The New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Entertainment and Learning Center (NJHOF ELC), at the American Dream complex in East Rutherford, celebrates the Garden State, honors its legends, and inspires all generations. The 10,000-square-foot space captures the energy and passion of New Jersey’s remarkable inductees through timeless memorabilia and immersive interactive experiences, encouraging visitors to pursue their passions through the achievements and character exemplified by the inductees.

Along large LED screens giving glimpses of the inductees and their achievements, visitors are encouraged to start their experience by hopping in rock star Jon Bon Jovi’s iconic 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle. This virtual reality adventure transports visitors to the hometowns of New Jersey legends including Gloria Gaynor and George R.R. Martin, offering a unique glimpse into the places that shaped them.

Breaking: the 16th Annual New Jersey Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony hosted by Danny DeVito will air Nov 16 2024 at 7pm, and Nov 17 at 6pm, on WWOR My9.

At the heart of the ELC, the Wall of Fame is the centerpiece of the Great Hall, inviting visitors to discover over 15 years of NJHOF inductees. Illuminated plaques etched with the names of the inductees are paired with a circular LED display featuring their speeches to evoke the feeling of a red carpet ceremony.

The Map of Fame encourages visitors to learn about their favorite inductees or discover new heroes through gesture-activated interaction, surrounded by iconic artifacts like Les Paul’s guitar, Larry Doby’s baseball cap, and William Carlos Williams’ typewriter.

Nearby, a vibrant graffiti mural by street artist Indie184 pays homage to some of New Jersey’s most iconic figures. Blending Pop Art with the unmistakable spirit of Asbury Park, the mural captures the state’s unique and diverse character.

The NJHOF ELC goes beyond traditional exhibits, engaging visitors in memorable and interactive experiences. The Karaoke Stage brings musical legends like Gloria Gaynor and Frankie Valli to life, encouraging visitors to perform alongside their “holograms”. 

In the adjacent Late Night Jersey TV studio, visitors can host virtual interviews with inductees  who share inspirational stories drawn from their lives and iconic careers, encouraging visitors to follow their own dreams. 

“Fly Me to the Moon” is an epic voyage that brings to life the contributions of many New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees in the field of space exploration. After strapping into motion chairs inside a 180-degree immersive dome, visitors are greeted by Thomas Edison and fellow scientific legend Albert Einstein as they ride a modified Model T through space and time. Highlights include witnessing Buzz Aldrin’s historic moon landing and visiting the International Space Station, where astronaut twin brothers Mark and Scott Kelly share tales from years of space exploration. As the adventure concludes, Frank Sinatra’s namesake song “Fly Me to the Moon” plays, bringing everyone back to the Jersey Shore.

The Jersey Proud Theater plays on the idea of a Hollywood premiere. This 30-seat cinema showcases an inspiring film that compiles the inductees’s iconic performances and achievements, immersing visitors in New Jersey’s greatness. Through every story and exhibit, the NJHOF ELC invites visitors to connect with the legacy of these remarkable figures, encouraging each of us to strive to be our best selves and make a meaningful impact.

Project Credits:

New Jersey Hall of Fame, Client
C&G Partners, Exhibition and Experience Design

Project Partners:

Available Light, Lighting Design
Cortina Productions, Software Development
Cruz Dann Productions, Media Producer and Filming of Inductees
Donna Lawrence Productions, “Jersey Proud” Film
Electrosonic, AV Integration
Eos Lightmedia, Lighting Integration
FiveSix Productions, Production Support
Gensler, Architect
Kubik Maltbie, Exhibit Fabrication
Kovic International Contractors, General Contractor
MCM Creative, Production Support
Northern Light Productions, VR and 180 Film Production
Princeton Strategic Communications, PR Firm
Red Fitz, Filming of Inductees
Walsh Company, Client Representation