What a gem in our state's capitol! We spent around 4 hours walking through 4 floors of exhibits and watching show at planetarium. We came for native American exhibit which was extremely informative. The layout made it easy to follow and there were a variety of artifacts and exhibit types for all ages to interact. Was surprised by how much we enjoyed the afternoon. Entry and parking are free. It was a bit confusing getting back to parking garage but now we know for next time. No cafe or snacks on-site but there are nearby restaurants. Overall it was a very enjoyable visit and we will definitely be back!

I was supper impressed with this museum! The planetarium show was worth $10 too. It was about stars and their planets. It's worth visiting.

We drove to the museum on a Saturday. It wasn't too crowded, which was a plus. Masks are required inside the building, which was a bit inconvenient but understandable. We visited all of the exhibits in about an hour. My daughter's favorite sections were the dinosaurs and animals. We didn't get to go to the planetarium this time; perhaps next time. We went to explore the surrounding area after we left, but it appeared to be a ghost town, so we decided it was best to just head home. Overall, we had a wonderful time, and the best part is that it was completely free. We did leave a donation when we left:)

Not a bad state museum. I've been through better ones with more interesting stuff especially the layout. But this one is free to tour as some are not. The guards were really friendly. This serves kinda as an art museum as well. It's convient as most are and is located next to the statehouse. If you're in Trenton, make the stop, you can get through in an hour or so.

This is a great little museum full of local artifacts. Great place to kill time with the kids. The planetarium is cool as well. This place is FREE. The only thing I the whole state that NJ is not trying to profit from. Now, on a side note. I was in the gift shop where I noticed they are selling a coffee mug. This mug has the Bill of Rights written across it. When you fill it with hot water, the Bill of Rights disappears. I find it in bad taste that a state building would sell such a mug.

It's a nice place to bring children for their education, enthusiasm to know things from our past, present and future. 2 -3 Hrs is enough to see all things here including planetarium (shows last 20-30 mins max). Entry to museum is free; planetarium shows need to purchase at the entrance. This place is very clean & nicely maintained. They do have nice staff. It's not crowded at all during our weekend visit.

The New Jersey State Museum offers a range of exhibits and activities that showcase the state's natural and cultural heritage. Here are some things you can do when visiting the New Jersey State Museum: 1. Explore the Exhibits: The museum has several galleries with diverse exhibits. Learn about New Jersey's geological history, wildlife, Native American cultures, and more. Take your time to explore the displays and interact with interactive elements. 2. Visit the Planetarium: The museum houses a planetarium that offers captivating shows about the night sky, astronomy, and space exploration. Check the schedule for upcoming shows and enjoy a unique and educational experience. 3. Discover the Fine Art Collection: The museum features an extensive collection of American art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Admire works by renowned artists and gain insight into the artistic history of New Jersey. 4. Engage in Hands-On Activities: The museum often offers hands-on activities and workshops for visitors of all ages. Participate in interactive programs, workshops, or educational sessions that allow you to engage with the exhibits on a deeper level. 5. Attend Special Events: Keep an eye out for special events hosted by the museum, such as lectures, film screenings, and family-friendly events. These events offer additional opportunities to learn and have a memorable experience. 6. Visit the State Museum Shop: Before leaving, make sure to visit the museum shop, which offers a selection of unique gifts, books, educational toys, and other items related to the museum's collections. Remember to check the museum's website or contact them directly to get the most up-to-date information about exhibits, programs, and events during your visit.

Awesome experience. Friendly staff and the layout is very informative. Just so happened that we cought the planetarium show and it was VERY worth it. Highly recommend for you or as a family outing. Entrance and the museum is free, and the only cost is the planetarium show. There are no food services, but you can bring your own and there is a food area to sit and eat. GL.

Nice, large, free, well kept, clean museum that you can definitely burn up a day exploring. Planetarium was $10 for adults $5 for kids which was a little overpriced but the show was cool. The exhibits all had great explanations. Staff and security were all friendly.

We had a wonderful morning exploring the museum with our toddler. Parking was easy and not crowded. We entered near the planetarium and looked at the solar system exhibit first, which is small but fascinating. On to the main museum, the highlights were the dinosaur replicas and the Big Little things. Several other families were there but it never felt too crowded. There are several "kid corner" stations with interactive crafts for little ones. It was a very nice touch. The staff were all super friendly and helpful. We are lucky to have such a great museum in our area.

We came here on a Saturday. Free parking on weekends. Upon entering we were greeted by a very friendly staff member who explained every to us. She was very sweet and helpful! It’s free to go to the museum. The planetarium is open; I think I that is $10. Large museum w four floors. Clean. They had a treasure hunt thing for the kids. They have a small gift shop; prices are very reasonable! Great exhibits. Lots of fun for the family or a date.

