Bed-Stuy Celebrates Reopening Of Herbert Von King Center: City

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — After seven years — and $7 million — the Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center in Bed-Stuy has reopened.

Local officials gathered at the center at Herbert Von King Park on Saturday to celebrate the renovation with presentations and a performance in the newly reconstructed Eubie Blake Theater, now with new seats, stage, sound and lighting systems and wheelchair lifts.

“Our lives outside the home have become increasingly narrowed to places that exist for making or spending money — spaces that are inherently about commerce, not community," said State Senator Jabari Brisport.

"This revitalization of the Von King Park Cultural Center creates a fresh home for community and a thriving, shared space where we can come together,” he added.

Local Council Member Chi Ossé praised the investment from the Parks Department for "providing a space to house and cultivate so much of what makes this neighborhood great," he said.

"Our community will reap the benefits for generations to come," said Ossé.

The center closed in April of 2015, according to Our Time Press, with opaque reasoning surrounding years of delays on the renovation work, despite money being allocated by the former late Council Member Al Vann.

According to a Parks Department webpage, the construction period lasted from September 2017 until July 2022.

In addition to the fully rebuilt theater, which held its first performance as part of the reopening ceremony, a brand new media lab will give members in the neighborhood access to computers and classes.

The building is also equipped with a brand new sprinkler and HVAC systems.

“We are so excited to celebrate the renovation and reimagining of the Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center, a beloved institution serving the Bed-Stuy community,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue.

“This facility has long served the community as a space to create, connect, and enjoy the arts, and these new upgrades will be a benefit for generations to come," Donoghue said on Saturday, "as winter arrives, we are so glad that this indoor space is open for engaging – and free! – programming.”