Come during the day to admire some of New York’s most grandiose architecture. Then return at night to watch rock and roll in a classic venue.
Located on a relatively quiet street in the residential Fort Greene neighborhood, the Brooklyn Masonic Temple is a surprise in many ways. Built in 1909 for $4 million, the huge structure is meant to exactly replicate King Solomon’s Temple. Unique even among other Masonic temples, it was sold by its original Masonic order and now serves largely as an event venue, used for meetings, parties and concerts by local rock bands. Visit the Brooklyn Masonic Temple to party all night in what is reputed to be one of Brooklyn’s loudest concert venues or just come to see the unique architecture alluding to Masonic themes.
Be awed by the sheer size of the building, whose columns seem to stretch skyward up the highly decorated exterior. Look up at the mosaic-inspired decorations that sit just under the lip of the roof, echoing classical designs.
Try to spot all the Masonic references peppered into nearly every piece of art as well as several bronze rounds set into the walls.
Admire how the lack of renovation has given an even more classical appearance to the stone, which seems to have been weathered by the winds of time.
Enter the building to see more Masonic references, including in murals stretching alongside marble staircases.
Explore the series of floors and corridors connecting the building’s various rooms, a great boon for party planners all over the neighborhood. Enter the 1,000-seat auditorium and dance to the music.
Find the Brooklyn Masonic Temple in Central Brooklyn, across the street from the Fort Greene Flea Market and adjacent to the Queen of All Saints Church. The closest subway and train connections are at Atlantic Terminal, a 5-minute drive or 10-minute walk away and offering easy connections throughout the city.
Get to the temple in 40 minutes by subway or 30 minutes by car from Midtown Manhattan. Parking is available at the rear of the building, though it fills easily on concert nights. Find additional parking on the adjacent residential streets.
Tickets to concerts are not sold through the venue, so check online in advance.
