Brooklyn History Tours, Virtual and in-Person

Explore the social and architectural history of the borough through a variety of tour offerings from the Municipal Art Society.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 12:23pm

The Municipal Art Society is offering a series of virtual and in-person tours throughout February that explore the history and architecture of Brooklyn. The tours cover topics like the abolitionist movement, the cultural district around the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Greenpoint neighborhood, and preservation efforts in New York City before the Landmarks Law was passed in 1965.

Why it matters

These tours provide an opportunity for both locals and visitors to dive deeper into Brooklyn's rich history and appreciate the social, cultural, and architectural significance of the borough. The virtual and in-person formats cater to different preferences and accessibility needs, making the tours more inclusive.

The details

The tour offerings include a virtual exploration of the abolitionist movement in Brooklyn, an in-person walking tour of the Brooklyn Academy of Music cultural district, a Valentine's Day tour of Greenpoint focusing on its social and architectural history, and a virtual look at preservation efforts in New York City before the Landmarks Law was passed in 1965. Tickets range from $15 to $35, with discounts available for Municipal Art Society members.

  • The Abolitionist Movement in Brooklyn virtual tour is on Wednesday, February 4 from 6-7:30 p.m.
  • The Brooklyn Academy of Music Cultural District in-person tour is on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • The Greenpoint in-person tour is on Saturday, February 14 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • The Preservation Before the Landmarks Law virtual tour is on Thursday, February 19 from 6-7:30 p.m.

The players

Municipal Art Society

A non-profit organization that promotes the livability and vibrancy of New York City through education, advocacy, and thought leadership on urban planning and design.

Suzanne Spellen

Brownstoner columnist who will lead the virtual tour exploring the abolitionist movement in Brooklyn.

Matt Postal

Architectural historian who will lead the in-person tour of the Brooklyn Academy of Music cultural district.

Zack Rhodes

MAS guide who will lead the in-person tour of Greenpoint, exploring the neighborhood's social and architectural history.

James Russiello

Historian who will lead the virtual tour on preservation efforts in New York City before the Landmarks Law was passed in 1965.

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The takeaway

These tours provide a unique opportunity for both locals and visitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Brooklyn's rich history, from its social movements to its architectural landmarks. The diverse range of tour topics and formats cater to different interests and accessibility needs, making the borough's history more accessible to a wider audience.