Landmarks
Old Stone House
1930s replica of a Dutch colonial farmhouse that had been constructed on the site in 1699; the original structure was buried under landfill during the regrading of the Park Slope neighborhood in the early 1900s. Features an exibit on the Battle of Brooklyn, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution.
Prospect Park South
The lesser-known historic district on the other side of the Park. It was developed at the turn of the 20th century by Dean Alvord as one of the first suburbs.
Grand Army Plaza
The gateway to Prospect Park, laid out in 1870. The Soldiers and Sailors Arch was added in 1892 as a memorial to the victorious Union Army. The Plaza itself is a large traffic circle surrounded by trees; apartment buildings; the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, itself a large distinctive landmark building; and a memorial bust of President John F. Kennedy. Each June, Grand Army Plaza is the focus for the Welcome Back to Brooklyn Festival for those who lived in the borough.
Park Slope Historic District
One of Brooklyn's most prized brownstone neighborhoods. It is predominantly residential, characterized by late 19th and early 20th century rowhouses with architectural significance. Street signs in the Historic District are brown rather than green.
Pavillion Theater
A historic movie theater across the street from the park. The exterior is nice, and the interior has many old movie posters. Unfortunately, the only way to see the inside is to buy a movie ticket, and seeing a movie at the Pavillion is nowadays considered an overpriced, not-all-that-fun experience.
Brooklyn Museum
Housed in a 560,000-square-foot, Beaux-Arts building, the Brooklyn is the 2nd largest art museum in New York City and one of the largest in the USA. Its world-renowned permanent collections include more than one million objects, from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art, and represent a wide range of cultures. Only a 30-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan, with its own newly renovated subway station, the museum is part of a complex of 19th century parks and gardens that also includes Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Prospect Park Zoo. On the first Saturday of each month, the museum is open until 11PM with free admission and special events.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The garden is 52 acres and the layout was well planned. It is definitely worth a visit. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1910 and open to the public since 1911. The garden includes an authentic Japanese garden, a Children's Garden, and the Cranford Rose Garden. The garden has the largest cherry blossom trees in one place outside of Japan. There are 42 gorgeous varieties. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts various festivities throughout the year, including Hanami Sakura in May and the Chile Pepper Festival in October.