Liberty National Golf Club and Jersey City Museum present The Golden Door Mini Golf Course at Hamilton Square
“I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” –Ezra Lazarus, inscribed on the Statue of Liberty
Jersey City is known as America’s Golden Door because of its proximity to Ellis Island, America’s busiest immigration station from 1892 - 1954. Whether the newcomers settled in the area or passed through the golden door to other locations, Jersey City is the place where their American Dream began. It was the entrance to the land of opportunity, where anyone could seek prosperity, and hard work was rewarded with success.
In celebration of Jersey City’s rich history, Jersey City Museum invited artists to create golf holes for an outdoor miniature golf course that represents their interpretations of “The Golden Door.” Ten artists and collaborative artist teams addressed this concept with references to immigration, economic mobility, transition, obstacles and roadblocks (and the solutions used to circumvent them), and different ways to exemplify “hard work.” Each hole combines recreational functionality with a unique participatory art project that focuses on ingenuity, resourcefulness, and play. It is an ambitious project that brings together many parties in support of the city and Jersey City Museum.
In addition to the artist designed golf holes, the course also includes a golf shack and an exhibition of the artists’ planning process, located in the Hamilton Square Condominiums lobby. This fully functional miniature golf course will be open to the public in a temporary park at the corners of Erie Street and Pavonia Ave, courtesy of Exeter Property Co., the developers of Hamilton Square in downtown Jersey City. Fee to The Golden Door Mini Golf Course includes admission to Jersey City Museum through September 2010. All are welcome to play on a first-come, first-served basis.
Participating artists:
- Victoria Calabro
- Asha Ganpat
- Darren Jones & Ryan Roa
- Hiroshi Kumagai
- Tom McGlynn
- Laura Napier
- Risa Puno
- Nyugen E. Smith
- Amanda Thackray
- Kai Vierstra
The exhibition is curated by Christina Vassallo, with exhibition design by Risa Puno. Special thanks to Brendan Carroll and Paul Silverman.
INFORMATION
Address: Hamilton Square, 232 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
Directions: Hamilton Square is closest to the Grove St. and Pavonia/Newport PATH stations, or use the Newport Light Rail stop.
Hours of operation: June 24 - Sept 6, 2010 (weather permitting). Noon to dusk, daily. Groups may reserve the course for events by calling (201) 435-8000
Fee: $5.00 per player; $4.00 for Jersey City Museum members.
