List of Museums in Brooklyn, NY

The Brooklyn Museum stands as a magnificent Beaux Arts landmark, inviting visitors into a world where ancient treasures meet modern masterpieces. Renowned for its expansive collections that span global cultures and artistic movements, this institution offers an unparalleled journey through human creativity. From vibrant contemporary exhibitions to a world-class permanent collection, the museum fosters an enriching and contemplative atmosphere. Visitors frequently praise the diverse displays, the engaging temporary shows, and the museum’s commitment to showcasing art in an accessible and thought-provoking manner. It’s a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s cultural landscape, providing an inspiring experience for art lovers of all ages.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Paid parking lot
• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Escape the urban bustle at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a verdant 52-acre oasis that enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes and diverse plant collections. More than just a garden, it functions as a living museum, offering a serene and educational experience for all ages. Highlights include the tranquil Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the vibrant Cherry Esplanade, and a variety of specialized conservatories. The atmosphere is one of peaceful exploration and natural beauty, providing a perfect retreat. Guests often laud the meticulously maintained grounds, the seasonal displays, and the family-friendly events like the annual cherry blossom festival. It’s an essential Brooklyn experience, connecting visitors with the wonders of the natural world.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ❌ Dogs allowed
• ✔ Has restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking
• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ Credit card
• ✔ Debit card
• ✔ NFC
• ❌ Cash only

Delve into the fascinating history of New York City’s public transportation at the New York Transit Museum, uniquely housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station. This subterranean gem offers an immersive and engaging journey through decades of transit innovation. Visitors can explore a captivating collection of vintage subway cars and buses, walk through interactive exhibits, and uncover the stories behind the city’s iconic subway system. The atmosphere is nostalgic and educational, perfect for history buffs and curious minds alike. Families particularly enjoy the opportunity to step aboard classic trains, providing a hands-on experience that brings history to life. It’s a truly unique and beloved Brooklyn institution.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ NFC

Discover a unique slice of Brooklyn’s beverage history at the charming Brooklyn Seltzer Museum. This compact yet captivating museum celebrates the art and tradition of seltzer making, a vital part of the borough’s culinary heritage. Visitors can explore the fascinating process of crafting seltzer, learn about its cultural significance, and even sample refreshing seltzer creations. The atmosphere is intimate and nostalgic, offering a delightful step back in time. It’s a hidden gem that provides a quirky and memorable experience, often praised for its historical insight and the passionate staff who bring the story of Brooklyn seltzer to life. Perfect for those seeking an offbeat cultural adventure.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

As the world’s first children’s museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has been a beacon of playful learning since 1899. This vibrant institution is designed to ignite curiosity and creativity in young minds through its extensive collection of over 30,000 objects and a myriad of hands-on exhibits. From interactive mock shops, allowing kids to pretend play in a pizzeria or bakery, to engaging science and culture displays, every visit is an adventure. The atmosphere is energetic, stimulating, and perfectly tailored for children to explore, discover, and learn through direct engagement. It’s highly praised for its thoughtful exhibits and dedication to fostering a love of learning in a fun, accessible environment.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

For those with a macabre curiosity, The Bone Museum in Brooklyn offers a uniquely fascinating experience. This small yet remarkable museum houses an extensive collection of bones, featuring everything from intricate skulls to intriguing medical specimens. It’s a sanctuary for anatomical exploration and a testament to the diverse forms of life. The atmosphere is intimate and educational, providing a rare opportunity to study skeletal structures up close. Visitors often commend the curator’s passion and the sheer breadth of the collection, making it a compelling destination for students, artists, and anyone with an interest in natural history or the human and animal form. A truly distinct and memorable stop in Brooklyn.

Amenities

• ✔ Offers delivery
• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking
• ❌ Free parking lot
• ❌ Free garage parking

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Payment options

• ✔ Debit card

Step back in time at the Weeksville Heritage Center, a vital historical museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of one of America’s first free African American communities. This significant site features restored 19th-century dwellings, offering an authentic glimpse into the lives of the early residents of Weeksville, Brooklyn. The center provides insightful exhibitions, educational programs, and community events that underscore its role as a sanctuary and hub for African American self-determination. The atmosphere is deeply reflective and inspiring, fostering a powerful connection to history. Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the profound educational impact of exploring this rarely seen aspect of American history.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom
• ✔ Has Wifi

