Top Museums in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Museum

Since the Museum opened in 1897, it has been one of the highlights of the city's cultural map. The exhibits are located in a building designed by architect Stanford White. Choose among Pacific, African and New World art, Asian art, Egyptian and ancient Middle Eastern art. Also see the vast collection of decorative art, European, American and contemporary painting and sculpture. The collection of Egyptian art is vast, and the American section includes pieces by masters Thomas Eakins and John Singer Sargent. This place is a must-visit for those who are interested in historical art.

Brooklyn Historical Society

This National Historic Landmark was originally founded in 1863 as The Long Island Historical Society. Today it acts as an archives and educational center with its soul purpose being the preservation of the history of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Historical Society presents the following exhibitions: Brooklyn Works: '400 Years of Making a Living in Brooklyn' in celebration of the first phase of its grand reopening after four years of extensive renovations. Enter re-created environments of tenement buildings and sugar refineries, see original advertisements and artifacts from products manufactured in Brooklyn, and hear the stories of workers from enslaved Africans to modern restaurant owners. Among the most influential photographs of Lewis Hine's career are these 25 gelatin silver prints of children at work in New York City - as newsies, bootblacks, doing piecework at home, and factory laborers. Hine's photographs documenting the appalling circumstances of child labor in America from 1906 to 1916 and helped change the course of history. Brooklyn's History Museum is located on site with a large collection of related art and memorabilia. Admission: $6 adults/$4 students and seniors.

DUMBO First Thursday Gallery Walk

On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and artists' studios in the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO open their doors to the public for casual browsers and those looking to purchase works of art. Some galleries host receptions and exhibition openings, and there's always a festive atmosphere. First Thursdays is also a great way to check out the neighborhood as you wander from gallery to gallery. The view from the terrace of one of the galleries (20 Jay Street building) is worth the trip. Check the website each month for participating galleries. No admission fee. – Linda Steinmuller

D.U.M.B.O. Arts Center

The location of the DUMBO Arts Center remains its ultimate drawing force. Since it is in the heart of the industrial neighborhood where most of the artists have their lofts, it showcases a lot of home-grown talent. Free group exhibitions with shared curators are common in this 3,000 square feet gallery. If you are one of those who would love spending days surrounded by classic and modern art, DUMBO Arts Center is the right place to be.

Ad Hoc Art

Walking in Brooklyn, this red-colored exterior cannot be missed. Have a look inside Ad Hoc Art and you would know that this art gallery and creative center has a lot to offer. Different areas of fine art including street art, pop surrealism, lowbrow, illustration, tattoo, print-making, as well as the larger history of underground art, activism, and graffiti are displayed here. You can't help but simply admire and be in awe with the brilliant pieces of art by Swoon, BAST, Rafael Fuchs, Nevada Hill, Kembra Pfahler and James Turek. With its regular exhibits, workshops and classes, this artistic place continues to encourage the flow of creative ideas rather than being just another conventional gallery.

Jewish Children's Museum

The Jewish Children's Museum, primarily geared towards elementary school-age children through the eighth grade, is a museum for children of all faiths. Visitors will experience Jewish history, values, and traditions in a manner that inspires an increased interest in Jewish culture. Permanent exhibits such as "Exploring Jewish Life" teach children about Jewish holidays and foods while "Exploring Jewish History" teaches children about the Land of Israel and the Holocaust. Kids can take a journey through Judaism on a miniature golf course where each hole represents a different stage of the Jewish lifecycle or test their Jewish knowledge in a Jeopardy-style game show quiz. School and youth group programs can be arranged. Admission is USD10. – Linda Steinmuller