An urban mansion and National Historic Landmark, The Ballantine House has stood on Washington Street since 1885. Who were the Ballantines? How has Newark grown and changed around the House?

Step back in time into reimagined galleries, new multi-sensory activities, and enlivened historical rooms that reveal unseen stories of Newark. Learn about the city’s industries, its diverse communities, and the people who made life in the house possible.

As an NMOA Member, you can experience an exclusive Members Only Tour which includes rooms that are not available on the general public tour.

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Special installations by contemporary artists include:

Stay: The Black Women of 19th-Century Newark, 2023Newark artist and historian Noelle Lorraine Williams centers the city’s 19th-century Black community, thoughtfully highlighting courageous leaders, activists, and artists.

Party Time: Reimagine America, 2009The beloved installation by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, CBE, returns to the dining room, for which this provocative artwork was originally commissioned by the Museum.

G.O.A.T. The Art Game, 2023The Newark Museum of Art Edition, created by DARN Studio

This contemporary artwork, created by DARN Studio, is a playable board game featuring the Museum’s renowned collection of African American art. Visitors to the G.O.A.T. Game Room are invited to play and learn the “rules” of the art world—buying and selling their favorite works at auction.

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This event is exclusively for members. Registration is required—reserve your spot below.

Can’t make it on this date? Don’t worry, we have a variety of tours scheduled through January 27 to suit your schedule.

Attributed to the Belcher Mosaic Glass Company, Stair landing window, 1885. Lead, glass, wood. Purchase 1937 | 37.646.11.19. Photo by Richard Goodbody

Installation view, The Ballantine House Parlor (detail), 1885. The Newark Museum of Art, 2022. Photo by Richard Goodbody

George Edward Harney, The Ballantine House, 1885. The Newark Museum of Art, 2023. Photo by Richard Goodbody