Brooklyn has long been synonymous with artistic innovation, but nowhere is this creative energy more palpable than in Williamsburg and its surrounding neighborhoods. Once an industrial waterfront district, Williamsburg is now one of New York City’s most vibrant cultural epicenters, with cutting-edge galleries, artist lofts, and street art to explore.
Seeking out local art galleries and studio tours in Brooklyn this summer and beyond is about more than simply viewing art—it’s about witnessing creativity in action. Visit a studio and you might find yourself chatting with an artist alongside their latest piece in progress. Dropping into an art gallery may introduce you to your favorite new artist that you’ve never heard of.
Whether you’re an art collector, a curious tourist, or simply someone who appreciates creativity, Brooklyn’s art scene will deliver new discoveries, and a healthy dose of inspiration. Here are some of the spots you may want to check out this summer.
Twelve Chairs Gallery
This Williamsburg art gallery presents exhibitions in its sculpture garden, online and at select locations across NYC. Curators at Twelve Chairs are driven by innovation and disruption, and represent contemporary artists known to push boundaries. Its main gallery is located in The Mill Building on N 3rd Street, while the sculpture garden can be found around the corner on Wythe Avenue. The current show is Residents Unknown, a group exhibition featuring the work of Bruce M. Gagnier, David Paulson, Thaddeus Radell, and Zura. It runs until August 27.
Pierogi
This gallery located on North 9th Street showcases up-and-coming and more established artists, with their roster including Mark Lombardi and his conceptual drawings, and Yoon Lee who creates large-scale paintings. The gallery also hosts curated exhibitions such as the Dead Tree installation. Pierogi is currently between shows but the gallery is open by appointment. This is definitely a place to bookmark and check back for upcoming openings and exhibitions.
The City Reliquary
This not-for-profit community museum and civic organization presents rotating exhibits, annual events, and a permanent collection of artifacts from New York City. The current exhibition is Intimate Portrait: Profile of a Mid-Century Manhattan Creative Couple, featuring Donald and Eunice “Skid” Moffett, a creative couple at the heart of downtown NYC’s art scene in the 1950s and ’60s.
About Glamour/AG Gallery
This combination vintage store/art gallery supports artists and designers across mediums, from fashion and art to music and design. You can usually count on coming across some Brooklyn-based artists at the gallery, along with work by international creators. This summer, the featured exhibition is Home For Everyone, a show inspired by the unique situation of sharing a house in New York City. Artists include Kelly Zou, Agnes Bodor, Natsumi Goldfish and Vivienne Strauss. Home For Everyone is on show until September 30.
Incubator Gallery
This gallery located in Bushwick will soon host an eclectic group show titled Incurable Illusions. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, September 7 from 1–5pm, and the exhibition will run through September 28.
International Studio & Curatorial Program
Creative hub ISCP is featuring Nifemi Ogunro: The First Act, which is the first institutional solo exhibition for the designer and sculptor. This show will run through October 3. But before that, there’s an opportunity to attend an opening reception for a new exhibition titled Carried Over. The opening takes place on Tuesday, September 9 from 6–8pm and will include a conversation between artists Remy Jungerman, Belinda Kazeem-Kamiński, and a curator. Carried Over is a group exhibition that explores the term diaspora and includes the work of artists with African and Indigenous roots from around the world.
Higher Pictures
This gallery is located in Dumbo, but it’s worth the short trip across Brooklyn to check out what’s new. This summer’s featured exhibition is by photographer Susan Meiselas. Her 44 Irving Street 1970 – 1971 is a series of her earliest works. Ask the gallerists to tell you more about Meiselas—this is her fourth solo exhibition with Higher Pictures. The show runs from May 27 through August 9.
Carvalho
This Bushwick art gallery features both emerging and mid-career artists from around the globe. Think of work that defies categorization, and draws from visual art, performing arts, crafts, and other mediums. While the gallery is currently closed between exhibitions, it’s worth checking Carvalho’s website as summer wraps up to get the scoop on upcoming shows for the fall and beyond. You can get a taste of the gallery’s vibe by checking out their past exhibitions.
Studio Tours
Visiting the studio spaces of working artists takes you beyond the realm of galleries and museums, and gives you an inside view of the creative process. There are a number of art studios across NYC where you can book a studio tour, including in Brooklyn. Here are a few to consider.
Brooklyn Street Art Tour
Immerse yourself in Bushwick’s street art with this Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour which you can book on Viator. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the graffiti artists whose work you’ll encounter, as well as info on the Bushwick Collective.
Brooklyn Galleries Guided Art Tours
This private tour via Art Smart will take you to around 6–14 of Brooklyn’s best galleries, including Williamsburg’s Boiler and Pierogi gallery. On some tours, if the timing works out, you can also explore a selection of artist studios. It’s best to contact the tour company in advance if that’s your intention, so they can make sure to schedule you for a tour during the open studio times. All tours are led by qualified art historians who will guide you through Brooklyn’s art scene and provide context as you explore.
Graff Tours
Check out more than 25 vibrant murals on the facades of neighborhood warehouses when you take this street art tour of Bushwick.
Other Brooklyn Art Studio Tours
Some art studios only open for public visits on select weekends during the year. In these cases, you’ll want to plan ahead and schedule your trip around your chosen event. Ones worth looking into include: Greenpoint Open Studios, Dumbo Open Studios, and Powerhouse Arts Studios.
For more information, and the latest exhibition details, take a look at WAGMAG. This Brooklyn art guide lists all the borough’s current and upcoming art shows, with locations, times, maps, and reviews.
