Where modern architecture meets Georgian-style mansion, you’ll find Morris Museum, a gem for families with kids of all ages.
The Scene
One recent snowy day, I set out with my kid critics (ranging in age from 8 months to 14) to take in the sights and sounds of Morris Museum. We found ample free parking and excellent stroller access. “How many people would it take to exceed the 9,000-lb weight limit in this elevator?” the 11-year-old asked. After some half-hearted calculations, we concluded “a lot.”
A main-level coatroom allowed us to stow bulky outerwear, freeing me to hold up kids to see displays or help with art projects or hands-on activities available throughout. The relaxed atmosphere and smaller scale of this museum were a pleasant surprise, we didn’t feel rushed or overwhelmed, and I didn’t worry about losing anyone.
The Production
We started on the main level, playing “name that shape” in an exhibit of 20th century art glass. The kids saw mushrooms, fish and lily pads among the gorgeous glass. We talked about how glass is blown and delighted in the colors and textures of the pieces.
The next room contained dollhouses and antique toys. As my 3-year-old begged to play with the iron fire truck behind the glass, I was reminded that the best toys require no batteries or software download. They run on imagination.
After enjoying the parlor and grand staircase of “Twin Oaks” mansion, which forms the center of the museum’s exhibition space, we ate lunch at the café tables in the modern entry area. The museum offers limited packaged snacks and drinks for a reasonable price, but budget-conscious parents and picky eaters will appreciate being allowed to bring their own.
After a bathroom stop, we settled into Bickford Theater for a juggling show. Like most parents, I frequently have a lot to juggle. Not daggers or bowling pins, mind you. I juggle hard stuff like flu shots and school projects, doctor visits and screen-time limits. I’m difficult to impress. When Michael Dubois removed a straight jacket while riding a 6-foot-high unicycle, he won me over. His persistence and balance were inspiring. And the kids were enthralled for 45 full minutes.
After the show, we toured the Native American exhibit upstairs. The beadwork and pottery on display were intricate, and the papoose led to conversation about how people in history accomplished the same functions we do using their own tools and ingenuity.
We found the model train exhibit delightfully detailed, and both boys were intrigued by the camera on one train that allows you to see the engineer’s view. They blew the train whistle repeatedly, and learned how long and short bursts were used to send messages in code. I read the description of what each pattern meant as they honed their signaling skills.
We ended our day with the Murtogh D. Guinness collection of mechanical music boxes and automata. Guinness’s collection is vast and the exhibit truly allows visitors to enjoy it. As the curator played several orchestrations, we were transported to a world’s fair, a circus and a German beer garden and understood precisely why Guinness loved these pieces. Music is a very personal luxury.
February Events
Morris Museum is small but well done and offers something for everyone in the family. We’ll certainly return for upcoming festivals and exhibits. We are seriously considering the family chocolate festival on Feb. 12, with crafts, games, movies, chocolate making demonstrations and chocolate tasting.
In the spirit of African-American History Month in February visit before Feb. 27 to see “O Write My Name: American Portraits – Harlem Heroes,” including 50 portraits of African American artists, writers and musicians, including Langston Hughes and Lena Horne. Created by photographer Carl Van Vechten between 1930 and 1960, the portraits are reproduced by hand gravure, a form of ink printing from copper plates. Each includes a literary quotation by or about the subject and a biographical note. Tot tours (appropriate for ages 2 to 5) are scheduled the third Friday of every month at 10 a.m. Super Science Saturdays will appeal to kids ages 5 and up. On Feb. 26, kids can learn about fingerprints and see their own whorls, loops and arches.
Heidi Smith Luedtke is a local freelance writer whose work is enriched by frequent military moves across country and the constant chaos of her kids’ creativity.
When You Go …
Morris Museum
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morris, N.J.
973-971-3700
Hours
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays: 1 to 5 p.m.
Admission
$10 adults, $7 children, free for children under 3.
Note
Don’t miss the Guinness collection. Live interactive demonstrations are offered at 2 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
