Whether the Museum is in your backyard, a family routine, or a personal pilgrimage, there are plenty of reasons to keep coming back—and there’s always something new to see. This guide is for visitors who are familiar with the Museum and want to take a closer look at a few of our exhibitions, standout objects, and recent additions. 

If this is you, consider becoming a Member: you’ll enjoy free admission to the Museum and all ticketed exhibitions, discounts on public programs and the Shop, exclusive previews and viewing hours, and much more. Then, read on to find some new favorites that you can visit time and again. 

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Second Floor

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Argan Div Brings the Chest of Armor to Hamza, Arts of Asia

Artworks on paper, like this watercolor illustration, are sensitive to light and can be exhibited only for limited periods of time; catch them while you can! This page features a scene from an illustrated copy of the Dastan-I Amir Hamzah, or Adventures of Amir Hamza, an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad who inspired many fantastic stories in the early days of Islam. This particular copy, commissioned by the Mughal emperor Akbar, is one of the most elaborate ever created. It includes 1,400 paintings and took more than 50 artists 15 years to complete. 

Head of a Guardian, Arts of Asia

This large green head is a fixture of our Arts of Japan galleries. Have you given it a good look in the eye? To create the figure’s naturalistic eyes, the artist carved and polished rock crystal and then painted it from the back with details including red veins. Charged with protecting the temple and its worshippers, this fearsome guardian is portrayed as ever-vigilant and never-blinking, complete with bloodshot eyes.

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Third Floor 

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Sakimatwemtwe: A Century of Reflection on the Arts of Africa

A century ago, the Brooklyn Museum launched a landmark exhibition presenting works from African regions. It was one of the first displays in the United States to recognize these creations as art rather than ethnographic objects. Sakimatwemtwe: A Century of Reflection on the Arts of Africa considers this legacy with a focus on the Lega sakimatwemtwe figure, which represents the wisdom of considering multiple perspectives. Explore this history as well as modern works by artists such as Ernest Mancoba.

Female Figure, Ancient Egyptian Art

This terra-cotta figurine, affectionately known as the Bird Lady, has long been a signature of the Brooklyn Museum’s world-class collection of ancient Egyptian art. As one of the oldest objects in our galleries, she predates the invention of writing, meaning scholars can’t be sure what she represents. 

On your next visit, find a decorated jar in a nearby case. The jar depicts figures in poses similar to the Bird Lady’s, helping scholars understand the significance of such sculptures.

God Tutu as a Sphinx, Ancient Egyptian Art

Are you looking to improve your luck? Turn to Tutu! This ancient Egyptian god first became popular in the Late Period (664–332 B.C.E.) and was responsible for fate and fortune. He usually took the form of a sphinx, as in this sculpture that was recently added to the galleries. He derived at least some of his power from the demons he controlled: look for a lion’s head on his chest, a crocodile between his legs, two cobras under his paws, and one more for a tail.

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Fourth Floor

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Pool Lounger, Decorative Arts and Design

This pool lounger is a star of a recent gift of postmodernist furniture designed in Italy in the 20th century. The style is characterized by unconventional shapes and materials in bold and playful colors.

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More to explore

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After your deep dive in the galleries, you may want to unwind at one of our public programs. Hear from world-class artists at Brooklyn Talks or snag a reservation for First Saturdays, which brings artists, performers, and visitors into the Museum to celebrate everything that makes Brooklyn unique. (Remember that Members get 40% off tickets to public programs.) Plus, stop by our weekly Brooklyn Pop-Up Market to check out the latest offerings from local artisans. There’s always something new to discover.

 

Corinne Segal is Senior Digital Producer at the Brooklyn Museum. Elizabeth Treptow is Digital Content Producer at the Brooklyn Museum.