Pioneer Works

One of the coolest venues for concerts I've been to in NYC. Spacious floor with lots of good views of the stage, and an awesome outdoor area to sit, drink, or smoke.

Hard to get to. Let’s just say that first. From most places in Brooklyn, it feels like a journey. And perhaps that’s the point. You don’t stumble into Pioneer Works. You commit. You make the little pilgrimage. And if the timing’s right, you arrive just in time to see a room-sized baby get cut in half. That was the first time I visited PW to see King Solomon’s Baby by MSCHF—a piece that does exactly what they’re known for: spectacle with teeth. Capitalism as game show. The space itself, part cathedral, part backyard hang. Red brick. High ceilings. A garden where everyone’s pretending not to vape. It’s both too far away and kind of right where it should be. Big challenging art feels at home here: a giant baby can be bisected while the DJ spins edm and the sky still looks welcoming overhead. Impeccable

Very interesting small museum. It's also a performance space sometimes. I saw a fantastic show with the Sun Ra Arkestra in May.

Inspiring energy, beautiful space. Cutting edge programming as well. Kid friendly and raw.

Wonderful sound…amazing outdoor space… Great for music loud and small!

Amazing venue. Beautiful inside, great sound, and amazing space outside. Looking forward to my next visit!

Great programs running in this innovative rehabbed space. I love the outdoor garden space. The ONLY thing missing is better food options. All they sell is chips at the bar! Why can’t they offer at least a food cart in the garden space!?! It’s foolish to sell beer without more Food options.

It is a really beautiful space. The venue has a really cool, historical factory look. I came at night to see Moritz Von Oswald, who is a pioneer in techno dub music. The place was packed, but everyone was very mellow, and the vibe was good. The acoustics were perfect. They had a bar outside with a fire pit to keep warm. All the staff were nice. I loved it.

Great venue to see a live music show. I love that there's an outdoor space to get some fresh air. Loved that there were free earplugs.

This was an interesting art studio we stopped in while out and it seems like a cool place to show up for a scheduled performance or just as we did -- stumbling into one as it seems artists come to show off their talents while it's open. What I liked was the courtyard/rock garden outside which had urban art all around such a painted jeep and scrap metal constructed into different things while rocks and benches were about to hang out but observe the pieces. Inside the gallery there was lots of wall art to check out kind of like a contemporary museum. We also caught a performance going that was interesting to say the least with improvised dance and story telling. While leaving it appeared a band was setting up to perform, so the idea that so much can take place in the span of just a couple hours and an opportunity for artists of all types to show off that they enjoy doing while in a place that didn't cost anything to enter is pretty cool. If in the area, this is a cool place to pass by, there could be some cool things to see here that could be a pleasant surprise.

Background on Pioneer Works: Located in Red Hook, the building was originally constructed in 1866 to house Pioneer Iron Works, a factory for constructing large scale machines required by industry, including railroad tracks and machinery for sugar plantations. In 2012 the space opened to the public as a non-profit cultural center. The center builds community through the arts and sciences to create an open and inspired world, i.e. collaborative concerns, Art exhibits ect... I came here for People Music Festival and it is an amazing venue for a concert. A ton of time and energy must have been put into renovating this building from a factory to a venue. The main space downstairs where concerts are held is big enough to house two separate stages as well as a merch booth, customer service booth, a couple food vendors, and a bar. Although deliberately renovated, the building still has a very cool industrial aspect to it and you can still feel and see the history of the building. One of my favorite aspects of this place is probably the garden. Initially, the half-acre garden was a junkyard filled with debris, boulders, and years of accumulated trash. Now the space hosts a massive Keith Haring mural, tons tons of benches, fire pits, and beautifully landscaped garden. There's also a massive three level bar with picturesque views of Red Hook and city scape from the third story. The staff was friendly, the place was very clean, and all systems from venue entry to ordering food and drinks was quite efficient. Bathrooms located inside and depending on the event a ton of portable toilets are set up against a back wall in the garden. Important to note the portable toilets were probably the cleanest I've ever used. Lastly, Red Hook in Brooklyn is just a really cool area. Tons of artists, good restaurants, there is a pier with a museum on the water. My experience at Pioneer Works was absolutely one of the best I've had at a venue. Hoping to come back soon.

Failed to designate a clear ADA section at general admission concert. No accommodations information was apparent upon check-in to the event at the front of the space. The two desk staff women I asked for a chair to accommodate my broken bones told me that the "left-hand area in front of the stage is the ADA area," but then offered NO chair (I asked), and did not follow through with event staff near the actual stage. I ended up squatting against a wall with a heavily pregnant woman waiting for help. Heavily pregnant, differently-abled, and injured patrons (self included) had to have companions ask multiple members of staff for assistance simply to find a chair. Our "area" was not roped off, taped off, or protected in any way, so it was quickly crowded with ostensibly able-to-stand individuals, obscuring even a hint of a view. Will post photo of my terrible view of the stage. Update: Eventually an event staffer (brunette woman) loudly asked some people to move, for which we were grateful, but we had to keep fighting for space. All of this could have been avoided with preparation and communication.

