Gowanus Batcave, Former power station in Gowanus, Brooklyn, United States
The Gowanus Batcave is a red brick building along the Gowanus Canal with tall ceilings and large windows throughout its interior. The exterior walls are covered in street art, and the space has been converted into a working area for woodworkers, metalworkers, ceramicists, and other artists.
The building was constructed between 1901 and 1904 as a power station for the Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company to supply electricity to the city. It operated for about 70 years before closing in 1972 and entering a long period of abandonment.
The building has long served as a canvas for graffiti artists and creative people who left their mark on its walls. The layers of paint and drawings reflect the neighborhood's artistic community and their connection to the space.
The building is accessible on foot and sits directly beside the Gowanus Canal with waterfront views. The interior can feel industrial and rough, so visitors should be prepared for uneven floors and dim lighting in some areas.
In the early 2000s, an organized community of people lived here who established their own rules and created a temporary self-governed space. This period left a lasting mark on how the building became known in the neighborhood.
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