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Jewish Children’s Museum offers a vibrant and interactive exploration of Jewish history, heritage, and culture, specifically designed for young audiences. With its engaging exhibits and activities like mini-golf, the museum transforms learning into an exciting adventure. Children can discover Jewish traditions, values, and stories through hands-on experiences that encourage participation and understanding. The atmosphere is joyous, educational, and family-friendly, making it a perfect destination for cultural enrichment. Visitors frequently highlight the museum’s ability to make complex cultural concepts accessible and fun for kids, alongside its welcoming environment. It’s an invaluable resource for families seeking to learn and grow together.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking

Accessibility

• ❌ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

Housed aboard a historic Lehigh Valley Barge No. 79, the Waterfront Museum offers a unique maritime experience in Brooklyn’s Red Hook. This floating museum is dedicated to educating the public about New York Harbor’s rich maritime history and advocating for increased waterfront access. Visitors can step aboard the meticulously preserved barge, explore its fascinating exhibits, and gain insight into the working life of the harbor. The atmosphere is authentic and educational, providing a tangible connection to Brooklyn’s industrial past. Guests appreciate the intimate setting, the historical significance of the barge itself, and the passionate volunteers who share compelling stories of the waterfront. It’s a charming and important piece of local history.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom

The Center for Brooklyn History, nestled within a stately 1881 landmark building, serves as both a venerable library and a captivating museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich tapestry of Brooklyn’s past. Through its meticulously curated exhibits, extensive archives, and engaging programs, visitors can delve deep into the borough’s diverse cultural heritage, social movements, and architectural evolution. The atmosphere is one of intellectual curiosity and historical immersion, inviting reflection and discovery. Patrons frequently commend the accessible free admission, the depth of historical resources, and the beautifully preserved building itself, making it an indispensable resource for researchers and a fascinating destination for anyone eager to understand the heart of Brooklyn.

Type

• ✔ Library
• ✔ Museum

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

While technically a zoo, the Prospect Park Zoo offers a museum-like experience, showcasing nearly 400 animals representing 150 species within its intimate 12-acre confines. Located within the scenic Prospect Park, it provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with wildlife from around the globe in an accessible setting. Visitors can observe red pandas, sea lions, and many other fascinating creatures in engaging exhibits designed to educate and entertain all ages. The atmosphere is vibrant, family-friendly, and dedicated to conservation, making it a beloved attraction. Guests often praise the well-maintained habitats, the engaging animal encounters, and its perfect size for a leisurely visit with children, offering both fun and educational value.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Payment options

• ✔ Credit card
• ✔ Debit card
• ✔ NFC
• ❌ Cash only

Immerse yourself in the world of Christopher Wallace, famously known as The Notorious B.I.G., at The Biggie Experience in Brooklyn. This unique museum offers fans an intimate and celebratory journey through the life and legacy of the iconic rapper, a true son of Brooklyn. Through curated artifacts, multimedia displays, and evocative installations, visitors can explore his groundbreaking music, his impact on hip-hop culture, and his enduring connection to the borough. The atmosphere is reverent yet vibrant, a powerful tribute to his artistry and influence. Guests frequently laud the respectful presentation, the rich historical context, and the overall immersive quality that honors one of music’s greatest legends. It’s a must-visit for hip-hop enthusiasts.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Paid street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Step onto the grounds of New York City’s oldest surviving house, the magnificent Wyckoff House Museum, a circa-1652 home built by Pieter Claesen Wyckoff, one of the earliest Dutch settlers. This historic landmark offers an unparalleled glimpse into colonial life in Brooklyn, complete with authentic artifacts, a flourishing garden, and engaging interpretive programs. The museum serves as a living testament to the borough’s rich agricultural and cultural past. The atmosphere is serene and deeply historical, providing a tranquil escape and a powerful educational experience. Visitors often praise the meticulous preservation of the house, the knowledgeable staff, and the engaging family events held monthly, connecting present-day Brooklynites with their ancestral roots.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Parking options

• ✔ Free street parking

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance

Immerse yourself in the vibrant, quirky spirit of Coney Island’s storied past at Coney Island USA. More than just a museum, it’s a living homage to the area’s unique entertainment heritage, featuring a captivating collection of antiques that tell the tale of its glory days. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits, experience the iconic Sideshows by the Seashore, and attend special events that celebrate the eccentric charm of this legendary beachfront destination. The atmosphere is wonderfully nostalgic, eclectic, and full of the timeless joy that defines Coney Island. Guests rave about the authentic vibe, the engaging performances, and the overall dedication to preserving the magic and history of American popular culture.

Amenities

• ✔ Good for children
• ✔ Has restroom

Accessibility

• ✔ Wheelchair accessible parking
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible entrance
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible restroom
• ✔ Wheelchair accessible seating