In the early 20th century, Brooklyn became a haven for immigrants looking for better living conditions. At one point, Williamsburg was the most densely populated neighborhood in the most densely populated city in the United States. Now, Brooklyn has largely taken up where the SoHo of the 1980s left off. With low rent and large industrial buildings, Brooklyn attracts many new artists who are turning away from the increasingly gentrified and commercialized SoHo and East Village neighborhoods.
For Artists:
The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center was founded in 1996 with the mission to “create a bridge between local, national and international artists, emerging and established artists , and artists of all disciplines.”
For Visitors:
The art guide magazine wagmag features Williamsburg and Greenpoint galleries and keeps the neighborhood up-to-date with all events, shows, and openings in the art world.
When you’re visiting the neighborhood, be sure to check out the Brooklyn Brewery, take a tour, and taste some delightful craft Brooklyn beer.
Galleries:
- Art 101 101 Grand Street
- Front Room Gallery 147 Roebling Street
- Gitana Rosa Gallery 19 Hope Street
- Glasshouse 246 Union Ave (a venue that hosts performances, screenings, exhibitions, workshops & residency programs)
- P339 339 Bedford Ave
- Projekt 722 722 Metropolitan Ave
- REVERSE 28 Frost Street
- Soloway 348 South 4th Street
- Southfirst 60 N 6th Street In addition, the Williamsburg weekend
- Artists and Fleas market is a great place to discover new artists’ work and get a real taste of local color.
DID YOU KNOW:
Remember, New York used to be “New Amsterdam” and many locations once had Dutch names. Brooklyn used to be Breuckelen, commonly translated to mean “broken land.”