7 Museums and Cultural Spots to Visit in Hudson County, NJ

You do not need to cross the river for a great museum day. Hudson County, NJ is home to a world class science center, a contemporary art campus in a former tobacco warehouse, a local history museum in an old Bethlehem Steel machine shop and the ferry to Ellis Island, plus smaller gems in Kearny and Downtown Jersey City. Our team checked hours and details with each museum or the agency that runs it.

Here are 7 museums and cultural spots to visit in Hudson County this fall and winter.

1. Liberty Science Center, Jersey City

Liberty Science Center in Liberty State Park is the county’s biggest museum, with hands on science exhibits for kids and adults. Its fall schedule varies by day. Through November 1, the posted hours are Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the museum closed Monday through Wednesday, so check the calendar for later dates. You can drive (parking is $7 for cars) or take the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Liberty State Park station.

• Where: 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City
• Phone: 201-200-1000
• More info: Liberty Science Center

2. Hoboken Historical Museum, Hoboken

Set in the former Bethlehem Steel machine shop, one of the oldest buildings on Hoboken’s waterfront, this museum tells the story of the Mile Square City through rotating exhibits. General admission is $5, and children under 13, students with ID and members get in free. Museum visitors also get up to three hours of free validated parking at the Independence Garage.

• Where: 1301 Hudson Street, Hoboken
• Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m., closed Monday
• More info: Hoboken Historical Museum

3. Mana Contemporary, Jersey City

Founded in 2011, Mana Contemporary fills a huge 1920s former tobacco warehouse in Jersey City with artist studios and exhibition spaces. Its current program includes long running installations by Dan Flavin and Andy Warhol alongside rotating shows. Hudson County’s tourism office lists admission and parking as free, with guided tours on weekdays at 3 p.m.

• Where: 888 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
• More info: Mana Contemporary and Visit Hudson

4. MORA Museum of International Art, Jersey City

Formerly known as the Museum of Russian Art, MORA began as a museum of Soviet era art in exile and has long served as a hub for dissident and human rights minded artists. Today it presents exhibitions, concerts and lectures from artists around the world. Hours change with each exhibition, so check the current show before visiting.

• Where: 80 Grand Street, Jersey City
• More info: MORA Museum of International Art

5. Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Ellis Island sits in New York Harbor right off Jersey City, and Liberty State Park is one of only two places to board the official ferry. From the park, every Statue City Cruises ferry stops at Ellis Island first and then Liberty Island before returning. The National Park Service recommends buying tickets only from statuecitycruises.com or at the Statue City Cruises windows inside the historic railroad terminal in Liberty State Park.

• Where to board: Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
• More info: National Park Service

6. Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, Jersey City

Even if you are not catching a ferry, the restored Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal is worth a look. The historic railroad terminal on the Jersey City waterfront now houses the Statue City Cruises ticket windows and accessible restrooms, with level walkways out to the ferry boarding area.

• Where: Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
• More info: NJ State Parks

7. Kearny Museum, Kearny

West Hudson’s local history lives at the Kearny Museum inside the Kearny Public Library. It keeps short hours and closes in the summer, so plan around its two weekly openings. While you are there, check the library’s busy calendar of free workshops and kids’ events.

• Where: 318 Kearny Avenue, Kearny
• Hours: Wednesday 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Phone: 201-998-2666
• More info: Kearny Public Library

Make a Day of It

Liberty Science Center, Ellis Island and the railroad terminal are all in Liberty State Park, which is also one of the stops in our Hudson County waterfront and parks guide. Planning a downtown visit to MORA? Pair it with our list of the best brunch in Hoboken and Jersey City, and check things to do in Jersey City this weekend for dated events.

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