Unique opportunity to experience sublime chamber music in an unforgettable setting. Professional musicians design their own programs, so the repertoire is not that of your typical music series. It's a small venue, just as it should be for chamber music. The views of the NYC skyline are dazzling. Certainly a must visit for those who desire something out of the ordinary. read more

This one of my faves, Brooklyn's answer to European small churches' concerts. Reportedly, this barge began 40 years ago, after being a coffee barge for a while. The violinist takes on the responsibility of running it since 2003. They put out 200 concerts a year - grand. Someone joked that they should be towed to Florida for the winter time, ha ha ha. The concert, some are without s program - spontaneous is it! Love it. Love New York. Oh they took out the bathroom. Sharing the ice cream factory's which is a few steps away from them. read more

See all

Can't believe I've never been here or even heard of this place before. What a gem of a venue. It's a barge...an actual barge. And it floats on the water; you can even feel the waves. Don't worry, it won't make you seasick. Came here recently for a performance and had a great time. By no means am I an expert but the acoustics were solid and the musicians performing were also very good. It's a not a large venue at all so the feel is quite intimate and you can have a great seat/view from pretty much anywhere in the place. Definitely cannot wait to come back here for another great performance! read more

Charming music venue on a boat with great views and first rate musicians. Come here any time of the year for some amazing chamber music. Definitely try and catch a performance with Mark Peskanov. He's the heart and soul of this place and an amazingly gifted violin player. He's also very funny and will tell amusing anecdotes about the pieces he plays. Never a dull concert with him. It's a small venue and feels intimate without being claustrophobic. It's In dumbo so parking can be tricky but there are a lot of good places to grab some food before or after the show. Tickets can be ordered online and are around $40. Well worth it! read more

So cool! Places like this are why I love NY. Dumbo BID put out an email for a free 9/11 Memorial Concert. I decided to check it out with a small group. We went to wait on line around 7:50 when the doors supposedly open around 8:15. They only let in as many people as they have seats so it was an intimate gathering of about 80 people. There is an upper outdoor level but we were brought into the lower indoor level. The wood paneled walls and fireplace are warm and inviting. You feel the gentle rock of waves underneath the barge. Each seat had a program for the evenings performance. There were a few different selections to be played on piano and violin. The violinist was playing around in the back when I walked in. It is evident from the outset that these people are true music lovers. The musicians are pleased to be there and delighted to be playing for an audience. They said a little something about the piece and what it meant to them or how it relates to 9/11 before playing. They were practiced and emotional scores. It was such a unique heartfelt experience and in a way I felt like I stumbled upon a private gathering of friends who are exploring their feelings about an impactful time in our country's history. read more

Bargemusic - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Horrible experience stemming from terrible customer service on 9/17. An atrociously rude power hungry woman running the front of house treated everyone like a herd of cows. I made a reservation 2 months in advance for my anniversary, the first thing she says to us "Oh, you're a problem. Please wait." That's all she said to us, before finally seating us in the absolute worst seats in the very back next to the bathroom. People without reservations were getting seats in front of us. After going back to her, she threatened to kick me out if I didn't accept this seat (and mind you, I was being VERY civil and kind). The president of the organization was much nicer, but still of no help. After pleading my case we even had other people in the place offering their seats to us feeling bad. My girlfriend flew all the way in from Chicago for this. She was crying at this point due to just how awfully we were being treated. I feel as though it stems from the fact that we are in our 20's and clearly do not have the funds to donate money as much as some other patrons. Therefore, we were treated like second class citizens. As a student of Performing Arts Management I can tell you that a classical music organization should be THRILLED to have young people. At the end of the day, it all just boiled down to the horrible treatment from the woman house manager, and if I knew her name I would write it here. One person CAN make a huge difference...even if she explained the situation to us and apologized in some way I would have been more understanding. read more

