Brooklyn Museum

Overview

The Brooklyn Museum is New York's second-largest art museum, housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building in Prospect Park. It holds over 1.5 million works spanning ancient Egyptian art to contemporary American painting.

Highlights

• Egyptian Collection: One of the finest Egyptian collections in the world, including the stunning Temple of Alexander and coffins dating back 3,000 years.
• Feminist Art: A pioneering collection of feminist art, including Judy Chicago's iconic The Dinner Party — a massive triangular table installation honoring 1,038 women from history.
• First Saturdays: On the first Saturday of each month, the museum stays open until 11 PM with free admission, live music, dancing, and performances.

History

Founded in 1895, the original building was designed by McKim, Mead & White with plans to make it the largest museum in the world. Though only one-sixth of the original plan was completed, it remains impressively vast.

Visitor Tips

• First Saturdays: The monthly free evening events are massively popular social events, especially in the Brooklyn creative community.
• Prospect Park: Combine with a walk through the adjacent Prospect Park for a full Brooklyn cultural day.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.