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One of New Jersey’s oldest, largest and most active cultural institutions, the Morris Museum is implementing plans for expansion of existing facilities, new construction and increased endowment and unrestricted financial resources. The overriding purpose of the $15 million Assuring the Future campaign is to provide a wide range of meaningful programs, exhibitions and performances for the residents, employees and visitors to the museum.
For 90+ years, the Morris Museum has added immeasurably to the quality of life and the vitality of a dynamic region of America. In late 2003, the museum was awarded the Murtogh D. Guinness collectiin, one of the world’s most important collections of music boxes, automatic musical instruments and automata (activated, robotic figures). The Guinness collection further enhances the Morris Museum’s role as a major cultural center and travel destination for the arts, sciences and humanities. The 700-piece collection reflects innovative technology, beautiful craftsmanship, compelling sound and historic heritage.
A rendering of the front facade of the building upon completion of expansion and renovation.
In recognition of what will become the Morris Museum’s most renowned, single collection, the museum has built a new wing to house its prestigious, 700-piece Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata. The dramatic new space includes the 4,300 sq. ft. exhibition Musical Machines & Living Dolls which opens November 6, 2007, as well as a Viewable Storage Gallery and a Resource Center that will open in early 2008.
Revitalization of our most popular exhibits will emphasize interactive, fun-filled experiences for 3-12 year olds. The new Family Discovery Place will include American Indian, dinosaur and model railroad exhibitions.
A centerpiece of the museum’s plans is the creation of newly renovated facilities to accommodate the full range of museum teaching programs. The space will house the Natural History of New Jersey galleries as well as a classroom/and science laboratory.
In 1963, the museum moved into its current quarters, the former Peter H. B. Frelinghuysen mansion, designed by the famed architectural firm of McKim, Mead & White. Infrastructure renovation and upgrades have been completed for our historic Twin Oaks home that was built in 1913.
Visitors will enter both the Morris Museum and Bickford Theatre through a stunning, new two-story Entrance Pavilion. The entrance to the museum with its historic brick wall and the entrance to the theatre with its contemporary glass wall are sure to delight our visitors.
Recognizing that financial stability is critical to the museum’s promising future, the Board of Trustees is committed to building investments that provide perpetual increased income. The trustees are steadfast in their commitment to secure the museum’s future through enhanced endowment. Flexible unrestricted support will help to maintain the museum and to meet its ambitious schedule of exhibitions, performances and educational programs.
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| A rendering of the Animated Worlds section of the Guinness exhibition. |
The Board of Trustees of the
Morris Museum has initiated a $15 million campaign for endowment, revitalization of our permanent
exhibitions, general operations and a new wing to house the Murtogh D. Guinness collection. The trustees recognize
that the time has come to build on the museum’s entrepreneurial spirit,
its programs and its achievements. To continue critical educational
and cultural services in this century, the Morris Museum must garner resources
to:
- broaden and expand educational and cultural programs
- complete important renovations to the historic building
- provide new space for the Murtogh D. Guinness collection
- expand, renovate and upgrade facilities to house a Family Discovery
Place and a Science Learning Center
- strengthen funding for ongoing operations
- secure its financial foundation through increased endowment
A projected view of the Science Learning Center.
To elevate the cultural consciousness, excite
the mind and enhance the quality of life by advancing the understanding
and enjoyment of the visual and performing arts, natural and physical sciences,
and humanities through exhibitions, performances and educational programs
in a welcoming, inclusive and creative environment that responsibly uses
all museum resources, including stewardship of a permanent collection.
| 1913 |
founded at the Morristown Neighborhood House |
| 1943 |
incorporated as The Morris Museum of Arts and Sciences |
| 1950 |
initiated outreach education program |
| 1963 |
purchased “Twin Oaks,” the P.H.B. Frelinghuysen estate |
| 1970 |
increased gallery space and added 312-seat theatre |
| 1985 |
changed institution name to the Morris Museum |
| 1990 |
expanded museum complex to 75,524 square feet |
| 1997 |
recognized as Major Arts Institution by New Jersey State Council
on the Arts |
| 2003 |
awarded Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, one of the world’s most important collections of mechanical musical instruments and automata |
| 2005 |
named a "Top Ten USA Cultural Destination" by Museums New York magazine |
| 2007 |
opening the permanent exhibition Musical Machines & Living Dolls in a 4,300 square-foot wing. |
- one of the largest museums in New Jersey
- serves 210,000+ students and adults annually
- a teaching institution committed to meaningful learning programs
that include exhibitions, professional development for
teachers, outreach, school loans, lectures, art classes, workshops
and trips
welcoming students and visitors from across New Jersey, the nation and world
- named a major impact organization by NJSCA / Department of State
- first museum in New Jersey accredited by the American Association
of Museums
- qualified Organization of the New Jersey Cultural Trust
- houses 48,700 objects in its collections
- offers permanent and temporary traveling exhibitions, as well as collection
displays
- collection encompasses the Fine Arts, Natural Sciences, Anthropology,
Geology and Paleontology, Decorative Arts, Costumes and Textiles,
Dolls and Toys - and the extraordinary Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata
- member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance
- produces professional plays/musicals and presents children’s
theatre
Executive Director Steve Miller; Board Chair Mary Chandor; Campaign Chair Nelson Schaenen, Jr.; and the Trustees are committed to excellence
in programming and sound financial policies. The museum’s FY08 budget
is $3.68 million; its current endowment totals $3 million. Forty-one trustees,
all of whom provide financial support to the Morris Museum, set policy and
procedures for the museum and serve on at least one standing committee of
the board. Residents and visitors appreciate the museum and understand the
importance of preserving this remarkable asset for future generations. The
support of individuals, corporations, and foundations is essential to the museum’s
future and the success of this campaign.
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