Came here as a small group of four for the HERE and NOW series of music by contemporary composers. Warmed with wine and full with our lovely dinner from AlMar, our group was happy and receptive to the wonderful performance by Philip Edward Fisher at the piano with his unusually long, nimble fingers and acute sensitivity. The feeling of the venue was a cozy and pleasant respite from the cold, rainy night, with it's spacious interior of ruddy wood, the gentle rocking of occasional waves rolling underneath, and the view of the lit up skyline through the large picture windows behind the piano. The performance was exceptional, and one could sense that the pieces were played with great personal affection and delicacy. Mr Fisher also took some time to talk about the nuances of each piece before he played it, which rounded out the experience of the music. We had reserved our space prior, and the venue had our spaces waiting for us, with calligraphic "reserved" signs in our friend's name in the second row, a nice touch. Altogether a very enjoyable evening. read more

This is one of the few places in New York where you can enjoy a free performance by world class classical musicians for free. The intimate and unique venue is a beautiful 100-foot steel barge, built in 1899, and served much of the last century as a working vessel in the New York harbor, delivering hand-loaded sacks of coffee for the Erie Lackawanna railroad. On Saturdays at 4 pm, admission is free for a one hour show. read more

The appropriate term here is "wacky casual sophistication". Great artists perform here and the setting is totally unique and VERY Brooklyn - right down to the gentle swaying of the barge during the performance when the pleasure boats go by (yes, you really are on a barge). The view is spectacular as you watch the sun set over lower Manhattan behind the stage. The owner - whose force of personality has made this place happen - handwrites your reservation on your seat and is happy to give you a glass of wine or a cookie in hopes of a small donation (her principles keep her from actually 'selling' the refreshments). Dinner can be had nearby at Grimaldi's - or the River Cafe if you want to elevate your evening a bit. Very worth it - take advantage of this NYC icon! read more

Ah, Bargemusic! The freshest of breaths in a (literally and sometimes figuratively) smoke-filled city. Upon entering this venue--yes, it truly is a barge!--one is transported to a remote haven in which all is simultaneously peaceful and emotionally wrenching (in a good way). The melancholic melodies of Chopin embrace you; the lively tones of Mozart invigorate you; the novelties of Stravinsky inspire you. It is in no way possible to depart unenriched and unrefreshed. The soothing rocking of the barge complements the intricacies of the piano music; both can be heightened by the wine sold on board. As long as you don't get seasick from this minor swaying, you'll enjoy every moment of this passionate musical experience. And don't be nervous if you've never played a note or studied music theory yourself: I took two musical neophytes who both thoroughly enjoyed themselves. So, please, go relish a riveting performance on this "floating concert hall." read more

Novel venue with quality performers. We saw a series of Beethoven sonatas for violin and piano. The musicians were on-point professionals and delivered an outstanding performance. The background was a beautiful view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge fading from sunset to the night horizon. Note that there are no restrooms at this venue, but one across the courtyard. The tide was coming in and the boat was very rocky at times, so be aware if you have sea sickness. read more

Bargemusic - Backdrop of the Brooklyn bridge and Manhattan skyline - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

