pumpkins in different shapes, colors and sizes). Most (all ?) of the vendors accepted credit cards if needed. Admission was: Saturday: $10.00 Adults, $9.00 Senior Adults (62+), $7.00 Students, Children 5 and under are free /// Sunday: $10.00 Adults, $9.00 Senior Adults (62+), All children 17 and under are admitted FREE They had a wine tasting booth....... I would of liked a beer garden We really liked the festival. read more

I had a really great time here on a rainy Friday afternoon. My sister and I were in Philly for the weekend, saw a brochure for this place and decided to drive down. It's not too far from Philly (about 45 minutes in no traffic), and it is very easy to get to. The village itself is 5 or 6 glass and other touristy-type shops. The glass for sale at these shops ranges from pressed glass practical items to hand-blown art pieces. The prices range as well. The shop keepers were all very friendly and explained any thing we had a question about. The highlight of this trip, though, was not the shopping (although I got some very cool stuff!). It was the exhibits. They had one potter in his workshop. He explained everything he was doing. In the same "crafts" building, they had a glassmaker. She was doing the more crafty glassmaking (glass forming?) - making beads and Christmas ornaments, mostly. But, the way that glass works is so mesmerizing, I think my sister and I spent a half-an-hour there just staring and talking with the crafter. She was great. They also have a building dedicated solely to glass blowing. They have a resident artist or two who simply blow glass all day long. It is also very facinating and entertaining to watch. Also, you can make your own paper weight, beads or glass jar. There is a cost, but you get hands-on experience. Very cool. Overall, I really enjoyed this little village. It is a very cool place. read more

I took a recent trip to Wheaton Arts and visited the school house Centre Grove School one of the first in the area. I discovered that the train has not been running for over three years. I used to love the train rides around the park. Unfortuneately, it is no longer there. Sorry to misinform anyone. read more

WheatonArts - Art Museums Near Me - Millville, New Jersey

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If you're interested in glass, glass art, glass history or even how glass is made, this is a great place to visit. It's now called WheatonArts, by the way. The Museum of American Glass is practically encyclopedic in its collection of historic glass. It's collection also includes modern "Art Glass" created by the world's top professionals. It's worth the price of admission alone. The T.C. Wheaton Glass Factory is another must-see. There are regular live demonstrations of glassblowing with fascinate kids & adults. You can feel the heat as you watch as a glob of orange, glowing, molten glass is pulled from the furnace and formed into a work of art. The shops are a feast for the eyes. Kids will especially enjoy the Country Store with its old time "penny candy" and coin operated player piano. You can take a rest in front on the potbelly stove and play a game of checkers, too. The other shops contain all sorts paperweights, glassware, pottery and collectibles produced at WheatonArts and elsewhere. They are great places to buy gifts for people who appreciate craftsmanship and uniqueness. These shops are not very kid-friendly because of all the art-glass and other breakables. You might want to leave the kids in the General Store. The authentic one room schoolhouse is interesting, but since you're limited to standing outside and looking in, it's not as engaging as the other attractions here. While there is a lot to do at WheatonArts (it's probably good for about 4 hours), you should visit some of the other area attractions websites to plan the rest of your day's visit to Millville. Try the Arts District's portal site http://www.MyArtMyMillville.com as a starting point. Created by the city, it links to the other Millville events and attractions. read more

Took the family here for a day trip. Watching the demos were pretty interesting, but a little over the head of our little ones. Consider bringing a picnic lunch; The snack bar was a little expensive, however the sandwiches we got were really tasty. I'm guessing the classes here would be top notch, but I can't really speak to that. Meeting the resident artists gave me a better appreciation of the pieces I see in people's homes and in museums. Overall a great experience! read more

Most amazing experience! From california and visiting grandma in Mullica Hill, she set up an appt for both my mom and I do make our own paperweights as she had done 30 years ago. What a wild time!!! Joe Mattson was working with each of us and he made you feel at ease. Such an amazing opportunity to get a taste of what glass blowers do. I was on a high after I was done! Cannot wait to see my colors when it is shipped to me. Needs to cool for 24 hours so we oppted to have them shipped home. If I lived near here I would be back in the fall to make my own pumpkin! We also happened to be there during there summer sidewalk sale! Lots of the artists had booths with their work for sale and the shops had one-offs and "deffective" items for lower prices. Mom and I even bought vases from Joe as extra keepsakes. The museum was also a great place to wander around. So many great examples of usa glass. All around a great time! Didnt get to wander into the other craftsman areas. There was an area for pottery too. TIP: bring food. There is only a small sandwich shop in the complex, and the resturant at the Inn near by is closed down. read more

