Powerhouse Arts Opens in Brooklyn's Former Batcave
The Batcave, a former power plant in Brooklyn, has been reimagined as Powerhouse Arts, a creative hub costing $180 million, backed by philanthropist Joshua Rechnitz. This site, which started as a power station in the 1900s, was shut down in the 1950s and later became a haven for the homeless and graffiti artists. Rechnitz acquired the property for $7 million in 2012, with redevelopment plans unveiled in 2017. The design, crafted by Herzog & de Meuron alongside PBDW Architects, maintains original graffiti, featuring work by Ellery Neon. Officially opened on May 19, it provides affordable artist studios and hosts community events, including a Brooklyn College exhibition running until June 21. Eric Shiner serves as president, with advisors such as Noel Anderson and Sara Greenberger Rafferty.
Key facts
- Powerhouse Arts opened on May 19 in Brooklyn.
- Renovation cost $180 million, funded by Joshua Rechnitz.
- Building was originally a 1900s power station for Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company.
- Decommissioned in the 1950s, became graffiti haven Batcave in early 2000s.
- Cleared in 2006, purchased by Rechnitz for $7 million in 2012.
- Renovation by Herzog & de Meuron and PBDW Architects.
- Facilities include ceramics, woodworking, metalworking, public art, and printing studios.
- Eric Shiner is president; advisors include Noel Anderson, Sara Greenberger Rafferty, Sreshta Rit Premnath.
Entities
Artists
- Ellery Neon
- Noel Anderson
- Sara Greenberger Rafferty
- Sreshta Rit Premnath
- Luther Davis
- Eric Shiner
Institutions
- Powerhouse Arts
- Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company
- Powerhouse Environmental Arts Foundation
- Herzog & de Meuron
- PBDW Architects
- Andy Warhol Museum
- Brooklyn College
Locations
- Brooklyn
- Gowanus Canal
- Red Hook
- Park Slope
- New York City
- United States
- Pittsburgh