Located right off the banks of the Hudson River, Union City, New Jersey, was established eighty-five years ago when the Town of Union joined the Township of West Hoboken, becoming the city of Union City. Today there are around 80,000 residents, and the city is "experiencing an unprecedented period of economic, cultural, and artist growth."
The city was settled by a diverse group of people, which may account for the rich cultural development it is experiencing today. The earliest settlers were Dutch, English, and French, and later a progression of Swiss, Belgian, Italian, Irish, Armenian, Greek, Chinese, Polish, Syrian, Jewish, and Russian immigrants arrived. In the 1950s Cubans began to settle in Union City, and when Castro embraced Communism, a surge of Cuba's middle and upper class residents came as well, and "became very influential in the social and political landscape of the City." Today the diverse population continues to grow as stores and restaurants in areas like Bergenline Ave. are dominated by people from Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Union City takes pride in all its houses of worship and the many religions they represent as well. Many of the churches are more than one hundred years old and are admired for their architectural beauty. The city has also made the school system a top priority. By combining its two high schools, they were able to afford enhancements that provided better educational opportunities to the students. With such a rich history and vibrant community, it's easy to understand how a unique art culture developed in Union City.
The Arts In Union City, New Jersey
Union City has been home to many artists, including William Ranney and Andrew Melrose, and because of the large number of artists living there now, it has been undergoing an artistic renaissance. A recent resolution enacted by city officials has established September as Celebrate Art Month, with "numerous exhibits and performances held throughout the city." Modern paintings and sculptures can be viewed throughout the year at places like the New Art Center or the Union City Art Museum.
As far as the performing arts go, there are productions at the new Union City Performing Arts Center, the Park Theatre, and on stages at city parks. The parks hold weekly performances of drama and comedy, as well as concerts of classical, jazz, rock, salsa and merengue music. Plans are also underway to establish a fine arts museum and concert hall in the former 15th Street Public Library, which is a Carnegie-endowed building that is over 100 years old.
Tourist Attractions and Activities in Union City, New Jersey
Whether you stay in Union City, NJ, or venture to nearby New York City, there are plenty of interesting places to explore and things to do. If you're looking for some quiet time to spend with family in Union City, there are science museums at the Liberty Science Center, an activity-park and pool at the Juan Pablo Duarte Park, and a nifty skate park at The Union City Skate Park.
