A first look at the massive new cultural space that just opened in Brooklyn

L10 Arts and Cultural Center, the huge new multidisciplinary hub that just debuted at 10 Lafayette Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn, is set to completely change the neighborhood's ethos.

The 65,000-square-foot will soon host a vast range of cultural programs and activities by four giant local institutions. Specifically, the destination is home to a brand-new branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, a gallery and performance space for the Museum of African Diasporan Art (MoCADA), a novel archival space and cinemas operated by the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and the first permanent space for arts organization 651 ARTS.

“The opening of the L10 Arts and Culture Center represents a monumental investment in the cultural vitality of Downtown Brooklyn and New York City as a whole,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer in an official statement. “This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a vital community hub and will elevate and support the incredible talents of New Yorkers. By prioritizing spaces like L10, we are ensuring that New York City remains a global hub for culture, creativity and innovation for generations to come.”

According to a press release, the library's newest brand will actually be its first “dedicated entirely to the arts.” Expect a curated collection of books, music, magazines and plays to be available for browsing on site. 

The new MoCADA Cultural Lab II, on the other hand, will serve as the organization's flagship, also operating an adjoining cafe and performance space. 

As for BAM, the institution's latest address will be the site of two 108-seat cinemas, a 25-seat screening room and a black box theater. 

Particularly exciting is 651 ARTS’ new permanent home, where artists will get to produce and present all sorts of programming, from theater shows to dance, music and more. 

The new center was built within the larger 460,000-square-foot mixed-use residential tower that opened in the area back in 2017, so visitors will notice over 70 units of affordable housing, plus ground floor retail spaces currently occupied by Apple and Whole Foods, and a new public plaza where officials hope to set up farmers markets and public performances.

It's the dawn of a new cultural era in downtown Brooklyn—and we’re here for it.