Brooklyn Museum

The Basics

The Brooklyn Museum offers a cultural experience that reflects the diversity and eclectic tastes of borough residents, from contemporary works and decorative arts to multimedia installations. As you enter the light-filled first floor, ask about free daily tours. Don't miss the Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden, which hosts a range of architectural sculpture that would historically adorn New York's buildings.

Consider purchasing general admission tickets before you arrive to get the most out of your visit. Multiattraction passes that include museum admission are also an option. Advance purchase may include museum gift shop discounts and access to special collections and the permanent collection. Museum highlights include the galleries hosting pre-Columbian works, American Indian art, and the WPA-funded American murals—a significant element of American art history.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Brooklyn Museum is perfect for art aficionados, history buffs, and design enthusiasts.

• Leave enough time for your visit, since the museum is large and hosts an impressive collection.

• Check the subway schedule in advance, as weekend train service to Brooklyn is notoriously erratic.

How to Get There

Located on Eastern Parkway, next to the Brooklyn Public Library, the museum is best accessed by subway. Take the 2 or 3 train to the Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum stop and you'll be right outside. Alternatively, hop the 4 or 5 train to the Franklin Avenue station. Driving is also an option, with parking just behind the museum.

When to Get There

The Brooklyn Museum is a perfect year-round (and foul-weather) destination, since most of the top attractions and galleries are indoors. Weekdays are the best for avoiding crowds, though the museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday. For free admission, visit on the first Saturday of the month, but be prepared for an elbow-to-elbow art experience.

Visible Storage

Do you want to learn how museums store art? The Brooklyn Museum offers visitors just this opportunity in the Visible Storage and Study Center, which displays works from the American art collection. Glass enclosures holding around 600 paintings, sculptures, and decorative items such as Tiffany glass offer a behind-the-scenes look at the museum's operation.

Do you need to reserve tickets for the Brooklyn Museum?

No, but the museum recommends reserving tickets ahead of time. A limited number of walk-up tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but they may sell out quickly. General admission tickets are untimed, while tickets for temporary exhibits are sold in 15-minute increments. Buying ahead guarantees your desired slot.

How much time is needed in the Brooklyn Museum?

Allot 90 minutes to two hours for your visit—more to see the temporary exhibit. The Brooklyn Museum is New York City's third-largest museum and covers a lot of ground. There are thousands of artworks on display (1.5 million items in the collection), so it's a lot to take in.

What is unique about the Brooklyn Museum?

The Brooklyn Museum is renowned for its mix of contemporary and historical artworks. Where else can you see classic artworks from Degas or O’Keefe alongside those from today's cutting-edge visionaries? The museum—housed in a Beaux-Arts building—has pieces from Egypt and sub-Saharan Africa, too. It's adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Does the Brooklyn Museum have a parking lot?

Yes. Visitors can park in the paid lot behind the museum between Washington Avenue and Eastern Parkway. You can also get to the Brooklyn Museum by public transportation: Take the 2/3 subway line to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum or B41 or B69 buses to Grand Army Plaza.

Is it okay to bring baby strollers into the Brooklyn Museum?

Yes. Strollers are welcome in all of the museum, including temporary exhibits. It’s recommended to visit in the quieter morning hours with a stroller. The museum also offers special baby-friendly stroller tours for children aged 2 or younger and their caregivers, which include a touchable exploration of the galleries.

Can you take photos at the Brooklyn Museum?

Yes. There’s no charge for taking pictures or shooting video as long as it’s for your personal use. If you’re a commercial or documentary photographer or videographer, be sure to get in touch with the museum ahead of time. Note: Flash is never permitted as it can damage the artworks.

Ways to explore

Consider purchasing general admission tickets before you arrive to get the most out of your Brooklyn Museum visit (a pass that includes the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is available). Advance purchases may include museum gift shop discounts and access to special collections in addition to the permanent collection. Museum highlights worth seeking out include the galleries hosting American Indian art, Egyptian artifacts, and the WPA-funded American murals—a significant element of American art history. Don’t miss the Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden, a collection of architectural sculptures saved from New York City demolition sites.

Accessibility

The museum building and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users, with free manual wheelchairs available. Leashed service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Small bag, clear water bottle

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes, along with weather-appropriate clothing for the sculpture garden.

Not allowed

Large or bulky items, outside food and drink, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Museum café, cloakroom, gift shop, bathrooms

Address

The Brooklyn Museum is located in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood, just steps from Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. While driving is not advised, public transportation—or local taxi and rideshare services—make getting there easy.

Driving

Driving to the Brooklyn Museum is possible, but traffic restrictions and limited parking make it inconvenient. Instead, use local taxis and rideshare services.

Public transportation

To get to the Brooklyn Museum using public transportation, take the 2 or 3 train to Eastern Pkwy Brooklyn Museum station, located just outside.

Best times to visit

It’s worth arriving right when the museum opens at 11am to beat the crowds. Alternatively, enjoy late opening hours on the first Saturday of the month.

Best days to visit

The Brooklyn Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Otherwise, aim for a weekday if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

There’s no single best month to visit the Brooklyn Museum, which is open throughout the year. However, springtime is ideal if you want to pair it with a visit to the neighboring Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Special events

The Brooklyn Museum offers a busy events calendar full of talks and community events throughout the year. Don’t miss its outdoor pop-up craft markets, held on Sundays from mid-April to mid-November.