Brooklyn Museum

Introduction

The Brooklyn Museum is an encyclopedic art museum in New York City with roots dating to the nineteenth century. Its collection spans cultures and periods from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary work and is particularly known for its Egyptian holdings, arts of the Americas, and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.

Art and Artists

Jewish and Israeli representation are both strengths. The museum holds substantial Judaica and works by Jewish artists, including Chagall, Max Liebermann, Jack Levine, and others. Avniel is among the Israeli artists included in the collection.

Brooklyn is also a provenance leader, publicly addressing Nazi-era seizures and restitution through a dedicated research project.

Policies

The museum provides general contact and inquiry channels but no dedicated public reporting mechanism for bias or discrimination. Solicitation is restricted unless pre-authorized, but no public policy was found that explicitly prohibits antisemitism.

All staff are required to participate in statewide mandated anti-bias training.

Community Engagement and Programming

Partnerships with Jewish organizations are wide-ranging.

The museum recognizes several other heritage months but has historically not recognized Jewish American Heritage Month.

Problematic Events

Since late 2023, the Brooklyn Museum has faced repeated instances of anti-Israel activism. More than 60 employees signed a letter urging the museum to characterize Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, while subsequent protests disrupted museum operations and called for divestment from Israel-linked interests. In November 2023, zines were displayed at the Museum that read, “From the river to the sea” and “From NYC to Gaza, Globalize the Intifada.” In May 2024, protesters occupied parts of the museum, damaged property, and prompted an early closure and multiple arrests. Weeks later, the director’s home was vandalized with red paint and anti-Zionist messages, an incident the museum condemned as intimidation. Activist pressure continued through 2024 and 2025 through artist letters, boycott demands, and coordinated protest interventions.

Bottom Line

The Brooklyn Museum already has the collection and provenance foundation for stronger Jewish engagement. Clearer reporting mechanisms and public policies prohibiting antisemitism would help convert collection depth into a more visible and sustained public commitment.