This place is amazing, and well worth the trip to Red Hook. I’ve been twice — my first visit there wasn’t a performance going on, but I learned all about the history of barges on New York rivers and saw a great demonstration of this toy/machine where you put in a golf ball and it spins down many tubes/hits levers/performs cartoon acrobatics etc. My second visit featured a great jazz band playing 20s hits. Definitely come by, and you should also probably visit Sunny’s and Hometown BBQ while you’re at it!
Jeff K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
The Barge is a floating museum and performance space that is a 100 year old landmark(when I wrote this). They run a series of performances like a «Pirate School», a bluegrass band and a hilarious vaudevillian show by Will Shaw. There is right now a neat photo exhibition by Stephon Mallon running for a few more weeks. Sorry if you missed it. It is kid(and parent) friendly with a lot of hands on stuff including the largest collection of bells I’ve seen. That kinetic sculpture by the way is mesmerizing. Catch a show, hang out with Captain David and learn some history. Bonus, visit one of the many foodie spots.
Justin L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
A Perfect Mixture of History and Whimsy for taking your waterfront guests.
Jonathan W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
Wow, this place is awesome and way off the beaten track. Essentially it’s across the street(to the west) of Fairway in Redhook. It’s a floating barge that doubles as a «classroom and showboat.» Apparently it’s the last covered wooden barge of its kind and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We stopped in Thursday night and talked with the proprietor(ie the guy who lives on the boat with his family). There’s an awesome George Rhoads kinetic sculpture and some fascinating pictures and historical items. Admission was free(although a donation was suggested). I would highly recommend a visit if you happen to be in the area during the hours they’re open!