Bargemusic

What to know

Bargemusic is a celebrated classical music venue in Brooklyn, New York, founded in 1977 to serve the community and enhance the city's cultural life through intimate chamber music performances. For nearly 50 years, the organization operated from a converted coffee barge moored at Fulton Ferry Landing on the East River, providing a unique floating concert hall experience. This historic floating venue was located near the Brooklyn Bridge, offering a startlingly beautiful setting for musicians. In 2025, after half a century on the water, Bargemusic moved its concerts to a new terrestrial home: the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse. This architectural jewel at Pier 5 boasts gorgeous floor-to-ceiling views of the East River and the lower Manhattan skyline, maintaining the intimate, communal setting that defined its original location. The transition to the Boathouse was officially christened on April 5, 2025, with a capacity-filled opening concert. Today, the venue hosts both established and emerging musicians on a small stage, continuing its mission of making world-class chamber music accessible to everyone. Since its inception in 1977, the organization has presented close to 9,000 concerts. All current performances at the Boathouse are admission free, ensuring that high-quality musical experiences remain available to as many people as possible.

Visitor tips

• Arrive early as doors open 15 minutes before the concert and no tickets or reservations are needed.
• Keep in mind that food and drink are not permitted inside the Boathouse.
• Plan for a concert length of 1 to 1.5 hours with no intermission.
• If arriving by subway, the Boathouse is a 15-minute walk from Borough Hall station down Joralemon Street.

Nearby context

Located at Pier 5 of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bargemusic is nestled within the waterfront own-landscapes of the East River, providing a convenient stop for those exploring the lower Manhattan skyline views from the Brooklyn side.