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Thomas Edison National Historical Park, West Orange, NJ

Photo: Jim.henderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

Thomas Edison National Historical Park

211 Main St · West Orange, NJ

Why you should go…

This park preserves the laboratory complex Thomas Edison built in 1887 and Glenmont, his Queen Anne style home about half a mile away. In the lab buildings you see his library, the machine shops and a replica of the Black Maria, the first movie studio, which rotated on a turntable to keep sunlight on its subjects. Work here produced the motion picture camera, improved phonographs and the nickel-iron storage battery. All visits start at the Laboratory Complex.

  • #national historical park
  • #thomas edison
  • #historic laboratory
  • #historic home
  • #invention history

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Thomas Edison National Historical Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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