Can you imagine a museum built just for kids? Right here in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, stands the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. It’s not just any children’s museum. It’s the very first one in the United States, established in 1899. Some even say it’s the first children’s museum worldwide. This museum is a pioneer, built in a surprisingly residential area.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum started in a grand fashion, inside the historic Adams House. Initially, it focused on introducing city kids to the wonders of nature. After World War II, the museum’s focus shifted to include technology and cultural understanding. The museum moved to its current location under Brower Park in 1975. This innovative, multi-level underground gallery is a perfect space for ever-changing exhibits. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum believes in engaging young minds early on. Children have played a major role in shaping the exhibits, offering their input throughout the museum’s history.
The museum’s early days saw rapid growth. Monthly visits soared past 13,000 by October 1905. In 1929, the museum expanded with the Smith House annex. The 1930s brought a boost from the Works Progress Administration, providing hundreds of workers during the Great Depression. Artist Ellis Credle, before becoming a well-known author, even painted murals here. By 1939, the museum had welcomed over nine million visitors. It even branched out, opening MUSE, the Bedford Lincoln Neighborhood Museum, in 1968.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum isn’t just about history; it’s about the future, too. In 2008, a major expansion and renovation doubled its size. This made it New York City’s first green museum, a testament to its commitment to the environment. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is also collaborating with the Brooklyn Public Library. A part of the museum building now houses the Brower Park Library branch, which opened in 2023. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum continually evolves. It’s a place where learning is an adventure, inviting kids to explore and discover.