Summary of First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum: Free Culture and Fun
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238-6052, USA
Phone +1 718-638-5000
Overview of Target First Saturdays
As one of Brooklyn’s principal cultural destinations, “Target First Saturdays” at the Brooklyn Museum draws thousands of attendees who seek a complimentary evening packed with gallery exhibits, informative talks, live musical performances, free film screenings, and engaging art activities. Each First Saturday event is centered around a unique and stimulating theme. This multi-event, family-oriented celebration spans six hours, from 5 P.M. to 11 P.M., and admission is free.
The museum’s café offers a selection of appetizing sandwiches, salads, and refreshments, while attendees can enjoy wine and beer available for purchase at a cash bar. All galleries are accessible to the public.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ticket Information
It is advisable for visitors to arrive early for specific programs which, due to capacity restrictions, necessitate tickets. Tickets are free of charge, but obtaining one requires queuing up at least thirty minutes prior at the Visitor Center located in the Rubin Lobby. (Museum members receive priority access and can acquire tickets on a same-day basis starting at 2 P.M.)
- Where: 200 Eastern Parkway
- Directions via subway, bus, or car from NYC and the tri-state area
- Contact: (718) 638-5000
- Official website: First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum
- When: The first Saturday of every month.
If a ticketed event piques your interest, it is recommended to arrive promptly, as tickets tend to be limited. Typically, lines begin to form thirty minutes before ticket distribution at the Visitor Center in the Rubin Lobby. Members may collect tickets from the Membership Desk while supplies last.
The themes and detailed schedule are posted a few weeks prior to each “Target First Saturday,” which consistently takes place on the first Saturday of each month. Nevertheless, there is no Target First Saturday event in September, as the Brooklyn Museum hosts several important events related to the West Indian Labor Day Parade and Carnival.
While not all Target First Saturday events maintain the same structure, they generally offer an array of activities inclusive of music, lectures, performances, book club discussions, and more. The term “Target” originates from the sponsoring retailer, Target, which supports this commendable community initiative.
If you are driving, parking is available for a nominal fee of six dollars in their lot, which remains open late for this well-attended monthly event.
Regardless of your planned activities, here are three recommended experiences at Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum:
- Explore the Brooklyn Museum of Art
- Visit the Brooklyn Car exhibit
- Attend various museum events
- Experience current exhibitions
- Discover the Children’s Museum offerings
Additional Museum Information
If you reside locally and possess an NYC ID, you may be eligible for a complimentary museum membership, granting unrestricted access and discounts in the museum gift shop. The Museum Shop is an excellent location to find Brooklyn-themed merchandise, creative toys, and significantly discounted items from past exhibitions that would appeal to any art enthusiast. There is no rush to visit the Museum Shop during Target Free Saturdays, as it remains open until 10 p.m. Additionally, a vast selection of art books is available for purchase. However, the museum boasts an incredible permanent collection that is worth exploring during Target First Saturdays. After enjoying music or lectures in the lobby, make sure to visit the third floor to experience the Temples and Tombs exhibit, featuring the museum’s impressive collection of mummies and Egyptian artifacts. If ancient mummies do not intrigue you, the museum’s collection of ancient Egyptian art, regarded as “one of the largest and finest in the United States,” is celebrated globally. The galleries housing this exceptional collection have been reorganized and reinstalled. You are sure to be captivated by the sculptures, pottery, and artifacts from ancient Egypt.