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Amazing place to tale the kids and show them how things were done in the olden days. I would highly recommend! ps the gift shop is amazing for all ages. read more

What a great experience have gone there 2 times and made a glass pumpkin and frist time and a vase a second time made them with Joe he was so fantastic showing us how to do everything so if you have a chance to go it is s fantastic experience and if you feel like making something I would recommend to do it with Joe read more

Always a fun place to go. All the stores are free to go into, but you have to pay a small fee to go into the glass museum, the glass blowing shop and the potters studios. They have a scavenger hunt and fun activities for the kids and a park/playground near the river. They also have a cute cafe with sandwiches and drinks and very friendly ducks that beg for food. read more

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A pretty neat attraction here , where there didn't seem like a lot else around. You can check out the couple of shops in front for free, some of the stuff can be a little repetitive after you go through each shops, but they have some unique stuff and good stuff on sale. Brought some food for the ducks - they are definitely not scared of people! They will flock all around you. read more

Completed a 30 min one on one "Make Your Own" paperweight. Karen was the teacher, she was very patient, calm, great attitude, as if I was her first person for the day. Explained in detail, every step that we were either doing or about to complete. The one on one time to make the paperweight was $75 plus $9 for shipping after a two day slow cool down. ( you have the option to go back and pick up). WheatonArts Cultural Center was a nice place to walk around, bring a picnic lunch, or eat on the grounds at Sweeties Suite. Fun day! read more

Wheaton's is the best ! There is a huge array of things to learn and things to do for all ages. Activities for all ages almost all year long. The museum is amazing as always. The shops are full of Art work and it's always changing.everything is so unique!you will not regret making the trip out to Wheaton's with the family. read more

If you ever have the time to sign up for the Make Your Own Paperweight or Bowl, please do so! It's an incredible experience..the artists are so patient and walk you carefully thru each step as you create your personal masterpiece. I've done it 4 times and highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed..although you may become addicted! read more

Me and my friends take walks around Wheaton Village because it's free to walk around! It's a nice spot to take a picnic lunch or a date. They have outdoor tables. Cool little shops. And a little bridge that overlooks the pond near the back of the village. Definitely go into the general store because they sell candy and toys! Great place! - Nicole Baker Turner read more

Mrs. F and I had a very special visit at WheatonArts. Artisans at WheatonArts let us "sit in" while they fashion what will become a large glass block for a South New Jersey commissioned arts project. You can see finished glass blocks in foreground of the picture I shared. A really fascinating industrial arts process! But most special to us was a personal tour of the gas and woodfired kilns by the potterymaster Terry Plaskett, who spent 30 minutes with us, 1-on-1, detailing his work, the history of pottery at WheatonArts, and how the kilns and potterymaking process work. We were delighted when Terry gave us, free of charge, one of his beautiful, handsigned "imperfect" pottery bowls that was sitting on a discard pile! What a wonderful keepsake of a great visit, and a wonderful memory! Mrs. F and I gave both a donation, but also bought one of Terry's beautiful, functional pottery pieces in one of the many gift shops. Please visit and support WheatonArts, the artisans there are uniquely talented, accessible, and make for a wonderful experience. read more

WheatonArts - Artisans at WheatonArts let us "sit in" while they fashion what will become a large glass block for a local arts project. - Art Museums Near Me - Millville, New Jersey

