Summary: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, with a collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts that ranks among the finest in the world.

The Brooklyn Museum, with its world-class collection of American Masters (such as Gilbert Stuart, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Georgia O'Keefe), its Rodin sculptures, its European Impressionism holdings, its famed Period Rooms, and its Decorative Arts galleries, is worth seeing for many reasons. But in our mind, it is the museum's Egyptian collection that really keeps it on the map.

Egypt Mania
When you arrive, we recommend that you head straight for the third floor and enter the world of Ancient Egypt. Gawk at the 2,600-year-old human mummy and the colorful and highly decorated sarcophagi, wood coffins, and mummy cases. Admire the abundance of gold and lapis lazuli jewelry, the alabaster trinkets and the ivory cosmetic cases, some of which look modern enough to be used today. Gaze at the sleek, majestic cat statues with golden earrings, remembering that the Egyptians cherished these felines. Puzzle at the ever present hieroglyphics which discuss battles, religion, and everyday life. And don't miss the paintings, frescoes and bas relief carvings that show people and animals walking like an Egyptian in the familiar Egyptian profile.

The Egyptian galleries display more than 700 works, making the Brooklyn Museum's collection the third largest in the world, behind London's British Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The collection focuses on the period from the reign of Akenaton and his wife Nefertiti (about 1350 B.C.) through the time of powerful Cleopatra VII (yes that Cleopatra) more than 1300 years later.

The exhibition has two components: a chronological presentation that demonstrates the evolution of styles over time; and a thematic presentation that examines temples, tombs and the Egyptian universe. Because the Egyptians believed that a royal person's soul or ka should not be separated from the apparatus of daily life, you will find that all kinds of furniture, textiles, accessories, and other everyday items were entombed with their owners. These provide an interesting view of daily living in ancient Egypt.

Art from Other Cultures
When you get tired of immersing yourself in ancient Egyptian life, move on to the galleries on the first floor that explore African, Native American and Pacific Island cultures, and don't miss the Asian art collection on the second floor.

The Brooklyn Museum's collection of African masks, statues, jewelry, furniture and household objects is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world. You will also be impressed by the gargantuan totem poles in the Pacific Island section. Not only do they stretch skyward for at least two stories, but they're intricately carved with all kinds of flora and fauna. As in the Egyptian section, the exhibits and the accompanying descriptions are very informative and will hold your attention.

Special Features
The Museum is more than just a place to look at art exhibits. It is a vibrant source of activities, including performances, films and lectures. Some of our favorite programs, most of which are held regularly, include:

• Stories & Art, story-telling and story reading programs for families
• The Spoken Word, an adult literary series
• Spotlight Tours, which feature a particular work in the Museum's collection
• Ambient Music, with performances by local musicians in the third floor Court's new coffee and wine bar
• Feature Films, focusing on independent, foreign and classic movies

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Newsletter at the Information Desk to learn about these and other programs, special exhibits, gallery talks and lectures that may take place during your visit.

The Museum Building
At some point during your visit, take a few moments to enjoy the beauty of the 560,000 square-foot building itself. Designed by McKim, Mead & White, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the country's largest and oldest art museums. While the original Beaux Arts building has recently been modernized with a glass and steel entry pavilion, the soaring spaces are still impressive.

Getting There
By subway, take the IRT 2 or 3 to the newly renovated Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum stop. By bus, take the B71 to the front of the Museum. You can also take the B41 or B69 to Grand Army Plaza, or the B48 to Franklin Avenue/Eastern Parkway both stops are within a short walk of the Museum.

By car from Manhattan, take the Brooklyn Bridge, turn left onto Tillary Street, then right onto Flatbush Avenue and continue to Grand Army Plaza. go 2/3 around the traffic circle to Eastern Parkway and continue one block to the Museum. Note that there is an attended parking lot behind the Museum.

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