Brooklyn Boro

Huge city role in Crown Heights to modernize the Children’s Museum

$7.8M project completed multipurpose auditorium, upgraded interior systems and new glass fiber-gypsum look

September 26, 2022 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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CROWN HEIGHTS – The Brooklyn Children’s Museum revealed on Monday the completion of a $7.8 million renovation on the institution’s auditorium. The new multipurpose and sleek facility can accommodate 162 seats, with 12 on the mezzanine. The project began in Sept. 2020 and was designed by Studio Joseph under DDC’s Project Excellence Program.

The new auditorium features walls with glass fiber-reinforced gypsum panels, which create optimal acoustic conditions and tuck away exposed wiring from automatic control systems in the building. 

“Brooklyn Children’s Museum is thrilled to be opening this beautiful new auditorium and move theater to serve children and caregivers. It’s especially wonderful to open this space just as the weather turns colder and Central Brooklyn families seek indoor activities,” said Brooklyn Children’s Museum President and CEO Stephanie Hill Wilchfort. 

“BCM thanks the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Department of Design and Construction, and the New York City Council for their partnership in realizing the theater, which is expected to serve over 10,000 people annually.”

The auditorium renovation was funded by the mayor’s office, the Brooklyn Borough President and the city council. Beginning with the announcement of a Minions Movie Marathon on Monday, the auditorium will launch a new program: Movies @ BCM, which will offer family movies every weekend and school holidays. 

The newly renovated auditorium at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Crown Heights. Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum

“The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is among the most important institutions in the borough, providing a safe family space for recreation and education, exploration and discovery. The auditorium expands and enhances this neighborhood gem, diversifying its contributions to our community,” said Council Member Chi Ossé. “I commend the DDC and DCLA for their work and investment. The Brooklyn Children’s Museum was a defining centerpiece to my own childhood; I could not be more thrilled to know it will be even better for generations of children to come.”

The Brooklyn Children’s Museum was founded in 1899 and hosts exhibits and programs grounded in visual arts, music, performance, natural science, world cultures and civic engagement. 

The newly renovated multi-purpose auditorium will be used for many purposes that include an after-school program, movies, music and theatre performances, lectures and educational programming, as well as general public rent/use.

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