OPENING 4/17 AT 240 3RD AVE

The Hall of Gowanus

The Hall of Gowanus is a community-curated archive of art, artifacts and documents related to the history and environment of the Gowanus Canal, a post-industrial waterway that has played a central role in Brooklyn and national history.

The archive was conceived and community-curated from 2005 - 2015 at Proteus Gowanus, an interdisciplinary gallery at 543 Union Street. Artifacts were donated by community members, often found during their walks or canoe trips along the canal. Since then the collection has been exhibited throughout the neighborhood, including: Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s Lowlands Nursery and office; the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club boathouse and 19th St Dock; the Gowanus Souvenir Shop; and on this storymap. 

As the Superfund clean-up has progressed, the Archaeology Committee of the Gowanus Community Advisory Group has worked with the Gowanus Remediation Trust to add additional artifacts found in the Canal to the collection. Currently stewarded by Arts Gowanus, Gowanus Canal Conservancy and other stakeholders, the Hall of Gowanus is a vital historical, ecological, educational and artistic resource. It is our hope that the archive finds a permanent home in the neighborhood.