Open House New York Weekend is always one of our favorite times of year, when hundreds of sites open their doors to the public on October 15 and 16. We don’t get to see as much as we’d like, however, as we’re almost always working – many of our partner sites are also very active participants in OHNY. This year, both the Brooklyn Navy Yard and Brooklyn Army Terminal will be open, with more to see than ever before. Here’s a quick guide to visiting during OHNY.
Brooklyn Army Terminal
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12pm–5pm
What to see: For the fourth year in a row, we’ll be leading guided tours of the Brooklyn Army Terminal’s atrium that highlight the history and transformation of this architectural masterpiece from military base to industrial park. Tours will depart every hour on the hour and last approximately 45 minutes; there’s no need to sign up in advance, but come early – this is usually one of the most popular sites of the entire OHNY weekend.
While you’re there, be sure to visit Chashama – the arts organization is also holding its open studios at the same time, where you can explore the workspaces of more than 80 artists. You can also grab a bite to eat, as the Terminal’s on-site restaurant, Pete’s Brooklyn Eats, will be open for the weekend.
Nearby: The Army Terminal is admittedly one of the more remote OHNY locations, so you won’t find many nearby sites. We recommend visiting the Sunset Park Material Recovery Center, on 29th St and 2nd Ave – it will be open Saturday only, 10am-2pm. It’s a long walk (30 blocks), but in between, you can stop by Bush Terminal Park (43rd St & 1st Ave) or grab a bite to eat at the Industry City Food Hall (36th St & 2nd Ave). If you’re looking for a spot to eat near the Army Terminal, Rosa’s Bakery (4th Ave & 59th St) serves spectacular Mexican food.
Brooklyn Navy Yard
When: Saturday ONLY, 12pm–5pm
What to see: More than 50 artists studios, workshops, and factories will be open throughout the Navy Yard. Your best bet is to start your journey at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92, located at the corner of Flushing Avenue and Carlton Avenue, where you can pick up a map, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, and ask the staff for directions to the participating locations scattered throughout the Yard. Many of the sites are also clustered very nearby BLDG 92, including in Buildings 3, 5, 30, and 280. Just remember that there is no rhyme or reason to the numbers of the buildings, so, for example, 120 and 121 are nowhere near each other.
We recommend stopping by Building 10 to see metalworking company Ferra Designs, head to the 10th floor of Building 3 for letterpress print shop Woodside Press, and stop by Tatiana Arocha’s studio and Scott Jordan’s factory in Buidling 280. Use the map below to plan your visit, or view a complete listing of locations.
Nearby: There are several spots around Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Dumbo that have open access, including tours of Pratt Institute (Saturday only at 10am, 11:30am, and 1pm – no reservation required), and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park, which will offer first-come-first-served tours inside the monument every 30 minutes, 11am–3pm on Saturday only.
Other Recommendations:
- Brooklyn Grange, Long Island City – Saturday, 11am–4pm
- Essex Street Market, Lower East Side – Saturday & Sunday, 10am–6pm (tours both days at 12pm & 2pm)
- Little Red Lighthouse, Washington Heights – Sunday, 10am–4pm (tours are first-come-first-served)
- Lite Brite Neon Studio, Gowanus – Saturday, 10am–4pm
- Lowline Lab, Lower East Side – Saturday & Sunday, 11am–5pm
- Marine Air Terminal, Jackson Heights – Saturday & Sunday, 10am–2pm
- Staten Island MakerSpace, Stapleton
Did you miss Open House New York this year? Join our tours for unique insiders experiences of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Army Terminal, public markets, and street food vending, offered year round to public and private groups. Check out our new lineup of Inside Industry Tours, that explore how things are made in New York City.
