1 / 3Waterfront Museum
📍 Brooklyn, NY
Free admission museum housed aboard the historic Lehigh Valley Railroad Lighter No. 79 barge, featuring maritime and Lighterage Era artifacts, guided storytelling tours by Captain David, and waterfront views toward the Statue of Liberty.
The Amazing Waterfront Museum The 1914 Barge has been restored beautifully. So cool to be shown around by Captain David who lives there and to find out about the history of the barge and the area. Free to enter, but you can give a donation if you wish. Only open on Thursdays (4-8pm) & Saturdays (1-5pm) - I was lucky to go on a quiet Thursday evening which meant I was the only person there. Plus got some Amazing views of Statue of Liberty at Sunset from right outside the Barge. If your visiting from May onwards they hold lots of different events, so best to check there website :)
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for school-age children with an interest in history, boats, or New York Harbor — the storytelling format keeps kids engaged in a way that static exhibits don't. The intimate scale works well for curious 7-to-12-year-olds.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →92 Google reviews
Claudette
6 years ago
“The Amazing Waterfront Museum The 1914 Barge has been restored beautifully. So cool to be shown around by Captain David who lives there and to find out about the history of the barge and the area. Free to enter, but you can give a donation if you wish. Only open on Thursdays (4-8pm) & Saturdays (1-5pm) - I was lucky to go on a quiet Thursday evening which meant I was the only person there. Plus got some Amazing views of Statue of Liberty at Sunset from right outside the Barge. If your visiting from May onwards they hold lots of different events, so best to check there website :)”
Adriana De Pitkin
5 months ago
“This museum is free and only open 2 days a week: Thursday’s and Saturday’s. They have special events so make sure to checkout the calendar from the website. Is a small museum, love the ambiance and the decor. The views are just beautiful and Captain David he is very nice and friendly, he loves to tell stories and explain you more about the history of the boat. Also, they have Rube Goldberg machine which is super fun to see it in action!”
Lindsey Mayer
7 months ago
“One of NYC’s most unique museums! The museum features a great view and a large collection of bells.”
korra dale
a month ago
“Had a wonderful weekday visit to the Waterfront Museum! Getting in was very easy, with a wait of less than 10 minutes. It’s a unique and charming site that offers a great perspective on maritime history right on the water. A solid 4-star experience for anyone looking for a hidden gem in the city.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Waterfront Museum sits on a fully restored 1914 wooden railroad barge moored in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Captain David, who lives aboard, leads guided tours with personal storytelling about New York Harbor history and the barge's railroad era past. The collection includes maritime artifacts, a large bell collection, and Lighterage Era exhibits. Special events and school group programs run from May onwards. Hours are sparse to two days per week.