Intriguing museum! Filled with history and old artifacts. Staff were friendly and our tour guide explained everything. Nice place to visit if your touring Trenton.

I was here recently and found the museum had something for everyone. From the dinosaur exhibit, to artwork, the amazing Grant Castner photographs, & the planetarium. Easily can spend 3hrs wandering thru the levels. There's also a beautiful park beside the museum you can walk around.

Went over here to the museum because it's something I'm into. Had a blast. Seen other amazing things that I didn't take a pic of. Need a painting of myself like this too

Going to see a planetarium show was on our summer bucket list and the Planetarium at the NJ State Museum provided an affordable option. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. We saw “Touch the Stars,” and were treated to a bonus live map of the night sky, which was an awesome look at what things would look like without light pollution. After the show we explored the museum for about an hour before the kids started to get antsy. Be forewarned, there aren’t a lot of exhibits that are interactive for children, so if you have little ones it might be a good idea to plan accordingly. Overall, this is a much more budget friendly option in our area and I think it’s severely underutilized!

I loved everything about the museum. Very educational and a good learning experience (never too old to learn). They even have free parking located in the adjacent garage. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable, from the young man in the front greeting people when you first walk in, to the parking attendant and the state trooper that's outside the parking garage!!!(lol) Now if you're looking for a quiet experience maybe come during the weekend, there were lots of children there on field trips! Although it's free they do take donations! And they even have a planetorium.. There isn't a cafe or a snack station located inside the museum, so maybe pack a lunch, or snacks because there is seating outside and inside!

Great museum to spend a few hours in. Free admission and the Planetarium is only $10. They have a wide range of art, archeological and natural history artifacts.

I have been coming here since I was a child and now bring my own children; the NJ State museum never disappoints. There are so many exhibits; some change, some remain, but you will always leave with a wealth of knowledge. From artworks to NJ history and everything in between, you will not be disappointed.

Great for all ages and free to enter. Donations are welcomed, and the staff is super friendly. Decent amount of exhibits to see and enjoyed the few hours that was spent learning some unique things about New Jersey. The Planetarium show is only on weekends.

We watched the show "Aurora" in planetarium at 3 pm on 25 February 2024.The museum has dinosaur exhibits and a shop on second floor.Very good informative outing place for adults and teenagers.

Had a fun morning with friends and daughter seeing the dinosaurs, art & cultural history that makes NJ special. NJSM is a gem that needs to be enjoyed by more people!

Downtown Trenton is a bit rundown these days, but the State Museum is quite interesting. I did not know that New Jersey was a huge toy manufacturing basis in the 1950's. I enjoyed reading about the Walking Purchase where as usual, the white man took advantage of the local gullible Indians. " All those tracts of land lying and being in the province of Pennsylvania ..doth extend itself back into the woods as far as man can goe in one day and a half...." and Thomas Penn's representatives started running for a day and a half.....I don't think there ever was a treaty signed by Indians where they weren't screwed in some way, shape or form.

Nice little museum; walked through on a rainy day. FREE admission!

It's okay.. good spot to spend a little time if you have nothing else to do and it's free.. I like the all things big exhibit

Great place to visit and spend a few hours enjoying some of the history of New Jersey including early America, Native Americans, taxidermy, other various fossil and animal remains. Good place to bring kids of just about any age there is metered parking On West State Street, parking is free in the metered areas on the weekend. The planetarium is a must do on your visit showtimes are scheduled on their website and only are run a limited amount of times per day. There are picnic areas located outside so bring snacks and drinks and make an afternoon of it. Admission is free except for the planetarium.

Nice displays of flags. Open spaces were nice for viewing. Back packs can only be worn on one arm so best to leave it behind.

Always nice to visit. Took my 2 grandkids to the museum and took in the great Lazer Show. It was awesome and the colors and the music was Great!

My friend and I did a tour of the museum and enjoyed all the displays and exibt of new Jersey and enjoyed our self . Great friendly staff and very helpful.

Good museum. Not crowded. Free admission and free parking.

This was well above my expectations. The museum is relatively small compared to some others, but the quality is on par with the really big museum. It is free to get in, free parking on the weekends and the staff there is truly exceptional. I took my kindergartner for the exhibits and Planetarium. She absolutely loved it. It was easily one of the best free activities to spend 4 hours with her.

It was really great and they even have little activities for kids to do like color bird pins. Definitely family friendly!

The museum is pretty low frills with not a ton to see for a state museum. But that being said, it has been around since the 1890s and does have a little bit of everything. The fact that it's free definitely makes it worth a stop if you're in the area. You can get through it relatively quickly.