One good thing about the decreasing temperatures is the prospect of warming up on a velvet-cushioned wood folding chair in the belly of this cozy, old-timey barge at the foot of the gothic marvel that is the Brooklyn Bridge. I have been here in two other seasons. The first time was September 11th of 2009, when a few grand performers gave a gratis memorial concert featuring works by Rachmaninov and original modern piano compositions. A Russian musician who looked like a princess ballerina came out and played Alexander Scriabin's works for the left hand only...apropos for the evening's theme of perseverance over loss. Her fingers skittered up and down the keyboard like the Thing from the Addams Family, producing a frighteningly layered sound as if possessed by four hands! Most special was the cameo by the adorably senile Olga Bloom, founder of Bargemusic. Standing strong at 100+ years, she blew kisses to the audience and was overcome by the reception. With tears still sparkling in her eyes, she joined a violinist after only a bit of coaxing for an old-world fiddle duet that gave me chills and made me feel privy to life underdeck of a trans-Atlantic immigrant ship in the 1800s (so what if my imagination ran away with me...). Afterwards, my companions and I grabbed ice cream cones at the nearby Brooklyn Ice Cream factory and rolled on home after watching the mist thread through the skyscrapers of Manhattan like smoke through a fine-toothed comb. A mere tourist in New York at the time, I vowed to return for future performances, regardless of where I would find myself in the country or the world. Lo and behold, May of this year found me living in New York City, so I convinced two friends to join me for an afternoon concert. One girl was hungover and the other was tired. This resulted in the two of them sleeping with their mouths open in the back, while I sat in the second or third row as a virtuouso violinist played an uncharacteristically face-melting concerto by J.S. Bach. There are many reasons why people put off the unique experience afforded at this place, but I have a rebuttal/solution to all of them: 1. "Eh...I'm not that into classical music." What's wrong with you? Open your mind. If you don't like classical music, then enduring it for about one hour on a boat with essentially a glass wall open to an unobstructed view of the New York City skyline should turn you around. 2. "I'm feeling seasick." Throw back a Dramamine or just wait a minute...once the show begins, I promise that you will forget all about it. 3. "It's so far away." Suck it up; it's the first Brooklyn stop (High St.) off the A (express!) and C (local) train. It's no farther away than Williamsburg. 4. "You have to walk a long way after getting off the train, and it's in a confusing neighborhood." No, not really. Just follow the crowd towards the obvious Brooklyn Bridge. It's a downhill walk that soon delivers you to a rather dazzling (especially at night) waterfront and a charming coterie of eateries such as Grimaldi's Pizzeria, which is deserving of its legendary status. 5. "It's loud and touristy in DUMBO." Touristy, perhaps; based on my two times there, the tourist factor seems more acute in the daytime. Concerts themselves, though, are well-attended only by self-selectively quiet and appreciative listeners. You will find no jostling or rushing the gates here. And inside, you will be in the still point of the turning world, subjected only to soothing strains of timeless music rendered by human hands and breath. 6. "...but tickets are expensive." I foolishly assumed this myself for too many years, just because I'd heard about it on a fancy-sounding NPR Radio sound bite. Sure, the average ticket price is listed as being in the vicinity of $20 to $40, but seniors get a discount and students only need to pay $10 to $20 with an ID (and yes, schools other than NYU and Columbia do count!). If this still doesn't fit your range, you can attend one of the free afternoon concerts. The program will remain a mystery until the day of the concert, but you can rest assured that nothing will be shaved off the quality of the experience. If you DO actually have money, this is a charity worth supporting; the perpetuation of big music in intimate settings for anyone who stops by. So GO! Only a heartless and artless asshole could ever regret it. read more

Seriously disappointing. So disappointing, it prompted me to write my first yelp review ever! My fiance and I attended the piano & cello concert on 9/17. It seems the seating is first reserved, first served - people in line behind us to pick up their tickets were seated way in front of us. This would have been good to know - I would have reserved my seats sooner, and not arrived early to pick up tickets. Terrible customer service: An OBNOXIOUS, rude, and unhelpful woman made a huge show of running around acting like she was working hard seating people according to some list she had, while just snapping at everyone and screwing up directions - my fiance and I watched her direct people to the wrong seats countless times (my drama-trained fiance pointed out that she apparently was directing people to stage left, instead of actual left. Sometimes. Oy.) The box office opened more than HALF AN HOUR late, which means a crowd of disorganized, cold, anxious people were standing on an unsteady dock for 45 minutes with absolutely no updates or apologies. And obviously, the show didn't start on time. Horrible venue: Yeah, the view is nice. But it's hard to concentrate on nice music when you're seasick - a barge is a nice idea, but doesn't work in reality. Even worse (and preventable), the seats were tiny, horrifically uncomfortable, and WAY too close together, on the sides and in rows, not to mention staggered unevenly in tapering, unlabeled rows. Obnoxious crowd: The prententious old man next to me kept humming along to the music, and some asshole in the front row shouted "BRAVO!" immediately after the musicians played their last note of EVERY PIECE. Terrible people, terrible space, decent music = I will never return, and recommend highly against this place. read more

