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The state premier center for the performing and visual arts, Newark offers a rich variety of theater, dance, and music, as well as an array of museums and galleries showcasing art and history. Many of Newark acclaimed centers of art and culture are listed below. If you would your arts or cultural center listed, please complete the Arts Registration theater, dance, and music, as well as an array of museums and galleries showcasing art and history. Many of Newark's acclaimed centers of art and culture are listed below. If you would your arts or cultural center listed, please complete the Arts Registration Form.

African Globe Theatre Works is an independent theatre company committed to presenting productions by and about people of African descent. Programs include plays, comedy night shows, art and playwriting workshops, film productions, African dance classes, and parties. Theatre hours are Monday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Aljira holds monthly exhibitions and auctions showcasing the paintings and sculptures of local artists, as well as periodic artistic performances. Center hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Founded in 1961, the Art Gallery exhibits a wide range of original art by regional and world-renowned artists, including graphics, paintings, and some sculpture. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Woodson Foundation was established to provide greater access to African-American culture through performing arts events for the general public. The multi-disciplinary arts organization administers Black Culture On Tour in America, the OnStage in New Jersey performance series, and the Artists-in-the-Schools program. Foundation hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Cathedral Concert Series is a cultural arts program based in Newark's Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It presents a variety of choral and instrumental concerts throughout the year.

Established in 1975, this nonprofit gallery displays the artwork of young and emerging New Jersey artists. Although supported in part by the New Jersey Council on the Arts and the Dodge Foundation, City Without Walls is largely funded through its membership. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Exhibits throughout the year showcase contemporary artwork by student and local artists, including watercolor and pastel paintings and photography. The NJIT Student Centers hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Halsey Street unmatched collection of Black/African American Art includes oil paintings, posters, lithographs, decorative ceramic plates, and more. Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kikamo's Blues People is a cultural night spot housed at the residence of Amiri Baraka, a renowned playwright and poet. Saturday evening performances at 10 p.m. and midnight feature a variety of cultural entertainment, including music, dance, theater, and literary performances by local and nationally known artists.

This academic training school is home to the critically acclaimed Newark Boys Chorus, which provides entertainment and concerts for audiences of all ages throughout the world.

A school of fine and performing arts, the Newark Community School of the Arts presents faculty performances, student recitals, and an annual performance showcasing the work of all its students. Workshops and seminars also are available, and the school Community Theatre Ensemble presents dramatic performances for the community. Office hours: During school year 9:00 am - 7:00pm, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am-4:30 pm Friday and Saturday Lessons are held from 3:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday.

A professional, nonprofit media arts production center, MediaWorks is also a public relations and marketing firm serving other nonprofit groups.

Among the Newark Museum's world-famous collections are American paintings and sculpture, decorative arts, numismatics, and African and Asian arts, including the largest Tibetan collection in the Western Hemisphere. The museum also features the nationally landmarked 1885 Ballantine House restoration, a planetarium; a mini zoo, and the Newark Fire Museum. Concerts, lectures, films, and children's events are scheduled throughout the year, and the museum shops and cafe offer services for visitors. Museum hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; October through June: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July through September: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Since its formation in 1889, the Newark Public Library has developed an extensive book collection in addition to large periodical, picture, music, and video collections. It also houses the latest media and technical equipment. As the largest public library in the state, the Newark Public Library has 11 branches, a bookmobile, and a Business Information Center. It has been designated a statewide resource center for both its complete run of U.S. Patent specifications and its New Jersey Reference Division. Hours vary for departments and branches. Call for information.

Since its construction in 1925, audiences have enjoyed symphony, ballet, opera, professional theater groups, and popular music programs at Newark Symphony Hall, one of the state's major cultural centers. Architecturally, the building features a combination of Greek and Egyptian marble-columned, side promenades. Acoustically, the concert hall is considered by many to be one of the finest on the East Coast.

The New Jersey Historical Society, a statewide, private, nonprofit historical museum, library, and archive founded in 1845, is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and interpreting the rich and intricate history of New Jersey. The museum examines New Jersey's distinct identity through political, social, cultural, and economic lenses, highlighting the notable contributions made by New Jerseyans to the region and the country. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m. The Historical Society's administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The city's newest and largest cultural center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) is situated on a 12-acre site and houses two beautiful theaters: the 2,750-seat Great Hall and the 500-seat Victoria Theatre. Some of New Jersey's finest performers join stars from around the world for performances throughout the year. NJPAC also includes two restaurants, a soaring rotunda, secured staffed parking, and a convenient arrival plaza.

Headquartered at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and performing under Maestro Jason C. Tramm, the New Jersey State Opera Company is committed to helping to cultivate the publics appreciation of the operatic medium.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, considered among the top 30 symphony orchestras in the country by the American Symphony Orchestra League, calls Newark home. The orchestra stages Young Peoples' Concerts in area schools and also performs in various concert halls throughout New Jersey. Its Major Concert Series and Winter Pops Series at Newark Symphony Hall.

The Opera/Music Theatre International provides professional training for those on the threshold of operatic careers. Performances are presented in Newark Symphony Hall featuring the singers of the organization in leading roles.

The Richardson Gallery specializes in oil paintings, lithographs, and engravings. Framing is done on the premises and some imported paintings are available. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Over the course of four to five exhibitions a year, the Robeson Gallery displays contemporary art, paintings, and videos. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies houses one of the nation's most important institutional jazz collections, containing more than 60,000 records and allied written articles. The collection also includes 100 original Edison Phonograph cylinders, extensive clipping files, and jazz memorabilia ranging from photographs to original manuscripts and instruments used by well-known musicians.

The Newark Screens on Springfield located in the heart of Newark's Central Ward features four 254-seat theaters, two 294-seat theaters, a smoke-free environment, state-of-the-art stereo surround sound in all auditoriums, handicapped accessibility, and headphones for the hearing-impaired. Bargain matinees and gift certificates also are available.