New Brunswick New JerseyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Brunswick, New Jersey.
1. State Theatre New Jersey
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
State Theatre New Jersey is a premier performing arts venue hosting a wide variety of shows and performances. The historic theater is conveniently located near NJ Transit, making it easily accessible for visitors. Audiences can enjoy Broadway-caliber productions while seated in the beautifully maintained orchestra or balcony sections.
2. Rutgers Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE ON CAMPUS
Rutgers Gardens is a sprawling 180-acre botanic garden featuring designed gardens, diverse plant collections, a student farm, and natural habitats. As part of Rutgers University, this green oasis serves both educational and recreational purposes for students and visitors alike. The gardens also host a popular farmers market where locals and tourists can purchase fresh produce and artisanal goods.
3. George Street Playhouse
RENOWNED THEATER COMPANY
George Street Playhouse is an acclaimed theater company presenting high-quality productions in New Brunswick's thriving arts scene. The playhouse has relocated to the new arts center where it continues to offer exceptional theatrical experiences. Visitors can enjoy both classic and contemporary plays performed by talented actors in an intimate setting.
4. Zimmerli Art Museum
UNIVERSITY'S CULTURAL TREASURE
Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the largest and most distinguished university museums in the country, housing over 60,000 works of art. Located on the Rutgers University campus, the museum is particularly known for its impressive collection of Russian and Soviet period art. The museum welcomes visitors six days a week, offering a cultural experience that appeals to art enthusiasts of all ages.
5. Stress Factory Comedy Club
LAUGHTER AND ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Stress Factory Comedy Club is a popular entertainment venue showcasing both established comedians and rising stars in the comedy world. The club offers a fun night out with stand-up performances in an intimate setting, often featuring nationally recognized talent. Visitors can enjoy drinks and food while laughing along with fellow comedy enthusiasts in this vibrant downtown location.
6. Rutgers University
HISTORIC ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Rutgers University is New Jersey's premier public research university with beautiful campuses spread throughout New Brunswick. The historic institution features impressive architecture, green spaces, and cultural venues open to the public. The Busch Campus is particularly notable as home to the Medical School and High Point Solutions Stadium where the Scarlet Knights compete.
7. Kirkpatrick Chapel
HISTORIC CAMPUS LANDMARK
Kirkpatrick Chapel is a historic architectural gem located on the Rutgers University campus in New Brunswick. The chapel features beautiful stained glass windows and classic Gothic Revival architecture dating back to the 19th century. Visitors can admire the chapel's ornate interior and exterior design while experiencing an important piece of the university's history.
8. Buccleuch Park
URBAN GREEN RETREAT
Buccleuch Park is a spacious urban green space offering recreational opportunities for New Brunswick residents and visitors. The park features walking trails, sports fields, and beautiful landscaping in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy the historic Buccleuch Mansion on the grounds, which offers a glimpse into the area's colonial past.
9. New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
MODERN CULTURAL COMPLEX
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art venue hosting various theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural events. The modern complex serves as a hub for several resident companies including George Street Playhouse and Crossroads Theatre Company. Visitors can experience world-class performances in comfortable, contemporary spaces designed specifically for the performing arts.
10. Crossroads Theatre Company
DIVERSE CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
Crossroads Theatre Company is a Tony Award-winning theater dedicated to creating and presenting professional works that explore the African American experience. The company performs in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, offering thought-provoking productions throughout their season. Audiences can expect high-quality performances that celebrate cultural diversity and artistic excellence.
11. Rutgers Geology Museum
NATURAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Rutgers Geology Museum houses an impressive collection of minerals, fossils, and geologic specimens, including mastodon skeletons from the Ice Age. Located on the Rutgers University campus, this educational institution is the oldest collegiate geology museum in the United States. Visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of Earth's natural history while learning about geological processes and prehistoric life.
12. Alfa Art Gallery
CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE
Alfa Art Gallery is a contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions of works by emerging and established artists. The gallery contributes to New Brunswick's vibrant arts scene by hosting openings, artist talks, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can experience diverse artistic expressions spanning various media and styles in this welcoming downtown venue.
13. Metlar-Bodine House Museum
HISTORIC COLONIAL DWELLING
The Metlar-Bodine House Museum is a historic home dating back to the early colonial period, located just outside New Brunswick in neighboring Piscataway. The preserved house offers visitors insight into 18th and 19th-century life through period furnishings and artifacts. Tours of this historic landmark provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's past and the lives of early settlers in the area.
14. Cornelius Low House
COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM
The Cornelius Low House serves as Middlesex County's history museum, housed in a Georgian manor built in 1741. This National Register-listed historic site features changing exhibitions related to local history and culture. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms while learning about the development of Middlesex County and the surrounding region through informative displays and artifacts.
15. American Hungarian Foundation
CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The American Hungarian Foundation houses a museum, library, and archive facility dedicated to preserving Hungarian cultural heritage in America. The institution showcases Hungarian art, folk crafts, literature, and historical artifacts through its permanent collection and special exhibitions. Visitors can experience Hungarian cultural traditions and learn about the contributions of Hungarian Americans to society.