Had my wedding here. Beautiful venue. A true NYC experience. However, I must say that you need to be flexible as do not expect to get things the way you wish just because its your wedding day (or very prompt service) at this venue... just add some DIY and hire a good caterer. ps: used naturally delicious caterers. amazing! read more

You may get sea sickness. The music is a bit too new agey for me, but the experience was great

I like Bargemusic, but it's not for everyone. First of all, if you are even remotely susceptible to motion-sickness, you should avoid this venue. I've been here four times in the last three years or so. So it's fair to say I'm not a regular. But nor have I only gone to one performance either. I would say it's been 2 for 4, as far as satisfying experiences go. When Bargemusic is bad, it feels like I've just paid $x to go see an open rehearsal. Twice I've seen programs that were so unpolished I have to wonder whether the musicians are simply sight-reading for us. In my mind that is unacceptable. I will think twice before spending my music dollars at Bargemusic again. read more

If you're looking for a non-traditional classical music experience, here it is. Those with motion sickness need not apply! The boat will rock a bit, but if you're not bothered by it, it's pretty fun. In the middle of our Beethoven quartet, it started raining, and the echo over the hull was magical. When we went, there was no problem getting in at the door, and there was plenty of seating available. read more

An excellent experience all around and ideal for a date. The wooden interior coupled with exquisite music and the rocking of the waves create a music lover's paradise. read more

Attended the 4pm show on a Saturday. The musicians picked fantastic pieces to perform. The director was a lot of fun and clearly does not take himself too seriously. The experience was great all around. Good acoustics, beautiful view of Manhattan, and the rocking barge adds a certain flair. Not to mention that the 4pm show was free! Highly recommend and will be back soon. read more

Bargemusic was a real treat, and one of those quintessential New York experiences where you didn't know you really wanted the experience until somebody in NYC dreamed it up and told you you should have the experience. We heard a passionately performed all-string interpretation/arrangement of Bach's Goldberg Variations performed by Matt Haimowitz (Cello), Jonathan Crow, Violin and Douglas McNabney, Viola. World-class performances--Jonathan Crow was amazing, and Matt his usual technically brilliant and emotionally satisfying. The staff of Bargemusic was so very kind and the atmosphere indescribably elegant, in a "music on a boat" kind of way. What does that mean? I don't know...you have to come here and hear for yourself. I must admit I got a bit seasick and woozy, but by the time I got to Variation 5 and Bach's dizzying 2-part variation in 3/4 time, I couldn't tell if I was nauseous from the beauty of Bach's soulful masterpiece or the gentle rocking of the barge on the East River. It doesn't matter. This is a GOOD experience. One little tip: I agree with other reviewers who recommend trying to get a seat up front. The view is so very peaceful as the sun sets over Manhattan, and its wonderful to see the musicians up close. The acoustics were also surprisingly decent, but best to sit up close. read more

Bargemusic - The View from outside BargeMusic - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Performed here for the first time. Nice location and nice idea of having a concert hall on a barge, but it was a close call making some "barf"'music if one is not used to the "gentle rock" of the boat. The acoustics are on the dry side. There are only two bathrooms to accommodate 60+ audience + performers. read more

This place is just so darling. Small intimate space for some great classical music. Recommended for dates. Location is great as you can go for a nice walk afterwards to/through the park that lines the water. read more

Located near the River Cafe, this barge is an intimate venue to listen to chamber music. The seats face Manhattan's skyline, which rocks up and down as the waves lap the barge. During the intermission, you can step outside onto the dock while sipping your wine. On a recent Sunday, I heard a Bach sonata, a Copland sonata, and Brahms piano trio. The performers have solid credentials (viz. Mark Peskanov), and the venue has been around for over 20 years--allowing it to build up a loyal following of audience members and musicians. read more