I have enjoyed several exhibitions at Pioneer Works and think it provides great space and services to artists. However, I am concerned about how Pioneer Works conceives of its relationship to its surrounding community. This month, friends and I witnessed a Pioneer Works representative giving what appeared to be a corporate tour of the space. The representative said something along the lines of, "87% of Pioneer Works' programming is free. This is important to us because we want to engage the local community. Around here it's quite gentrified, but if you go two blocks over, it's the projects. So it's great that we provide so much free programming to the community." I urge Pioneer Works to think more critically about how to serve its community, beginning with educating their staff not to think and speak of its immediate community derisively as "the projects" that are best served by the half-hearted offering of majority free programming.

Pioneer Works is more than just a gallery space. They have a ton going on, as evidenced by the tour they gave us as part of Red Hook Immersion. The director Gabe was kind enough to take time out of his day to show us all three floors of the building, which took about an hour. The first floor was their exhibit space, and there was lots to see. When we went, the exhibit was Derrick Adams' "ON", which had performance parts as well as set pieces. And a yoga room. Upstairs, we also saw the cool work/display spaces of other artists in residence. Lots of cool people doing cool stuff. There was also a virtual reality studio as well as a 3D printer, and Gabe said they encourage artists to work with mediums they're not familiar with, to see how they can make new connections. Really great way to foster creativity. Of course, we also went to the garden for some beers afterwards. They have this tin shack with a recording studio on the second floor (don't worry, there's double paned glass) and a roof deck with a bar. They also host classes, have their own zine, play live music, and even have dinner parties. Go check these guys out!

Such a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Today was my third visit to Red Hook, which is practically the other side of town for me. I had to make the trip to see PÒTOPRENS, an exhibition showcasing the urban artists of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It's free with a suggested donation of $10 to support their work as a nonprofit organization. The gallery and event space is ah-mazing. There are so many aesthetic features to love such as the open space, exposed brick wall and wooden beams, white wall, plenty of windows that brought in so much daylight, the garden, and studios for artists-in-residence for six months on the top floors. Even the restrooms looked great. I had to resist taking a photo lol. The exhibition itself was pretty cool. There were a few pieces that I loved, but the film portion was my favorite. It's always nice to be a tourist in my hometown, discovering new spaces. As a former industrial factory built in the late 1800s then converted into a cultural center, I didn't see any elevators. I didn't ask either. So be prepared to take the stairs. I cannot even begin to imagine the experience of a private evening event or garden party. I hope to visit again soon.

I came here super last minute for a Miguel Concert and it was really really nice! The place was very spacious so even though there were a lot of people, we all had adequate space to move around. It was a very chill and positive vibe, which was amazing. And the outside of the place was beautiful, I'm sad I didn't get pictures, but we wanted to get a good spot to see Miguel. Anyways, I'm sure I'll make it here again so I'll update this review when the time comes. Miguel is an amazing performer. Many of the songs we all know and love just sounded so much better live. He had a real and raw loving energy about him. I was in awe and so focused on him, it was really great. The space played a big part in tying everything together. His vibe and energy, the performances, his band, the lighting, the art, the people, everything was just right. We had to leave right after the last song, but I had a really great time and hope to be able to come back here again!

Great place to see art, with a rotating lineup of shows, lectures and performances. Overall rating is lower because the prices are very steep ($6 for a Tecate, $11 for a good beer) which is surprising since Pioneer Works is very comfortably funded compared to most arts organizations in the city.

One star for the total lack of consideration to the Red Hook community on days like today where a DJ starts screaming at decibels high enough to be heard across the entire town and music played just as loud. All before 11am and it goes ALL DAY LONG. I'm all for cool artists doing their thing, but this kind of thing is wrong and not the first time they pulled this. A concert at reasonable noise levels after 12 noon would be acceptable, supported and encouraged no matter what style of music it was, but to be forced to hear this noise all day long from my kitchen to the supermarket and everywhere in between is just wrong. Although the art exhibits are really interesting and they generally provide the community with very positive cultural artistry. This racket they feel is ok to blast out removes all the good.

Wonderful exhibition and event space in the heart of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The center has a main tall gallery space, two additional smaller side rooms, two floors for artists in residence cool artsy classes, and a wonderful garden make this art space a chimera. I love to come here every other month to check what they are up to with exhibits and artists in residence. I also like to come here in the summer for outdoor music events. I dream to organize my wedding in their garden!

I came here for a Lumineers Benefit concert last Wednesday. This venue is beautiful and I can't wait to return. As soon as I left the concert I was on pioneer works website to check out their event calendar. I am looking forward to returning.

