Collection ID2005.83.1

Size11 linear feet (24 boxes and 10 flat file drawers)

Collection Description The Newark Museum had a modest start, operating out of two galleries on the fourth floor of the Newark Public Library from 1905-1926, but within a few years had attracted over 250,000 visitors. Appreciating the popularity of the Museum and its educational mandate, Trustee Louis Bamberger funded the construction of the Newark Museum's Main Building, designed by Jarvis Hunt, which opened in 1926. Bamberger was thoroughly familiar with Hunt's work, as Hunt had designed the imposing, 14-story Bamberger's Department Store at 131 Market St., opened in 1912. The Museum quickly outgrew its original building, and in 1937 the adjacent Ballantine House and an office building were purchased from the Commercial Casualty Insurance Company. By the 1980s the Museum was once again outgrowing its facilities. The Board of Trustees contracted with architect Michael Graves to renovate the Museum's buildings and incorporate a recently acquired building at 53 Washington Street, formerly Newark's YWCA, into the Museum's campus. The renovation, which cost 23 million dollars, was complete by 1989. Several smaller projects, including the installation of science galleries, and renovations to the planetarium and the Ballantine House were completed by 2002.

Collection Contents This collection consists of blueprints, diazo-prints, and conceptual drawings related to the construction of the main Museum building and subsequent additions (1912-2003). The bulk of the material is from the offices of architects Jarvis Hunt, who designed the main building (1923-1926), and Michael Graves, who was responsible for the renovation (1985-2002). Consult staff for details of holdings. An inventory of the collection is available in the Reading Room.

FormatsGraphics; Photographic materials; Textual materials

SubjectsArchitecture / Building; Museums / Exhibits

Time Periods20th Century; 21st Century

LanguageEnglish

Access policyOpen for research

ProcessedYes