Friends had their wedding ceremony here last summer, which was lovely and cute and quaint. The location, view, and nearby parks make it a great destination for enjoying the Manhattan skyline and continuing with dinner at one of Dumbo's great restaurants. Of course, the neighborhood is still a little empty feeling, so it's best to plan ahead. The barge was surprisingly cozy inside, with red velvet cushioned wicker chairs, dark dark old wood interior, and antique (decrepit?) windows affording mesmerizing views of the wavy river, like a comfy-dilapidated old bachelor squire's great room. Imagine yourself settling in, with a nicely ironed shirt and a tiny glass of sherry in hand. read more

We were so immensely impressed by the quality of the performance of this string ensemble and the Violin soloist Peskanov. Peskanov is also the Director of the venue but his playing is world class. Google him. He also has a conspirationally charming stage presence. Stop reading my gibberish and just go! read more

Bargemusic is a gem. The quality of the music is top-notch and the talents who perform there really let themselves be carried away by the music they play. The space is cozy; the small room, the dark-wood panels and the lighting give an intimate feeling. My husband and I took the ferry there and the boat was right by the dock. I have read comments about the wobble but hey, you are listening to chamber music on a boat. The once-in-a-while wobble added to the charm. The crowd is absolutely polite and respectful. My husband and I did not have any problems with reserving and finding our seats. For the price of $35 per seat, Bargemusic is a lovely, romantic and easy escape from the bustle of the city. read more

BAIT AND SWITCH: OVERPRICED (AND EXPECT SENIORS ONLY) I made the mistake of taking a date to this for Valentine's Day. First off, the boat doesn't move. On a winter's day, no big deal. But the idea of a floating barge a la Water Music is gently encouraged while in actual fact the boat is so firmly docked just inches from shore that it doesn't even sway. Second, the great bait-and-switch. After calling and speaking to Bargemusic twice -- first to reserve the seats, then to pay -- I was told each time that champagne and chocolates would be provided. Given the $50/person ticket cost for a no-name string quartet, one would expect this to be part of the experience. And on Valentine's Day you can imagine this might be essential to the decision to go. Instead we were greeted with sparkling apple cider in disposable cups and grocery store chocolates. I asked about this. At $50 a person, I could have gone to any number of other venues for better music. I was told by a woman with an overemphasized and ridiculous diction that "Today we have spark-ling app-le ci-der!" as if my question were somehow only informational and not related to something I'd been talked into paying for. She went on to tell me after I mentioned that champagne had been advertised that they had had "a bad shipment" and asked me to be understanding. I always love it when businesses ask the customer to be understanding, as if had I shown up with $35 in my pocket instead of $50 they would have been understanding. Very good, I thought. With fifteen minutes left before the "concert" I left to find a bottle of champagne to bring back for my date. I couldn't very well leave her to tell her friends that we went on a boat that didn't move with a bunch of gray-hairs to have "spark-ling app-le cid-er". I ran across town on foot. I found a wine shop six blocks away, plunked down $20, and raced back with a bottle of champagne. The idea was to discreetly open the bottle outside, discreetly bring it inside and pour my date a glass. Instead, I was stopped at the door. The whole gang of employees emerged to get between me and that door. The girl with the ridiculously overdone diction told me that I could not bring the champagne inside because they had been told that that day no alcohol could be served on premises. I pointed out that in general they provided champagne (or so they said). She countered nonsensically that that was only *one glass* of complimentary champagne (as if that had anything to do with the principle of whether alcohol was in general to be allowed on the premises). I explained that if they hadn't lied to me (first about there being champagne -- second, about the reason why they didn't have it) I wouldn't have ran across town and spent $20 on a bottle. She again got very close to me, smiled her fake smile, and told me that if I gave them my address, they would be happy to send me a ***$10*** check. By now the concert was starting. On top of being falsely advertised to, I was now being denied entrance for ridiculous non-reasons. She told me that I would have to take my bottle of champagne into the park and drink it there -- as if that were legal. I told her that I had no choice but dispute the charge with my credit card company. She naturally didn't care. So, I called my date, she threaded her way out of the crowd of octogenarians, and we left. There was no reason for all this unfortunate circumstance except for the basic inability of Bargemusic's employees to act like adults rather than corporate drones. Number one, I still don't think there was any reasonable basis to deny someone bringing champagne inside when it is served every day (so they say), and when everybody who came through the door had a look of real disappointment on their faces when they realized they were holding apple cider. Number two, I was hardly prepared to make any ostentatious display with my perfectly legal and harmless bottle. They however seemed determined to make a big deal out of it. So stay away! There are better venues. The positive reviews are all wishful thinking. It is quaint and harmless, but Bargemusic obviously don't care much about anything but getting your money. And there are a dozen better classical music concerts in NYC on a given day. read more

