Brooklyn Museum

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.