Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Art Lovers in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Art Lovers in Brooklyn
1. Brooklyn Museum
Anchoring Prospect Heights, this encyclopedic museum blends world-class collections with cutting-edge contemporary shows, from ancient artifacts to headline-making installations.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Brooklyn’s cultural flagship—ideal for diving deep into visual art while staying rooted in the borough’s creative energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quieter galleries; first Saturday evenings for festive community programming.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the contemporary floors first to beat crowds, then circle back for Egyptian and American art; check for free or extended-hours events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the ambitious curation, spacious galleries, and welcoming vibe—many call it a must for art-focused itineraries.
2. Brooklyn Academy of Music
BAM in Fort Greene champions boundary-pushing performance—dance, film, theater, and visual art collaborations—across its historic and contemporary venues.
✓ Why Go:
Art lovers seeking experimental, interdisciplinary work won’t find a richer program in Brooklyn.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for performances; arrive 30 minutes early to explore lobby installations and exhibits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check multiple venues (Harvey Theater, BAM Strong) and look for rush or same-day tickets for sold-out shows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Audiences praise the risk-taking programming and intimate sightlines, noting BAM as Brooklyn’s heartbeat for innovative art.
3. Bushwick Collective
An open-air museum of street art where block after block of warehouses double as canvases for international muralists.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Brooklyn’s premier destination for large-scale murals—constantly evolving and free to explore.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer pedestrians; spring through fall is prime.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start around Troutman St and St Nicholas Ave, then wander; weekdays are best for unobstructed photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers are wowed by the color and scope, calling it an essential, ever-changing snapshot of urban creativity.
4. Pioneer Works
A cavernous Red Hook arts center hosting exhibitions, residencies, and music programs in a restored 19th-century industrial building.
✓ Why Go:
Its blend of art, science, and community programming offers a distinctly Brooklyn take on contemporary culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons for browsing exhibitions; check the calendar for evening events and open studios.
✓ Insider Tip:
Time a visit with community days and open studios to meet artists and see works in progress.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the space itself—soaring, photogenic—and the adventurous shows that feel intimate yet ambitious.
5. BRIC House
Downtown Brooklyn’s hub for free contemporary art exhibitions, media programs, and performances in a flexible, community-forward space.
✓ Why Go:
Great for discovering emerging voices and socially engaged art without an admission barrier.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons for a quiet gallery experience; evenings for talks and performances.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pop into the Project Room and Stoop for smaller shows and casual performances that locals frequent.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors appreciate the inclusive programming and free access, often discovering new artists by chance.
6. Smack Mellon
A nonprofit gallery in DUMBO known for ambitious installations and artist residencies inside a dramatic historic factory space.
✓ Why Go:
If large-scale, experimental work is your thing, Smack Mellon consistently delivers thoughtful, risk-taking exhibitions.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons on weekdays; pair with sunset views along the nearby waterfront.
✓ Insider Tip:
Visit on DUMBO First Thursday evenings when neighborhood galleries open late and often host receptions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Art fans call it a gem—serious contemporary art without the crowds, in a striking setting.
7. A.I.R. Gallery
The pioneering, artist-run feminist gallery presents incisive contemporary shows and supports underrepresented voices.
✓ Why Go:
For collectors and connoisseurs seeking mission-driven programming and bold curatorial perspectives.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons, Wednesday–Saturday; check for opening nights and artist talks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with nearby DUMBO galleries to build a focused contemporary art crawl.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors admire the gallery’s legacy and the quality of exhibitions that feel both intimate and impactful.
8. UrbanGlass
A premier glass art studio and gallery where you can watch artists at work and browse rotating exhibitions.
✓ Why Go:
It offers a rare window into the craft side of contemporary art—fiery furnaces included.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime hours to catch studio activity; evenings for public demos or talks when scheduled.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book “make-your-own” sessions well in advance—they often sell out, especially on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love seeing process meet artistry and often leave with a deeper appreciation for glasswork.
9. Brooklyn Glass
A Gowanus studio specializing in neon and glassblowing with classes, demos, and occasional open-studio events.
✓ Why Go:
Hands-on access to craft culture adds depth to a visual-art itinerary focused on galleries and museums.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings and weekends when workshops and demos are most active.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for beginner-friendly classes; watching neon bending is a unique highlight.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe the experience as immersive and memorable—equal parts instruction and inspiration.
10. Green-Wood Cemetery
A National Historic Landmark where sculpture, monuments, and site-specific art punctuate rolling hills and century-old trees.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a serene counterpoint to white-box galleries—public art, architecture, and landscape in quiet dialogue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for golden light; spring blooms and fall foliage are particularly photogenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a map at the main entrance to find notable monuments and temporary art installations.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the beauty and contemplation it offers, calling it one of Brooklyn’s most unexpected art experiences.