Bargemusic was great. I took my partner there fora birthday suprize and saw a very beautiful performance by a young and talented violinist. The night was beautiful, music was great, view amazing (sunset to classical music) and service polite and great. Definately would recommend it to anyone. read more

waves and classic music... well.. what can be better! i love this place and all concerts!!! last time we were listening Cello Concert. omg. pure meditation and relax!!! read more

The concept is great- beautiful views of downtown Manhattan, under the Brooklyn Bridge, on the water etc. However the execution leaves a little to be desired. The interior of the barge is all dark panelled wood giving it a very dark almost gloomy feel- a real shame given potentially light and airy views just outside. I didn't realize that the barge stays anchored the entire time and doesn't actually cruise in the river- my mistake for not reading more closely I suppose but then I am not sure what makes this venue so unique- other then the vague seasick feeling you get as the barge rolls underneath you during the performance. The views are stunning- from outside the concert venue- inside however there is only one picture window in front of which the musicians perform- and most of which is blocked by the giant piano. The musical performance was enjoyable but for $35 and only about an hour's performance I'd rather have not trekked to Brooklyn on a beautiful day. This would be better in the open air in a park or cruising in a glass boat on the river so you could actually capitalize on the fact that you have sun, water and stunning views. I really felt like once inside the barge I could have been anywhere and not in some fabulous location. I have heard that the experience is better at night with the twinkling lights of Manhattan- bit I'm not sure I could be bothered to return and verify. read more

beautiful venue, i saw the very talented Gilles Vonsattel on the piano with my sister and it was a phenomenal experience. the one thing is that i do get a little bit of motion sickness, so i was eating mints the entire time to keep my mind off of it so i could truly enjoy the mindbending acoustical experience. read more

Classical music in the covered section of a barge. What's not to love. The performance was really fun - an actor read a comedy interspersed with a violinist and quartet playing music related to the story. It takes about 2 hours total. read more

I really enjoyed this place. No, it is not the most acoustically advanced performance hall in the city. No, it doesn't offer perfect sightlines from every seat. Certainly, it isn't as posh as Weill Hall (even though the concerts are the same price). However, it is unique, fun, and totally authentic. It also offers a wonderful setting on the East River with a patio on the back of the barge for use during intermission and a picture window behind the stage through which one can see the sun go down over the lower Manhattan skyline as the performance progresses. It is certainly worth at least one visit and, once you've been there, you might come to appreciate it as much as I do and decide to return. read more

I went for my anniversary with my boyfriend on the night of Bach's solo violin sonatas and the performance was exquisite. It was a brother sister duo and they were really wonderful. The venue itself is pretty intimate - nice lighting, big windows towards the front which provide a nice cityscape view under the Brooklyn bridge and a nice area on top of the barge that you can hang out at before and after the performance as well as during the intermissions. It was pretty romantic since the overall location is right on the water, lots of cutesy urban landscaping to walk around in, an outside wine/drink bar a few feet away from the barge. Word of caution though - it can get extremely hot in the barge...I was damn near sweating towards the end and the weather outside was only about 65 (and I rarely sweat!) Also, you might not want to drink before getting on the barge, especially if you're not sure of your propensity to become seasick. Other than that, make sure you get your seats early (and up front!) and enjoy this wonderful gem for classical (or in this case baroque) music lovers! Perfect date night spot for music aficionados. read more