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The Invisible Dog blends the beauty of a vintage space with the convenience of a more modern one. In the 1970’s the beloved “invisible dog” toys were invented here at 51 Bergen Street, giving us our name. Now, artists, community organizations, local schools, and other cultural organizations all think of the Invisible Dog as their space to create. Our beautiful 3rd floor loft or ground floor galleries could make a perfect location for your event as well.

The Invisible Dog embodies industrial chic: the original wood floors, high ceilings, large windows, and freight elevator remain. But we’ve also added some important updates including improved heating and cooling, and two bathrooms on the ground floor and two on the third for your convenience. Most recently, we added sound-proof windows and air conditioning.

We are conveniently located around the corner from the F/G at Bergen Street and just a short walk from the 4/5/2/3/J/M/R at Jay Street/Borough Hall.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment to see the space, please send an email to rental[at]theinvisibledog[dot]org

* What types of events do you host?

All kinds and all sizes!

Corporate events and meetings
Weddings
Bar and bat mitzvahs
Birthday and engagement parties
Performances
Art exhibitions
Photo and film shoots
Fashion shows
Trunk shows
Product launches
Sample sales
Fundraising events
Children’s events
Lectures
Discussion groups
Focus groups
Readings
Memorial Services

* What types of spaces do you offer for events?

3rd floor loft space: 4000 sq feet, 19 windows, industrial slop sink (perfect for caterers), 2 bathrooms, original floors; when permissible, the ground floor galleries remain open during events on the third floor for your guests to explore and enjoy!
Garden Gallery: 1500 sq feet, double height ceilings, original wood floors, 6 large windows, view on the garden, white walls, 2 bathrooms; this space is perfect for more intimate events
Main Gallery: 3000 sq feet, double height ceiling, storefront windows with view to street, original floors
Freight Elevator: decorated with a mural inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, the freight elevator enchants everyone who travels in it from our fiery depths to our ethereal heights.
It is possible to combine floors for larger events.

*Tell me more about events for children?
Like any good visible dog, we love children, and at countless openings, we’ve noticed the look of wonder and delight on the faces of young children as they discover works of art. Just as we want to foster the creativity of our artists-in-residence, we want to encourage engagement with the arts from childhood. And so, we invite you to have your child’s birthday party at The Invisible Dog. We will work with you to design an interactive art project that your child and their party guests will enjoy working on with one of our artists-in-residence. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about set-up or clean-up as our staff will be on hand. You will only need to provide food, beverages and supervision. The entire party, including the fee for the artist, is a flat rate of $800 – for up to 15 children for two hours. Parties are available for scheduling on Saturdays and Sundays before 5PM. Please try to schedule 2 weeks ahead of your event. To schedule your child’s party, please contact Associate Director, Risa Shoup – risa AT theinvisibledog DOT org

*Rent from us and help artists!
When you rent at the Invisible Dog, 30% of your rent supports our ongoing artistic programs! That’s right, you’re directly supporting our artists-in-residence and commissioned exhibitions and performances. Thank you!

*When can I arrive?
We rent by the day, so you can come in as early as you like, but we ask that your event end by 11PM.

* How much does it cost? (This does not apply to children’s parties, see above.)

Basic space rentals are $4000 for the 3rd floor loft space, $2000 for the garden gallery. Prices for the Main Gallery are available upon request. Certain times (ie, certain weekdays) allow some flexibility – so please ask! We also offer discounts for rentals taking place over a period of days.
Supervision to assist with operating the elevator and cleaning is an extra $500.

* Do you have any equipment I might need available on site?

Sound System / PA + Microphone with description [$200]
Black Folding Chairs [50 chairs available at $1/chair...and if you need more, we can recommend an inexpensive vendor who can also supply you with tables and delivery/pickup]
Projectors: $50
DVD player: $25
Invisible Dog toys [free of charge]

*What about security and insurance?
For each event, a supervisor will stay with you! We require a certificate of insurance (we can walk you through purchasing event insurance – just ask!). For certain events, we may require Licensed Security guards, and we can recommend an inexpensive vendor.

* What about other vendors, caterers, flowers, DJ…?
You are free to choose your favorite and have them work with you on site, but do not hesitate to ask for our advice, we will be happy to refer to our favorites.

* A few important notes:
The Invisible Dog wants to help you host the event of your dreams, but we also want our neighbors to enjoy their own homes unburdened by noise or commotion from the street. As stated above, we have added soundproof windows and AC, so that when it’s hot outside, you can still hear recorded sound inside without needing to open the windows and leak that sound, however beautiful, onto the street. Moreover, when you visit the space, you’ll see, er, hear, that the natural acoustics of the space allow you to keep the volume of your recorded music relatively low and still be heard. We welcome you to bring catering in for your event, and we’ll gladly suggest local vendors if you like, but we have no refrigeration or cooking appliances on site, so those will need to be brought in.

*Who has rented from you in the past?

You’re in good company!

Recession Art, One Story, Thai Alliance, Resource Magazine, Brooklyn Inventgenuity – Beam Camp, Slow Food NYC, Johannes Leonardo, Green City Force, A.P.C., Gowanus Development, Brooklyn Beta, PS29, PS261, PS58, and the Brooklyn Montessori School [NYC]
Celeste Foundation [Italy]
Walls and Bridges Villa Gillet, Le Figaro [France]
Art Work for Youth [South Africa]
EECI [Netherlands]
One Kings Lane [San Francisco]
Kansas City Art Institute [Kansas]
The Mountain School [Vermont]

… and more.

*May I see photos?

Sure! Below are photos of the space empty and as it has been used for various events.