When the Jersey City Museum closed in December 2010, it was a sad day for many in Jersey City’s happening arts community—not just for artists but for collectors and the many local art lovers who had come to enjoy the exhibits, films, and events that the museum offered.
In late June, the museum reopened. The Jersey City Medical Center, which purchased the building in early 2012, has allowed the museum to use the first floor—which includes a 152-seat theater—to exhibit artworks from its 10,000-piece collection.
The first exhibit, “Masters of the Collection,” featured watercolors by August Will and landscapes by Charles Linford.
Initially, the museum will be open to the public only on weekends.
“It has been a tremendous undertaking to reorganize this collection,” said Mark S. Rodrick, Jersey City Museum board treasurer. “The dedication of many volunteers made this possible.”
Volunteer Michele Larsen organized the collection, labeled every piece, and created a digital slideshow from traditional art. “I love seeing what is in the collection,” she said. “I can get a feel for what we really have here.”
Stephen Escott of Summit Frame & Art in Summit, N.J., is also a volunteer.
“I was happy to donate my time to the reopening,” he said. “It is historically important. These are original pieces from the 1800s.”
Board Chairman Benjamin Dineen III was also on hand. “We are delighted the museum is open again,” he said. “To be able to share the collection with the community is one of our main goals.”—Alyssa Bredin
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