Brooklyn Museum
New York Learn more about what's on at Brooklyn Museum and the artists shaping its programme.Founded in 1895, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the United States’ oldest and largest art museums. Designed by McKim, Mead & White in a Beaux-Arts style, the museum has long been a cultural anchor in Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights.
Its wide-ranging collections span Ancient Egyptian artifacts, African art, American painting, and decorative arts, alongside acclaimed exhibitions on cultural icons like David Bowie and even the sneaker. The museum is also a leader in contemporary art, with works by Louise Bourgeois, Joseph Cornell, Willem de Kooning, Richard Diebenkorn, Joseph Kosuth, Adrian Piper, Ad Reinhardt, Cindy Sherman, David Smith, Kiki Smith, Alma Thomas, Bob Thompson, Kehinde Wiley, and Kara Walker. These artists represent diverse approaches—abstract, conceptual, and representational—often engaging with pressing political and social issues.
Contemporary holdings span painting, sculpture, drawings, and prints, reinforced by a strong photography collection. Modern and contemporary works also appear across the museum’s Arts of Africa, the Americas, the Islamic World, Asia, and Feminist Art collections.
Among its most influential shows are We Wanted a Revolution: Black Radical Women, 1965–85 (2017), Sensations (1999), and solo exhibitions by leading figures like Mickalene Thomas. Central to its identity is the permanent installation of Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party in the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.
Brooklyn Museum FAQs
Where is the Brooklyn Museum located and how do I get there?
The Brooklyn Museum is located at 200 Eastern Parkway, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn; easily reached by subway (Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum on the 2/3 lines) or multiple bus routes.
What are the Brooklyn Museum’s main collections?
Strengths include ancient Egyptian artifacts, African and American art, decorative arts, contemporary exhibitions and installations, and the Sackler Center for Feminist Art.
What is First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum?
At the Brooklyn Museum you can enjoy a free, monthly evening of art, music, and community events, attracting thousands of visitors for live programs and after-hours gallery access.
Is the Brooklyn Museum family-friendly?
Yes—at the Brooklyn Museum family activities, interactive spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere make it ideal for all ages.
Why does the Brooklyn Museum’s feminist art center still carry the Sackler name? Given the controversy surrounding the Sackler family and their ties to the opioid crisis, why does the Brooklyn Museum’s feminist art center still bear the name ‘Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art’?
While several major museums have removed the Sackler name due to the family’s association with the opioid epidemic, the situation at the Brooklyn Museum is distinct. The center is named for Elizabeth A. Sackler, who is from a different branch of the family than those implicated in Purdue Pharma’s activities. Elizabeth A. Sackler has publicly denounced her relatives’ involvement with OxyContin and has stated she did not profit from the drug’s sales. The Brooklyn Museum has confirmed that, as of 2025, it has no plans to rename the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, recognising her support for feminist art and distancing from the controversies affecting other Sackler-named institutions.
Are there on-site dining and shopping options?
Visitors can enjoy The Norm café/restaurant and a museum shop with books, exhibition catalogues, and gifts.
How do I find out what’s on at the Brooklyn Museum?
Current and upcoming exhibitions and events are listed on the Brooklyn Museum’s official website. You can also follow the Brooklyn Museum on Ocula for alerts on upcoming notable exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art.
Which contemporary artists have shown their work at Brooklyn Museum?
You can visit Ocula to see a list of notable contemporary artists who have shown work at the Brooklyn Museum, along with a selection of artworks by these artists. Many of the artists who have shown at Brooklyn Museum are represented by Ocula Member Galleries, and therefore it is possible to make enquiries regarding the purchase of work by these artists through Ocula.
What exhibitions are on nearby the Brooklyn Museum?
Ocula provides recommendations on contemporary art exhibitions to see in New York. Search the Ocula New York Art Guide to find out what exhibitions to see near Brooklyn Museum.
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services