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Discover the New Lab Tour in Brooklyn, New York

The New Lab Tour in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY, showcases how a historic industrial site has been transformed into one of America’s leading centers for innovation. Located inside a refurbished naval machine shop, New Lab is now home to hundreds of entrepreneurs, engineers, and startups working at the forefront of robotics, artificial intelligence, energy, urban tech, and advanced design.

Visitors on guided tours walk through the striking industrial space and learn about the companies and prototypes being developed. You’ll see how New Lab fosters collaboration across disciplines, blending cutting-edge labs with a community workspace that supports breakthrough technologies.

Why it’s special:
Unlike traditional factory tours, New Lab focuses on innovation in progress — from sustainable materials to urban mobility. Guests see the future of industry unfolding inside a building that once defined America’s industrial past. It’s a must-visit for technology enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about how ideas become reality.

History/Story of New Lab

New Lab opened in 2016 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s historic Building 128, once a shipbuilding machine shop. Designed to honor the Navy Yard’s legacy while looking to the future, the 84,000-square-foot space now houses more than 200 companies and entrepreneurs.

From early days with robotics startups and urban farming projects to today’s diverse portfolio of climate tech, mobility, and advanced manufacturing ventures, New Lab has become a symbol of Brooklyn’s rebirth as a hub for technology and design.

What You’ll See & Do on the New Lab Tour

Walk through the restored industrial space of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Learn about startups and innovators working in robotics, AI, energy, and design.
See prototypes and lab spaces where new technologies are developed.
Hear stories of how New Lab revitalized a historic factory into an innovation hub.
Explore rotating exhibits and installations highlighting emerging industries.

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and Q&A with tour guides; some tours include startup presentations.

Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in public areas; restrictions apply in private labs.

Souvenirs & Extras:

Occasional pop-up shops or exhibitions featuring New Lab companies
Event programming and speaker series open to visitors

Pricing of New Lab Tour

General Admission Tour: Typically $15–$20 (varies by event or program)
Student/School Groups: Discounts available
Private and corporate group tours: Custom pricing on request

Practical Info for Visiting New Lab

Duration: ~60–90 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour through innovation spaces + exhibits
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered select days; must be booked in advance; event programming may change seasonally
Audience: Students, entrepreneurs, technology enthusiasts, corporate groups
Accessibility: Facility is wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps
Safety & Restrictions:

Guests must stay with tour guides; some labs off-limits for safety/IP reasons
Children welcome but content is best suited for teens and adults

Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Educational tours available by reservation; school programs focus on STEM and entrepreneurship

What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes, valid ID for entry, curiosity about innovation
Facilities: Restrooms, event spaces, café onsite, nearby Navy Yard amenities
Closures & Downtime: Tours not available during private events or tenant-only programming

Location & Booking

Getting There: Accessible via NYC ferry, subway (York St / Clinton-Washington), or bus; limited parking in Navy Yard lots
Booking: Tours must be reserved online at New Lab
Cancellation & Refunds: Refund policies vary; contact New Lab directly
On-Site Extras: Café, rotating exhibits, event spaces