NJ Hall Of Fame Coming To Life In Immersive Exhibit Space At American Dream

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — Celebrate the Garden State and the achievements and contributions of New Jersey Hall of Fame inductees at the forthcoming Entertainment and Learning Center at American Dream, the mega-mall in East Rutherford said.

“It’s a place where we can take pride in our Jersey grit; and where we can all, including our children, be inspired to realize our highest and best sense of selves," president of the New Jersey Hall of Fame Steve Edwards said.

At 10,000 square feet, the custom-built center will feature exhibits and immersive experiences, including a "Fly Me to the Moon" motion simulator aboard a replica of the historic Model "T" Ford car, where former astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly will narrate the experience of the state's contributions to science.

The new facility will also feature the original Model T Ford, gifted to Hall of Fame inductee Thomas Edison in 1933.

Additionally, visitors will be greeted by life-sized replicas of inductees, and be able to view the Wall of Fame — an ode to more than 200 inductees and to "everyday heroes," focusing on citizen achievements.

Patrons can also stage a hologram karaoke session and sing along with music legends and New Jersey natives, including Gloria Gaynor and Frankie Valli. Afterwards, they can take a virtual reality with a Hall of Fame inductee through their hometowns, in the "Hometown Exhibit."

Construction, which is underway, is expected to reach completion in spring 2023; the facility will be located on the third floor of the mall.

“It’s only fitting for the New Jersey Hall of Fame to open its Entertainment and Learning Center here," Don Ghermezian, CEO of American Dream, said. "It will round out our exceptional entertainment options."