Art of Play Brooklyn is a small curiosity shop in Brooklyn Heights. It is full of puzzles, games, toys, books, playing cards and unusual gifts. It also hides a close-up magic theatre called 69 Atlantic, so a visit can feel like stepping into a world of wonder.
- A curiosity shop full of special things
- A good place to find unusual gifts
- A hidden home for close-up magic
- A fun stop in Brooklyn Heights
What Is Art of Play Brooklyn?
Art of Play Brooklyn is a shop made for people who like to discover new things. Instead of selling everyday items, it offers carefully chosen puzzles, games, toys, books and magical home goods. The shop wants visitors to slow down, look closely and enjoy the feeling of curiosity.
- A modern curiosity shop in Brooklyn Heights
- A place for puzzles games toys and books
- A shop with magical home goods and gifts
- A space designed to make people feel curious
Art of Play began in San Diego and was created by identical twins Dan and Dave Buck. They first became known for making beautiful custom playing cards. Later, they brought their love of play, design and magic to Brooklyn.
- Founded by twins Dan and Dave Buck
- Started with custom playing cards
- Now known for puzzles games and magic
- Brooklyn shop opened in 2024
Where Is Art of Play Brooklyn?
Art of Play Brooklyn is at 69 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights, New York. It is near Hicks Street and close to the start of Atlantic Avenue, not far from Brooklyn Bridge Park. The address is easy to find if you are exploring the neighbourhood on foot.
- Address 69 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn NY 11201
- Neighbourhood Brooklyn Heights
- Near Hicks Street and Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Easy to reach by subway or on foot
If you travel by train, Borough Hall is a useful stop for the 2, 3, 4 and 5 trains. Court Street is another nearby option for the N, R and W trains. From either station, you can walk to the shop and enjoy the streets of Brooklyn Heights.
- Borough Hall for the 2 3 4 and 5 trains
- Court Street for the N R and W trains
- Short walk from both stations
- Good area for a relaxed day out
What Can You Buy at Art of Play Brooklyn?
The shop is best known for its unusual selection of gifts. You can find clever puzzles, board games, toys, books and playing cards. Many items are designed to make people think, laugh or wonder, so it is a good place to shop for someone who already has everything.
- Clever puzzles for all ages
- Fun games and interesting toys
- Books about curiosity and imagination
- Special playing cards and magical items
- Unusual gifts for friends and family
The puzzles are one of the most exciting parts of the shop. They are not ordinary jigsaw puzzles only. Some are designed to make you solve a mystery or think in a new way. This makes them popular with families, adults and people who enjoy brain games.
- Puzzles that make you think
- Games that bring people together
- Toys that spark imagination
- Gifts that feel special and personal
Magic Shows at Art of Play Brooklyn
Art of Play Brooklyn is not only a shop. Hidden inside is 69 Atlantic, a small close-up magic theatre. In a close-up magic show, the magician performs very near the audience, so guests can see every card move and every surprising moment clearly.
- Hidden theatre called 69 Atlantic
- Close-up magic performed near guests
- Small room with an intimate feel
- Magic shows usually held at weekends
The theatre is small, which makes the experience feel personal. You are not watching magic from far away on a big stage. You are close enough to see the skill, timing and surprises happen right in front of you. This is why many people say the show feels special.
- Small theatre with close seating
- Guests can see the magic clearly
- Performances feel personal and exciting
- A different experience from a large stage show
How to Get Tickets for 69 Atlantic
If you want to see a magic show, check the official Art of Play website before you visit. Show dates, performers, prices and ticket availability can change. Booking early is a sensible idea because the theatre is small and seats are limited.
- Check the official Art of Play website
- Look for current show dates and times
- Book early because seats are limited
- Confirm ticket prices before you go
The magic show is a separate experience from walking around the shop. You can visit the shop without a ticket, but you will need a ticket to attend 69 Atlantic. If you are planning a special evening in Brooklyn, the show can make the visit more memorable.
- Shop visits do not need a ticket
- Magic shows need a booked ticket
- Check age rules before booking
- Plan the show as part of your day
Is Art of Play Brooklyn Good for Children?
Children can enjoy looking at the toys, puzzles, books and colourful items in the shop. The space is playful and full of things to discover. However, the 69 Atlantic magic show has been described as a close-up sleight-of-hand experience aimed mainly at adults, so families should check the show details first.
