The New Jersey Hall of Fame will have a permanent home at the American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Hall of Fame, which includes some of the Garden State’s most prominent stars, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. While it has used a mobile museum as its home over that time, it will have a permanent location at the Meadowlands complex being developed by Triple Five, which is scheduled to open in the spring.
“I am deeply excited that American Dream will become the New Jersey Hall of Fame’s permanent home,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a prepared statement. “New Jerseyans will learn about the distinguished inductees, who will inspire residents to be the next generation of New Jersey leaders.”
A celebratory groundbreaking ceremony will take place Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the mobile museum, which will be located on the east side of the former IZOD Center arena.
“I am tremendously proud to attend this important groundbreaking for the New Jersey Hall of Fame, and share their new home with everyone across this great state,” Triple Five’s Don Ghermezian, president of American Dream, said in a statement. “The museum at American Dream will round out an exceptional offering from entertainment, performing arts, culinary and retail that will draw over 40 million visitors annually.”
The Hall of Fame has entered into a long-term lease with American Dream. Terms were not disclosed.
“We are beyond excited to have a place to call home, and thrilled that it will be at American Dream,” Jon F. Hanson, the hall’s chairman, said in a statement. “We are proud of the rich and important contributions our inductees have made to New Jersey and beyond, and our new home will allow us to showcase our state to so many more people.”
Officials, honorees and business leaders are among those expected to attend the ceremony next week.
“This exciting new attraction and learning center will have an immeasurable impact on the pride of New Jerseyans, and will help inspire its visitors to realize their highest and best sense of self, with a moral excellence of character,” Hall of Fame President Steve Edwards said in a statement.
