Weird & Unusual Attractions in Brooklyn, United States
1. Brooklyn's Ghostbusters Firehouse
A fire station turned Ghostbusters museum showcasing movie memorabilia and props.
- Unique Museum: Only museum dedicated to the Ghostbusters franchise
- Historical Fire Station: Originally built in 1906 as a firehouse
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes a working replica of the Ecto-1 car
2. The Coney Island Mermaid Parade
An annual celebration featuring mermaids, musicians, and colorful costumes.
- Unique Cultural Event: A festival that combines art, music, and the sea
- Historical Significance: Celebrated for over four decades in Coney Island
- Community Involvement: Participants and spectators join from all over the city
3. The Transit Museum's Subway Car Pavilion
An outdoor exhibition of historic subway cars and artifacts.
- Transportation History: Showcases the evolution of New York's iconic subway system
- Unique Setting: Exhibit is located in a former subway station
- Interactive Experience: Visitors can explore and learn inside vintage subway cars
4. The Barclays Center Oculus
A striking centerpiece of the Barclays Center featuring a large, swirling design.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by acclaimed architect Santiago Calatrava
- Light Display: The oculus emits a dynamic and changing light show
- Community Hub: Serves as a gathering space for concerts, sports events, and more
5. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade Ghost Bike
A ghost bike memorial dedicated to cyclists killed in accidents.
- Remembrance and Awareness: Honors lost cyclists and raises awareness for road safety
- Community Tribute: Symbolizes a network of similar memorials across the city
- Public Art: Features a white bike locked to a railing, symbolizing a fallen cyclist
6. The Mysterious Brooklyn Bridge Wishing Tree
A tree located near the bridge where visitors leave notes and trinkets.
- Urban Legend: Legend states that making a wish will ensure safe passage under the bridge
- Community Connection: Serves as a symbol of hope and unity for commuters and visitors alike
- Natural Oasis: Provides a peaceful respite amidst the bustling cityscape
7. The Freak Weekend at Luna Park Coney Island
A weekend-long festival featuring carnival rides, games, and strange attractions.
- Carnival Celebration: Combines the classic Coney Island boardwalk with a twist
- Adult-Oriented Fun: Offers unique, adult-themed rides and activities
- Community Bonding: Brings together a diverse crowd for a fun-filled weekend
8. The Jean-Michel Basquiat Mural at Goldberg's Bagels
A famous mural by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat located on a Brooklyn bagel shop.
- Street Art History: One of the artist's earliest and best-known public works
- Community Landmark: Serves as a symbol of the neighborhood's vibrant arts scene
- Local Business Tie-in: The mural and bagel shop have become synonymous with each other
9. The Brooklyn Mirage Nightclub
An open-air nightclub featuring cutting-edge visuals and music experiences.
- Unique Venue: One of the few open-air clubbing destinations in NYC
- Electronic Music Focus: Primarily hosts electronic dance music events
- Immersive Experience: Features large-scale, immersive visuals and sound systems
10. The Woolworth Building's Gargoyles
A collection of intricately-designed gargoyles adorning the Woolworth Building.
- Architectural Detail: Each gargoyle is unique, showcasing a range of themes and motifs
- Historical Significance: Designed by architect Cass Gilbert in the early 20th century
- Community Landmark: Serves as a visual symbol of downtown Brooklyn's history and growth
11. The Bizarre Bus in McCarren Park
An abandoned, graffiti-covered school bus repurposed as an art installation.
- Urban Art Installation: Serves as a canvas for local and visiting artists
- Community Hub: Provides an area for gatherings, performances, and events
- Abandoned Vehicle Transformation: Showcases the creative potential of reclaimed spaces
12. The Green-Wood Cemetery's Historic Sites
A historic cemetery featuring burial sites of notable figures and unique monuments.
- Historical Significance: Final resting place of over half a million people, including many famous New Yorkers
- Urban Oasis: Offers a peaceful respite amidst the bustling cityscape
- Architectural Landmarks: Features a variety of unique and beautiful mausoleums and chapels
13. The Brooklyn Bazaar's Pop-Up Arcade
A retro arcade featuring classic video games and unique experiences.
- Nostalgic Experience: Offers a taste of the past with classic video games
- Community Gathering Space: Brings together gaming enthusiasts for friendly competition and camaraderie
- Unique Experiences: Includes VR experiences, karaoke rooms, and tabletop games
14. The Coney Island Art Walls
A collection of murals by street artists along the Coney Island boardwalk.
- Street Art Showcase: Showcases the work of local and international street artists
- Community Involvement: Offers opportunities for local youth to learn from professional artists
- Urban Renewal: Brings life and color to the Coney Island boardwalk
15. The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Company
A quirky storefront disguising a writing workshop for kids.
- Unique Storefront: Disguises itself as a superhero supply shop
- Writing Workshops: Offers creative writing programs for children and adults
- Community Involvement: Promotes creativity, literacy, and the arts within the community