Brooklyn, New York

Pioneer Works

An unconventional space for art and science housed in a massive old warehouse.

In a Civil-War-era iron works building, artist Dustin Yellin has created a 25,000-square-foot paradise of artistic curiosity and exhibition to house his monumental art work.

While much of his own art work was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy, Yellin ensures that the center goes on with classes and residencies in the stunning, cavernous space and outdoor sculpture garden.

The center is named after Pioneer Iron Works which originally inhabited the building in 1866. The company created machinery for sugar production, shipping many of their wares to Cuba in the late 1800s and then to Puerto Rico in the early 1900s.

Continuing a tradition of innovation and hands-on artistry, the center hosts classes in topics like lock-picking, leather-working and electroplating. Often paired with lectures or current exhibitions, the programming is designed to be accessible for people with no prior expertise but great intellectual appetite.