Trenton Museums

(Trenton, New Jersey - NJ, USA)

More than 25,000 people visit the Trenton City Museum each year, which means that it is amongst the most significant tourist draws in the entire city. As well as housing a plethora of exhibits, this attraction also operates a series of workshops, regular lectures and other educational programs.

Another very significant cultural offering in the city of Trenton is the New Jersey State Museum, which was established as far back as the last decade of the 19th century and enjoys views of the nearby Delaware River. You can easily while away several hours here, exploring the displays and exhibits, and children in particular will find a number of items to stimulate their imagination.

The William Trent House Museum is also worthy of a mention and resides on Market Street, where it is perhaps the most historically important building standing in the entire city. This grand country house was built in 1719 by affluent merchant William Trent (1653 to 1724), next to the falls of the Delaware River. He was so enchanted with this spot that he went on to plan an entire town around his house and this was soon named in his honour as 'Trent Towne' or 'Trent's Town', which later became 'Trenton'.

Trenton City Museum

Address: Ellarslie Mansion, Cadwalader Park, Parkside Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey (NJ), 08608, USA
Tel: +1 609 989 3632
The Trenton City Museum is located within the Ellarslie Mansion, which dates back to 1848 and stands in the center of Cadwalader Park, on the western side of the city. This museum has occupied this beautiful Italianate mansion since the late 1970s and continues to house a real assortment of old artifacts, decorative arts and crafts, and many examples of fine porcelain created by the city's very own Ceramic Art Company. There are also some contemporary ceramics donated by local potteries, such as Cybis and Boehm, and plenty of historical information relating to the city's evolution over the years, including old postcards, photographs and paintings.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 11:00 to 15:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

New Jersey State Museum

Address: 205 West State Street, Trenton, New Jersey (NJ), 08608, USA
Tel: +1 609 292 6464
There are many reasons to visit this leading cultural attraction and there really is something for everyone. Children in particular will appreciate the replica of an actual Hadrosaurus dinosaur, which is regarded as New Jersey's official dinosaur, since a large fossilized specimen was discovered in nearby Haddonfield back in the late 1850s. There is also a modern planetarium at the New Jersey State Museum showing regular solar-system shows, along with a gallery of Civil War flags, an auditorium, endless natural history exhibits, historic paintings, a gift shop and a cafe. The purpose-built four-storey building itself sits just down the road from the New Jersey State House and was built in the 1960s, being known for its simple modernist facade.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 09:00 to 16:45
Admission: suggested donation

Old Barracks Museum

Address: 101 Barrack Street, Trenton, New Jersey (NJ), 08608, USA
Tel: +1 609 396 1776
This popular museum is often referred to as just the Old Barracks. The colonial barracks are in fact the oldest of their kind still standing in New Jersey today and were once called home by up to 300 soldiers and military officers. Opened in 1914 after being kindly donated to the state of New Jersey, the museum remembers the period of the American Revolution, when George Washington surprised the Hassian garrison after crossing the Delaware River, an event soon named the Battle of Trenton (1776). Highlights include summer camps, much militaria and a gallery of exhibits related to Colonial New Jersey.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and students, children five years old and under are free

William Trent House Museum

Address: 15 Market Street, Trenton, New Jersey (NJ), 08611, USA
Tel: +1 609 989 3027
Over the years, three of the state's governors have lived at the William Trent House, while today it is opened as a tourist attraction-cum-museum, filled with historic interest and period features. Much restoration work, funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust, has ensured that the house remains in excellent condition. A new visitors center, guided tours and lectures about Colonial American life all add to the overall appeal.
Open hours: daily - 12:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

New Jersey State Police Museum

Address: 1020 River Road, Ewing Township, New Jersey (NJ), 08628, USA
Tel: +1 609 882 2000
Situated within the neighboring Ewing Township suburb, the New Jersey State Police Museum is approximately a 15-minute drive from downtown Trenton and is most easily reached by following the course of the Delaware River. Although this attraction is relatively small, the space is crammed with interesting exhibits, which generally take between one and two hours to view. There are a series of particularly fascinating exhibits here, such as much information about the famous kidnapping of toddler Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr. from the nearby town of Hopewell in 1932. There is also a large display of confiscated weapons and guns, various videos and an actual police car from the 1990s, which children are able to sit in and switch on the lights. At the end of your visit, a gift shop is on hand and sells lots of police-themed goodies, such as mini-uniforms for children.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday - by appointment
Admission: free