Nineteen of Brooklyn’s typically locked doors will open for two days, for the 15th annual Open House New York! While more than 140 venues will open their doors to curious city explorers on October 14 and 15. Below is our guide to some of the 19 open access venues in Brooklyn, which means you will be able to explore all of them for free!
Brooklyn Army Terminal
Image Credit: Turnstile Tours
Saturday, October 14: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“ The Brooklyn Army Terminal was constructed by the US Army in 1918-19, BAT served as a major military supply for nearly 50 years. At its peak during World War II, 20,000 military and civilian personnel were employed at BAT, when it functioned as the headquarters for the New York Port of Embarkation, the nation’s busiest port, which sent more than 3 million men overseas from facilities around the region… Now home to more than 100 tenants with 3,600 employees.”
What can you explore there?
Our friends at Turnstile Tours will be hosting tours both days at 2, 3, and 4pm on both days. (45 min)
Brooklyn Art Library
Image Credit: The Sketchbook Project
Saturday, October 14: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, October 15: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“Over 36,000 sketchbooks, from 100+ countries live within the walls of Brooklyn Art Library. Our exhibitions and projects are interactive, allow anyone to participate and create an approachable museum setting that inspires creation, discussion and education.”
What can you explore there?
Explore the hidden gems of the library, take tours and learn from the Brooklyn Art Library’s staff all weekend!
Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Administrative Building and Palm House
Image credit: Photo by Antonio Rosario, Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, October 14: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Laboratory Building and Conservatory (now called the Administration Building and Palm House respectively) were dedicated in 1917. The Tuscan Revival-style Administration building was designed by the firm of McKim, Mead & White and is now a designated landmark.”
What can you explore there?
You will be able to explore the elegant rotunda and library on the second floor of the Administrative building and get a firsthand look at the newly redesigned Palm House.
Brooklyn Glass
Image Credit: Dxbr via Wikimedia Commons
Saturday, October 14: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“This is an artist owned glass studio, a unique resource for artists and craftsmen working in New York City area, promoting glass blowing, neon, lamp working, fusing. The studio offers classes, workshops and private lessons to all skills levels!”
What can you explore here?
They have glass blowing demos, need we say more?
P.S. Visitors must wear hard-soled shoes.
Brooklyn Historical Society
Sunday, October 15: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“Founded in 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society is a nationally recognized urban history center dedicated to preserving and encouraging the study of Brooklyn’s extraordinary 400-year history. Located in a magnificent landmark building designed by Goerge Post in 1881, today’s BHS is a cultural hub for civic dialogue, thoughtful engagement and community outreach.”
What can you explore here?
You will be able to take a tour, giving you an insider’s history of the building and Brooklyn history! Tours will take place at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., and tours of the building with BHS curators will take place at 3 and 4pm.
Brooklyn Navy Yard
Image Credit: Chuck Choi Architectural Photography
Saturday, October 14: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“Established in 1801, the Yard served as America’s premier naval shipbuilding facility until it was decommissioned in 1966. Today the sprawling 300-acre facility is a modern industrial park where adaptively reused historic buildings and modern structures house over 330 businesses.”
What can you explore here?
You will walk between machinery, boats and trucks at the Navy Yard, while you visit various buildings to see the vast variety of businesses currently making their inventions, products and ideas come to life at this historic place.
Brooklyn Public Library (Central Library)
Image Credit: Brooklyn Public Library
Saturday, October 14: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“Central Library first opened its doors to the public on February 1, 1941. With its breathtaking façade, sweeping grand lobby and vast contemporary and historical collections, it has been a Brooklyn icon since its opening. The library was designated a New York City Landmark in 1997 and joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.”
What can you explore here?
The OHNY tour will take you on an architectural and historical tour of the Brooklyn Public Library, including a behind-the-scenes look at its storage decks.
P.S. Tours are 1 hour and 15 minutes at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and 1:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Church of the Annunciation
Image Credit: Yi-Ching Lin
Saturday, October 14: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
“This has been a Williamsburg landmark since its construction in 1870. The church was designed in the Lombard Romanesque style, including a 110 foot belltower. Annunciation’s impressive “Opus 288” pipe organ was built by the Austin Organ Company in 1912. The church’s unique high altar is composed of hand carved wood, gilded with gold and silver leaf accents, containing statues dating back to 1870.”
What can you explore here?
On both days, Annunciation’s Sacristan, Dr. Algirdas Lukosevicius, will describe the church’s extensive artwork on ongoing tours, offered every 15 minutes throughout both days.
East Midwood Jewish Center
Image Credit: Jeremy Seto via Flickr
Sunday, October 15: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Why is this cool?
“East Midwood Jewish Center was built in the Renaissance Revival style in the form of an Italian palazzo. It is over 100 feet wide and has 5 stories. Atop the building are 2 copper domes in the so-called “Moorish style” popular in the 19th century. The building’s outstanding features are its two story high Sanctuary, illuminated by stained glass windows in red, green, yellow and blue in the Tiffany style and by a large stained glass dome and elaborate chandelier. All around the sanctuary are Greek columns and wall decorations, also reminiscent of ancient Greek designs.”
What can you explore there?
You will tour the entire center in 20 minutes, from the copper domes to the basement swimming pools, while learning about Jewish culture and receive an explanation of our Sukkah, located in the courtyard.
Five Boroughs Brewing Co.
Image credit: Five Boroughs Brewing Co.
Saturday, October 14: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 15: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Why is this cool?
Railroad tracks, gantry cranes, and pre-war hexagonal steel rebar. Five Boroughs Brewing Co., located in a rehabilitated steel fabrication plant in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, produces all of our beer onsite in a 15,000 square-foot facility. The facility boasts 12,500 square feet for production, including space for barrel aging and a quality-control lab, in addition to a 2,500 square-foot taproom. Come learn how we built its brewery, how beer is made, and try some of our most recent batches!
Saturday and Sunday Tour Info: Tours will be offered at 12, 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. on both days. (20 minutes)
Historic Ship MARY A. WHALEN
Why is this cool?
“Last-of-her-kind coastal oil tanker built in 1938. Originally called the S.T. KIDDOO, the MARY A. WHALEN worked until 1994 and is now the home of non-profit PortSide NewYork. This storied ship is graced with polished brass & varnished wood. Tour engine room, galley with wood-paneled fridge & diesel stove, wheelhouse, cabins. Restoration in process. She is also a rare surviving example of a bell boat. On bell boats, the Captain rang bells to the engineer two levels down to indicate speed and direction. Speaking tubes were also used to communicate.”
What can you explore there?
Grab your maritime themed clothes and hop aboard this historic ship! For kids, there will be buckets of water to pump with bilge pump. Sailors of all ages will be able to enjoy Salty Selfies props for photos for photos of kids and adults!