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This area does not have a lot of cultural locations to take out-of-towners to. WheatonArts fills that need. Millville's history revolves around the glass-making industry. Wheaton celebrates that. Whether you just enter for free and roam or cough up the admission (free for military and their family members, fwiw), there is a lot to see. There are three shops that highlight glass. Lots of paperweights and Christmas ornaments. One of our many (don't get me started) trees is decorated with hand-blown ornaments, many from these shops. Wheaton also sports the old Centre Grove school. This one-room schoolhouse is neat to see. Local classes can hold class here too. There is also a playground with the world's steepest slide, or so it seems. Last on the freebie end is the general store. This is a step back in time. Sure, there's plenty to buy, but it is just neat to take it all in. And finish up with some old-time candy. This is my local source for horehound candy. And there is plenty of natural things, labeled in arboretum-style, to behold. And the seemingly out-of-place totem pole. On the fee side of things is the American Museum of Glass. This museum hosts the world's largest handblown bottle. But there is so much more. A glass casket, chess sets, hookahs, paperweights, and more. Anything one wants to see in glass can be found here. Then there is the studio. This is the centerpiece of Wheaton. It is a fully working glasshouse. Several fellowships are provided and local artists work here as well. There are demonstrations that take one into the world of working with glass. It is a must-see! For those who are adventurous, you can pay a fee ($75 currently) to make your own paperweight. It is a fun and highly interesting task. If you have the time, I highly recommend it. You will not leave with something ugly. There are other demonstrations for beads and buttons too. There are diamond grinders that are sometimes in use too. Next door there is a pottery studio. It has always seemed out of place to me, but it is neat nonetheless. Live demos of wheel pottery and explanations of the history the craft are shared. This is Millville's cultural hub. Spend some time here; it is worth it. read more

A very cute way to spend an afternoon. Every building we walked into had helpful, eager, and informative volunteers. I am not an artist myself but they easily kept my interest. Also a variety of rotating art collections. Cafe had good food and was reasonably priced. Very good gift shops as well. read more

Definately a place parents should take their kids; it could easily spark an interest in any of the crative arts demonstrated by the artists making pottery, jewelry, glass. Admission is cheap; free for kids. The shops are expensive unless you are really into expensive dust-collectors. Plan on no more than 1 1/2-2 hours here otherwise the kids may get bored after racing through the exhibits and shops. read more

Great for a daytrip, especially in the fall. Lots of regularly scheduled events. Cool glass making demonstrations and you can participate for a fee. Museum of glass has some interesting pieces and there's also an old fashioned country store selling glassware made at the Village as well as other various items. read more

Very nice artists and staff at this Arts Center. The demonstrations are a plus for visitors, as is being able to ask questions directly to the artists. The museum has a nice collection of glass work from throughout the ages. The gallery and little shops are quaint. The grounds are kept clean. A small fee to get into the center's grounds. Tip- You may be able to get coupons online. Tip- They offer a free day every month to get in, which is very generous of them. The center has, glass, ceramics and papermaking. read more

I absolutely love this place! It's a nice quiet peaceful place where you can take your family and have a nice peaceful time and i like the fantasy faires held here and all of the seasonal events as well! They have everything from the cool old school candy stores to the little pond and a small play park as well as the popular glass art museum and the building where they actually make the glass!!!!!.Very nice place 5 STARS from me!!!!! read more

Great place to take the kids. Old time miniature train ride takes you through the pines. Big, tall playground with lots of slides and ladders. The General Store is a must visit for everybody, especially if the kids or grand-kids are with you. With penny candies galore and cool souvenirs it makes a perfect finale to your visit. read more

I had heard about an exhibit of articles found during archeological digs near I-95 (From the Ground Up), so I expected to find a museum, but it is so much more! It's little village of workshops (glass blowing, ceramics, paper & stained glass -- the last two weren't open the day we were there), plus shops and the museum. We spent about 4 hours there. They have an amazing collection of glass and you'll learn a lot about the history of glass-making in the area. Fascinating & definitely worth the visit. It would be a great place to bring a picnic in the warmer weather, too. read more

This is nice place to spend an afternoon walking around, taking in a little bit of art. It was great that they covered so many types of art (pottery, etc) and not just glass. The museum was good--not fantastic--but interesting for a short look-see, especially if you need to get out of the heat during the summer. I think if you remember this is a place of more local history and celebrating an art & industry that was popular in this region, you will find this an enjoyable trip. If you really want to immerse yourself in glass art and all things glass, go to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. I have been there twice and cannot get enough of it--it is an amazing museum. Wheaton isn't exactly on that level but still worth a trip if you happen to be in the area (I was here on business for a couple days). read more