Brooklyn Children's Museum | Brooklyn

Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) is one of Brooklyn's most historically significant and innovative institutions, located in Crown Heights. It is recognized as the first museum in the world specifically designed for children, having opened in 1899. BCM's focus is on providing interactive, hands-on learning through play, with a strong emphasis on cultural awareness, arts, science, and the natural world.

Location and Building

Address: 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213

Neighborhood: Crown Heights, near Brower Park

Size: Over 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space

Sustainability: The building is LEED Silver-certified after a major renovation and expansion completed in 2008. It features solar panels and energy-efficient systems.

The museum spans across three floors, with additional outdoor areas including a rooftop terrace and a large outdoor installation called The Nest.

Mission and Vision

BCM’s mission is to inspire children to learn and explore the world through culture, nature, and the arts. The museum emphasizes:

Cultural understanding

Creative expression

Scientific inquiry

Community involvement

The programming is designed to be multilingual, inclusive, and age-appropriate, with exhibits tailored mainly to children from 6 months to 10 years old.

Permanent Exhibits

1. Totally Tots

Target Audience: Ages 0–5

A multisensory play space with a water table, sand area, climbing equipment, soft play structures, and musical instruments

Encourages motor skill development, imagination, and parent-child interaction

2. World Brooklyn

A mini neighborhood with child-sized storefronts: a Dominican bodega, Chinese restaurant, West African import shop, Mexican bakery, and more

Children role-play different occupations and learn about cultures represented in Brooklyn's diverse communities

Focuses on early economic and cultural literacy

3. Neighborhood Nature

Explores local ecosystems and urban wildlife

Features live animals like turtles and fish, insect collections, a cork forest, and a “beach” with sand and tactile play

Teaches about sustainability and the urban environment

4. ColorLab

An open art studio where children use various materials for hands-on creation

Rotating themes around color, identity, and artistic expression

Offers guided activities and drop-in sessions

5. The Nest (outdoor)

A giant walk-in sculpture modeled after a bird’s nest

Climbable and interactive, made from sustainable wood and natural materials

Connects play with themes of nature and design

Rotating and Seasonal Exhibits

BCM also hosts temporary exhibits that cover topics such as:

STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)

Cultural celebrations (e.g., Lunar New Year, Diwali, Juneteenth)

Art installations in collaboration with local artists

Sensory exploration areas for children with different needs

Collections and Educational Value

BCM houses a permanent collection of over 30,000 artifacts, many of which are integrated into exhibitions:

Natural sciences: shells, minerals, fossils, and live animal habitats

Cultural objects: African masks, global musical instruments, ceremonial clothing

Historical toys and dolls: Over 2,000 dolls representing cultures worldwide

Ancient artifacts: Roman coins, Egyptian figurines, and Native American tools

These objects are not just displayed but are also used in hands-on workshops and school programs.

Community Engagement and Programs

BCM actively partners with schools, libraries, and local artists to provide:

Workshops and guided activities for children and families

After-school programs and school vacation camps

Free admission hours for low-income families and underserved communities

Multilingual programming (English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole in particular)

Special needs accessibility, including calm spaces and sensory-friendly events

Accessibility and Amenities

Fully wheelchair accessible

Nursing stations and family restrooms

On-site café (seasonally open)

Gift shop with educational toys and books

Outdoor picnic areas near Brower Park

Hours and Admission

Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Admission: $15 per person (free for children under 1)

Free entry: Thursdays 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Community Hours)

Transportation

Subway: 3 blocks from the Kingston Ave station on the 3 train

Bus: B43, B44, B65 nearby

Parking: Limited street parking; no on-site parking garage

Summary

Brooklyn Children's Museum is a cornerstone of early childhood education in New York City. With its immersive exhibits, cultural focus, and commitment to equity and inclusion, BCM continues to serve as a creative and educational resource for generations of families. Its unique hands-on approach ensures that learning is not only effective but joyful and memorable.