Skylands Museum of Art

Now through October 2025 - Spotlight on the Artist: Massimo Rao, the Italian artist known for his classic yet somewhat mysterious painting style, opened Memorial Day weekend and will be on view through October 2025. The exhibition is on display in the museum’s Sanctuary Gallery and highlights eight Rao works from the permanent collection, including oil and tempera paintings, lithographs and drawings, each of which serve to call attention to his unique creative perspective. Rao’s paintings, lithographs and drawings combined his own original and contemporary vision with influences from classic and Renaissance styles. He was inspired further by Nordic Mannerism and pre-Raphaelite approaches.

The permanent collection is enjoyed throughout nine rooms, on three floors in Lafayette, NJ. Unlike any other, Skylands Museum of Art focuses on enchanting international 20th and 21st century surreal art. The collection emphasizes sculpture, paintings and illustrations by well known talents including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Leonor Fini, Massimo Rao, Ailene Fields and Michael Parkes as well as artists who may be new to you including Brian Froud, Anne Bachelier and Brian Branch.

The Skylands Museum of Art has a unique and eclectic collection of sculptures and paintings, each telling a story about some aspect of humanity and collectively immersing the visitor in a fabulous world of rare imagination brought into being by national and international artists.
From the graceful forms of creatures, both real and imagined, to introspective human figures and imaginary places, the exhibits echo the intricate dance between life's mutability and artistic expression.

The Skylands Museum of Art has a personal, spiritual, and communal value that is meant to connect us further to the best parts of ourselves. It is a sanctuary where art, nature, mythology and humanity harmonize beautifully.

Complete with a Sculpture Garden, the museum is a delightful sanctuary where art, nature, mythology, and humanity harmonize. Like to draw? Come sketch in our galleries or out in the gardens.

Suggested donation is $10/person. Annual memberships are available for children, adults, families and organizations.
The non-profit Museum is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 to 4 pm. For group tours and private openings, call: 973-729-3323.