Site Rental

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Location Shoots at the Brooklyn Historical Society

Housed in an 1881 landmark building, in the brownstone neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, the Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) provides several ideal settings for professional photo and film shoots.

The Othmer Library



From hand-carved bookshelves to period lighting fixtures, the Othmer
Library, a New York City interior landmark, is a spectacular venue that
surrounds visitors with a sense of history and enlightenment. The
Library's columns and bookshelves are detailed with ornate designs in black ash wood. The original wooden book stacks support a surrounding balcony and the room's high windows are capped by beautiful stained glass lunettes. The Library's balcony is suspended by a truss system engineered to mirror the design of the Brooklyn Bridge.

BHS' magnificent collection includes rare books, manuscripts such as Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln. Due to the rare and delicate nature of the collection, food and drink are prohibited in the Library during location shoots. Elevator access is available to the Library on the 2nd floor.

The Tile Lobby


Paintings of historic pastoral Brooklyn line the walls of BHS’ Tile Lobby, located at the foot of the grand hand-carved, ash staircase. The richly patterned Minton Tile floor is the most striking feature of this space.

The Shellens Auditorium - Main Floor

Elegant columns, tall windows and soaring ceilings are the focus of BHS' striking first floor space. This expansive ballroom features wood floors and rich natural lighting from windows that line  the room.

History Discovery Center



Located on the basement level of the building, the HDC room is an ideal space for staging and holding.

Booking Details
Commercial Film Shoots - $800/hr
Commercial Photo Shoots - $500/hr

* Rates are subject to fees for shoots held during the museum's open hours.

BHS offers discounted rates for non-commercial shoots.

Thank you for looking at the Brooklyn Historical Society to host your location shoot. If the date(s) you request are available, you may place them on hold for 3 days. After that period, we ask that you request a contract to confirm your event or the space will be released.

Please contact Allison Auldridge at 718.222.4111 x226 to see any of these spaces and for booking details.

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