First time at pioneer works it is a very beautiful venue. They had art displayed that was very unique. Went there for a concert for Miguel's album promotion War & Leisure. He is a great performer real tells a store in stage. Interact with the crowd and brings the song to life. The last song he perform "Sky walker" which is the single on the new album is what I was waiting to hear all night. It's such a dope song. His band was amazing one of the best bands I've seen!

While I would love to give this space 5 stars, and trust me, i would LOVE to give this place 5 stars, I just can't due to the location. Honestly it's pretty much impossible to get anywhere of note in Red Hook via public transportation, and this place really is no different. It's quite a decent walk from the closest train stop which I believe is the F train, but if you can make it out here you should. I came here last Thursday for a really cool event that Questlove DJed and the space itself is set up kind of strange and really cool. We walked in the main entrance which is essentially a garage opening. The ceilings are REALLY high so the place seems bigger than it is. It also has an outdoor area with seating and a fire pit (there is a good chance that firepit was only there for the event, but I supposed you will have to go by and find out for sure) so it's really nice. I would like to come by some time again for an actual art opening or art exhibit, I'm just going to need a ride from someone, because I don't really want to take the Ikea Express Boat! Anyways, if you're in the area check this place out, it's great.

Attended a free discussion on dark energy and dark matter. It was really enjoyable. The venue is large with super high ceilings and it has a garden. When I went there on a Thursday night, they sold drinks (wine, beer, etc.) and I'm pretty certain I saw a small kiosk in the garden selling pupusas. I'm really intrigued by all of the programs being offered here. I will be back.

If you have an opportunity to see a show here you should. From the high ceiling and the expos d wood beams to the shipping contained fort/bar outside to the secret garden pathways... this place is dooooope. Only minus is they didn't have much of a drink selection. BYO flask?

OMG!!! This place is super DOPE!!! I attended the summer finale of "Soul in the Horn", featuring DJ Lowdown Loretta Brown AKA Erykah Badu and had a BALL!!! When I walked into the joint my mouth dropped. I had the privilege of VIP, so I was able to see the entire venue from multiple vantage points and it only increased the intrigue beauty. I noticed that there was a space outside with what appeared to be a rooftop, can't wait to return to check that out.

This is such a cool event space!! It's one huge room inside with extremely high ceilings. The bathroom is well-kept and clean. They had tables set up as a makeshift bar, and although the line was long, it went quickly. The outside garden area is beautiful and relaxing to wander around - lots of plants and greenery, weeping willows, rocks/pebbles covering the walkways, seating on rocks and wood. There was also a taco truck when I was there. We came for a Tallest Man on Earth concert (which was so so good!) and I'd be happy to come back for more events in the future - great space!!

I started coming here for second Sunday's a year or two back and I've been coming back ever since. It's a fantastic resource for local artists and a fantastic resource for people who want to see all sorts of amazing art.

This place is a Mickey Mouse operation. I came all the way from Manhattan to view the Solid Light Works exhibition on a rainy, snowy, windy Friday afternoon. When I finally get there the girl at the front desk was like ohh ups, that exhibition is closed today because we have a show. But you can check out the other floors. Well, I didnt come to check out the other floors. Ohh well it is usually posted on our website or somewhere else but we didn't post about it today. Hmmm okei but you guys have computers here and it takes 30 sec. to post on any social media screen that that exhibition is closed today. Ohh yeah but we didnt. Great! The service and consideration here is first class! Also, take into account that the exhibition closes next week. Who runs this place? Eric Trump?

Your exploration of the metropolitan area is not complete without a visit to Red Hook. Yes, a trek. You will enjoy the 20 min walk from the subway, tho. Pioneer Works is a soaring gallery, workspace, performance center, event venue. We saw a great photo exhibit, looked at the resident artist studios and the amazing variety of work being done and then had a beer nearby and dinner somewhere else. All delicious.

Why do so many complain about getting there? The B-61 bus leaves you a block away for years and years, and now the new ferry brings you right there also. The only drawback is ferry service ends around 10:30pm. I will update after my first visit.

I went to the solid light works exhibition by Anthony Mccall. It was absolutely amazing. Using simply light making patterns, it was a magical experience. It's free with 10 dollar suggested donation. Don't miss this!

ONE VISIT and I'm a fan. What a great space. Not too sure about the acoustics, so be wary for music events. I'll be back

This place is so so cool. I went to the Vice 13th Annual Photo Exhibition here and it was the trendiest event and sickest spot I've been to in New York yet.

I've been to two classes here (paper marbling and a theremin class) and just went to the party for Kenan Juska's art show. The space is an amazing old wood warehouse with an awesome garden. Worth checking out even just for the large outdoor space...also they teach lock picking ;)