Brooklyn Museum | Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, New York, adjacent to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, it has been a cornerstone of cultural and artistic life in the borough since the late 19th century. Here's a comprehensive look at the museum’s history, collections, architecture, and contemporary role:

1. Overview and Mission

The Brooklyn Museum was established in 1895 as part of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences, though its origins trace back to 1823. Its mission is to make art a vibrant and accessible part of daily life, especially in the richly diverse communities of Brooklyn.

It spans over 560,000 square feet, making it the second-largest art museum in New York City (after the Met), and houses more than 1.5 million works.

2. Architecture and Design

Architects: The building was designed by the prestigious firm McKim, Mead & White in the Beaux-Arts style.

Original Plan: It was intended to be the largest museum in the world, but only one-fifth of the original design was completed.

Modern Renovations: In recent decades, major upgrades have been made, including a glass pavilion entrance in 2004 designed by Polshek Partnership (now Ennead Architects), improving accessibility and openness.

3. Permanent Collections

The museum’s collections are encyclopedic, ranging from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Ancient Egyptian Art

Among the top Egyptian collections in the U.S.

Over 1,200 objects on display, including:

The Bird Lady statue (ca. 4000 BCE)

Sarcophagi, mummies, and papyri

The Temple of Dendur’s fragmentary reliefs

Strong emphasis on context and historical interpretation

Arts of Africa

Notable for both historic and contemporary African art

Includes ceremonial masks, textiles, wood carvings, and beadwork

Pieces are displayed with detailed descriptions of cultural origins and meanings

American Art

A deeply rich collection spanning colonial to modern times

Includes works by:

John Singleton Copley

Winslow Homer

Thomas Eakins

Georgia O’Keeffe

Edward Hopper

Focus on underrepresented narratives in American history, including Black, Indigenous, and female artists

European Art

Paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Renaissance to the 20th century

Highlights include works by:

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Claude Monet

Edgar Degas

Paul Cézanne

Contemporary Art

Continually growing, with a strong focus on Brooklyn-based and global artists

Diverse in media and message, often politically or socially charged

Major recent additions include works by:

Kehinde Wiley

Mickalene Thomas

Faith Ringgold

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

Opened in 2007, the first museum space in the U.S. dedicated to feminist art

Permanent home to Judy Chicago’s "The Dinner Party" (1974–79), a landmark installation celebrating women's history and achievements

Hosts rotating feminist and gender-focused exhibitions

4. Special Exhibitions

The Brooklyn Museum regularly presents major temporary exhibitions across a range of topics and media. Recent and upcoming shows include:

“Brooklyn Artists: 2019–2024” – A survey of local art made over the past five years

“Consuelo Kanaga: Catch the Spirit” – A photography retrospective of Kanaga’s powerful portraits

“Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch” – Sculpture by an early 20th-century Black and Native American artist

“Monet and Venice” (late 2025) – Focus on Monet’s Venetian works, light studies, and Impressionist influence

5. Educational Programs

The Brooklyn Museum has a strong educational mission:

Gallery/Studio Art Classes: For children, teens, and adults in painting, sculpture, photography, and more.

School Partnerships: Works closely with NYC public schools to provide art curriculum and visits.

Teen Programs: Includes internships, peer-led tours, and leadership development.

Adult Learning: Lectures, tours, and special events linked to exhibitions and collections.

6. Libraries and Archives

The museum houses:

Wilbour Library of Egyptology: One of the world’s best Egyptology libraries

Extensive archives relating to the institution’s 200-year history

Reference material supporting art, anthropology, and archaeology research

7. Public Events and Community Engagement

The Brooklyn Museum is known for its vibrant, inclusive events:

First Saturdays: Free monthly events with live music, workshops, art-making, and performances

Brooklyn Artists Ball: A high-profile annual gala honoring artists and raising funds

Pop-up Performances: Dance, theater, and experimental art presented in gallery spaces

Film Screenings & Panel Talks: Often linked to exhibitions or social themes

8. Community and Values

The museum is deeply committed to equity, inclusion, and social justice, both through its programming and internal practices. It often:

Centers marginalized voices in exhibitions

Offers pay-what-you-wish admission to reduce financial barriers

Supports local artists and businesses through partnerships and commissions

9. Visiting the Museum

Hours: Open Wednesday–Sunday, typically 11 AM to 6 PM; late hours on select evenings

Admission: Suggested donation (pay what you wish), but special exhibitions may have separate pricing

Transportation: Easily accessible via the 2, 3, 4, 5 subway lines (Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum stop)

The Brooklyn Museum today stands as a leading institution not only for the art it houses but for the community it builds. It champions diversity, challenges conventional art history, and remains an essential space for cultural reflection in New York City.