First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum, initiated in 1998, are now a highly anticipated event among New Yorkers. These monthly gatherings, which are free to attend, feature art, music, dance, and interactive activities, drawing a diverse audience from across the city.
They have evolved into a lively celebration of art and community, renowned for their ability to unite people in creativity and collaboration. From gallery tours and live performances to DJ sets and artist talks, First Saturdays have become synonymous with Brooklyn's vibrant cultural landscape. Currently, the Brooklyn Museum is committed to progress, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity. By showcasing works by artists of color, women, and other historically marginalized groups, the museum challenges conventional ideas of art and history. Its goal is to create meaningful encounters with art that broaden perspectives, inspire, and stimulate meaningful dialogues.
The Brooklyn Museum was established as part of the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences in the late 19th century. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, the museum was originally intended to be among the largest globally, but this vision was only partially realized. Its Beaux-Arts structure covers more than 560,000 square feet and stands as a symbol of the founders' aspiration to create a grand space for art and culture.
Situated in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park, the museum is a central figure in the cultural scene of the borough. Housing a collection of over 1.5 million artworks, ranging from Egyptian artifacts to African, Oceanic, and Japanese pieces, as well as American and contemporary art, the museum provides a diverse, worldwide viewpoint. The Brooklyn Museum is known for its inclusive approach to art and history, often showcasing marginalized communities and narratives in its displays and collections.
The Brooklyn Museum is more than just a place for art collection; it is a vibrant and evolving establishment that mirrors the diversity, intricacy, and charm of Brooklyn and beyond. Through its First Saturday gatherings, the museum embodies its fundamental principles of involving the community and promoting inclusiveness, welcoming all to partake in the profound impact of art.
