The Newark Museum of Art, New Jersey’s largest museum, announced that it will stay closed through the end of the year and into 2021.
The institution initially planned to reopen in early October. However, after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, the museum pushed back its reopening to early November. The museum was to open to members on November 5 and to the general public on November 7.
The museum decided to extend its closure following a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Newark. The city reported over 10,000 cases of the virus on both October 31 and November 1. In a statement, museum leadership said, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Newark Museum of Art has made operational decisions in the best interests of safety for its members, visitors, staff and the community. In light of the increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases in New Jersey and the region, and in support of the City of Newark’s enhanced public health measures, the Museum has made the decision to extend its building closure until early 2021. We thank our members and the general public for their ongoing patience as we navigate these unique and uncertain times. Museum leadership will continue to monitor the public health situation, and will make a new reopening announcement when it is prudent to do so. ”
The Newark Museum of Art will continue to offer virtual programming for guests. A list of the museum’s upcoming virtual events can be seen here.