Cultural Gems: Best Places to Experience Montclair's Art and Music Scene

Located in the northern part of New Jersey and a short distance from New York City, Montclair has a thriving art and music scene waiting to be explored. Several theaters, galleries, and cultural institutions make up the art and music scene in Montclair, making it one of NJ’s cultural hot spots. Below, you'll find out where to find the best art galleries and exhibits and local and national musical acts to consider when searching homes for sale in Montclair, NJ.

The Montclair Jazz Festival is an annual event held in Montclair that celebrates the diverse sounds and styles of jazz music. Founded in 2010 by jazz bassist Christian McBride, the festival has grown to become one of the largest and most vibrant jazz festivals in the country and a staple in the art and music scene in Montclair. With a lineup that includes both established jazz legends and up-and-coming artists, the Montclair Jazz Festival is a must-see event for music lovers.

The festival is also known for its commitment to showcasing jazz as a form of art that transcends cultural and generational boundaries. In addition to the music, the festival features food vendors, crafts, and other activities for attendees of all ages.

Located in the Wellmont Arts Plaza, The Wellmont Theater is a historic venue built in 1922. What started as a vaudeville house eventually hosted some of the biggest musical acts over the years, including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen.

Today, The Wellmont is one of Montclair's top spots for live music, comedy, and other events. It's known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovations to modernize the space while preserving its historic charm.

Outpost in the Burbs is a nonprofit organization that brings live music to Montclair year-round at different venues throughout town. Since its inception in 1987, Outpost in the Burbs has hosted a variety of musicians and bands, ranging from local artists to famous musicians in the industry.

Outpost in the Burbs is known for its commitment to supporting local musicians and providing music education programs to the community.

If you’re looking for a pub that offers live music, Tierney’s Tavern is the place to be. With a focus on rock, punk, and alternative acts, Tierney’s Tavern is a great place to catch a live show in an intimate setting. It’s where friends meet, and many generations later is still owned and operated by the Tierney Family.

Tierney's has also been around for over 80 years and has a rich history. It once served as a meeting place for soldiers and pilots during World War II, as well as a regular hangout for famous musicians such as Bruce Springsteen and John Eddie.

Located in the heart of downtown, the Wellmont Arts Plaza is the center of the art and music scene in Montclair. It hosts many outdoor performances, art exhibitions, and community events that happen year-round. The plaza itself is a public park and gathering place, with seating areas, landscaping, and public art installations.

There are also many great restaurants located in the Wellmont Arts Plaza. One of its most popular ones is Pharmacie Bar + Kitchen, a farm-to-table cuisine restaurant that uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful and innovative dishes. Nami Nori, an NYC-based Japanese restaurant, is another popular spot in the Wellmont Arts Plaza. It specializes in temaki, or hand rolls, which are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The restaurant is also known for its creative and delicious rolls, which include both traditional and innovative flavors.

The Montclair Art Museum is a world-renowned cultural institution that showcases fine art and American culture through its exhibits, educational programs, and events. The museum's collection consists of over 12,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts. Visitors can also explore the museum's historic buildings and beautiful gardens.

The most popular events at the Montclair Art Museum include exhibitions, workshops, lectures, performances, and child-friendly interactive art programs. Highlights from recent years include Art Uncorked 2022, Art in Bloom 2022, Mam Mania 2021, and the Spring Gala held on the front lawn of the expansive property.

Montclair State University is a public research university founded in 1908 as the New Jersey State Normal School at Montclair. The school has since grown to become the second-largest university in the state, with nearly 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

The university is a top choice for students seeking a career in the arts. It offers a wide range of programs in fine arts, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and broadcasting. In addition to traditional fine arts programs, the university has strong programs in art education, art therapy, and museum studies.

Within the Montclair State University walls, its art gallery contains a rotating collection of contemporary and classic exhibits. Among them is the recent Case Studies 2: Justin Cloud – The Garden, a solo exhibit that depicts machine-like flora.

With many galleries located in the downtown area, Montclair is a great place to schedule a dinner and an art show. Additionally, Montclair hosts an annual Art Walk event that showcases local artists and galleries.

One of them is Studio Montclair, a non-profit organization that promotes culture and education through the arts. They offer a variety of programs and events for the community, including exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. Their goal is to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of age, background, or experience level. They also provide support and resources for artists, helping them to develop their skills and advance their careers.

The Bravitas Group Art Galleries stand as a captivating hub for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. With an unwavering commitment to showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art, these galleries serve as a dynamic platform for both established and emerging artists to exhibit their work.

The galleries frequently host exhibitions, art events, and interactive experiences that foster a deeper connection between artists and their audience. Whether through paintings, sculptures, photography, or other mediums, The Bravitas Group Art Galleries play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic dialogue and fostering a sense of community appreciation for the arts in Montclair and beyond.

Now that you've explored the art and music scene in Montclair, are you considering making this hub for creativity your home? If your answer is "yes," the experienced Montclair real estate agents,  The Wright Group, can help you get settled in the right home. Contact us with any questions you have about purchasing real estate in Montclair. We'll be glad to work with you every step of the way.

The Wright Group, led by seasoned Listing Specialist Curtis J. Wright and his wife Erica, offers comprehensive real estate services in the greater Montclair area, Northern New Jersey, and the Jersey Shore. With Curtis's distinction as a top New Jersey Real Estate Broker and Erica's background as a CNBC Luxury Real Estate TV Producer, the team's combined expertise is formidable. Leveraging Christie's International Real Estate affiliation, they provide exceptional service, specializing in luxury properties. Learn more about The Wright Group's unmatched sales proficiency and services by clicking here.