Magnolia Tree Earth Center

Our Living Landmark

For over 50 years, Magnolia Tree Earth Center has embodied resilience and environmental stewardship in Bed-Stuy. Founded by Hattie Carthan, it preserves the historic Magnolia Grandiflora and three row houses, offering education and community programs. Join us in celebrating this legacy and fostering a sustainable future.

The Magnolia Grandiflora at 677 Lafayette Avenue stands as a testament to the power of community action and resilience in the face of urban development pressures. Planted in the 19th century, this magnificent tree is an anomaly in Brooklyn, thriving far north of its typical southern habitat.

In the 1960s, as Bed-Stuy faced significant urban development pressures, the Magnolia Grandiflora became a symbol of the community’s fight to preserve its natural and historical heritage. The tree was originally threatened by a proposed apartment complex that required the demolition of the row houses that surrounded it. Hattie Carthan’s relentless advocacy led to the formation of the Magnolia Tree Committee, which succeeded in raising the funds necessary to protect the tree and the houses.

In 1970, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized the tree’s significance by designating it as a living landmark. This was a groundbreaking decision, as it was one of the first times the commission had granted such status to a living organism. 

Today, the Magnolia Grandiflora continues to stand as a beacon of resilience. Its presence serves as a reminder of the community’s successful efforts to protect their environment and heritage. The tree is not just a botanical rarity; it is a living symbol of the power of grassroots activism and the enduring impact of Hattie Carthan’s work. The Magnolia Tree Earth Center, named in honor of this remarkable tree, continues to educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and community action.  

Brooklyn Museum 

Museum on Wheels

Brooklynites, Museum on Wheels is heading your way, bringing engaging art experiences to your neighborhood. 

Sometimes, the best way to meet people where they are is to literally meet them where they are. The Museum on Wheels will do just that. A mobile museum within an Airstream trailer, this Brooklyn Museum initiative can pull up anywhere in Brooklyn with touchable selections from our collection of teaching objects—plus a variety of activities.

The interactive art and education experience will launch during the Brooklyn Museum’s anniversary year and continue beyond the celebration, bringing intergenerational cultural programming to sites across the borough. It’s part of a commitment to reduce barriers to access by rethinking how the Museum engages with the community. The mobile museum will make art and cultural experiences more accessible to those who typically don’t engage in traditional museum settings.

The concept was dreamed up through a series of listening tours with community partners. Based on those conversations, the Museum on Wheels is designed to bring the full Brooklyn Museum experience into nearby neighborhoods. When the Airstream pulls up to community partner sites, it offers a host of artworks and experiences. In addition to learning about collection objects, local residents can make their own art, learn about careers in the culture sector, or take part in a music lesson. The programming was developed in collaboration with the Museum’s partners, and activities will continue to be adapted based on those partners’ needs.