- Children can enjoy exploring the shop
- Puzzles and toys are fun for families
- Magic show may be better for older guests
- Check age guidance before buying tickets
If you are visiting with young children, a simple plan works well. Let them explore the shop, choose a small puzzle or toy, then take a walk nearby. This keeps the visit fun without making the day too long or expensive.
- Explore the shop together
- Choose one puzzle or toy
- Take a walk in Brooklyn Heights
- Keep the visit simple and fun
Video Guide
What Makes Art of Play Different?
Many shops sell toys and gifts, but Art of Play tries to create a feeling. It wants people to put their phones down and enjoy real play. Brooklyn Paper described the shop as an “antidote to the mindless scroll,” which means it offers a break from looking at screens all day.
- A break from phones and screens
- A shop built around curiosity
- A calm and beautiful space
- A place that encourages real play
The design also makes the shop feel different. It is clean, stylish and carefully arranged, so the products stand out. Visitors often notice that it feels more like a small world of discovery than a normal store.
- Beautiful and calm shop design
- Products arranged with care
- A space that feels special
- A shop made for exploring
Things to Do Near Art of Play Brooklyn
Art of Play Brooklyn works well as one stop on a day out. After visiting the shop, you can walk through Brooklyn Heights, explore Atlantic Avenue or head towards Brooklyn Bridge Park. The area is pleasant for walking and has plenty to see.
- Walk through Brooklyn Heights
- Explore shops along Atlantic Avenue
- Visit nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Enjoy views and quiet streets
If you want a full day plan, start with the shop in the morning. Then have lunch nearby and take a slow walk through the neighbourhood. If you have booked a magic show, return to 69 Atlantic in the evening for a memorable end to the day.
- Visit the shop first
- Enjoy lunch nearby
- Walk through the neighbourhood
- Finish with a magic show
Art of Play Brooklyn Reviews
Many visitors praise Art of Play for its unusual products, friendly atmosphere and beautiful design. The shop’s own website shares customer comments about its cool selection of items and kind staff. Reviews can change over time, so it is always wise to read the newest feedback before you visit.
- Visitors like the unusual gift selection
- Many people enjoy the puzzle range
- The magic theatre is a big highlight
- Check recent reviews before visiting
Like any popular shop, experiences can differ from person to person. In October 2026, singer Kelly Clarkson publicly said on social media that she felt she had been treated poorly during a visit to the Brooklyn store. Art of Play did not immediately respond to the claim in detail, and the reports describe her comments as her own account of the experience.
- Kelly Clarkson shared a negative experience in 2026
- The claim was shared on social media
- Art of Play did not immediately respond in detail
- Read recent reviews to form your own view
Is Art of Play Brooklyn Worth Visiting?
Yes, Art of Play Brooklyn is worth visiting if you enjoy puzzles, unusual gifts, beautiful design or close-up magic. It is a small shop, so it may not take a whole day, but it can be a memorable part of a day in Brooklyn Heights.
- Great for gift shoppers
- Great for puzzle and game lovers
- Great for magic fans
- Great for a short Brooklyn visit
It may not be the best choice if you want a large toy shop with many ordinary products at low prices. Art of Play is more about special items, clever design and a sense of wonder. If that sounds exciting to you, it is easy to see why so many people recommend it.
- Not a large discount toy shop
- Best for special and unusual finds
- Best for people who enjoy curiosity
- A good choice for a memorable visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Art of Play Brooklyn?
Art of Play Brooklyn is a curiosity shop in Brooklyn Heights. It sells puzzles, games, toys, books, playing cards and magical home goods. It also has a hidden close-up magic theatre called 69 Atlantic.
- A curiosity shop in Brooklyn Heights
- Sells puzzles games toys and gifts
- Home to the 69 Atlantic magic theatre
Where is Art of Play Brooklyn located?
Art of Play Brooklyn is at 69 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11201. It is near Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights and close to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
- 69 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn NY 11201
- Located in Brooklyn Heights
- Near Hicks Street and the park
Does Art of Play Brooklyn have a magic show?
Yes. The shop is home to 69 Atlantic, an intimate close-up magic theatre. The show takes place in a small room, so guests sit close to the magician and can see the tricks clearly.
- Magic theatre called 69 Atlantic
- Close-up magic for small audiences
- Shows usually held at weekends
How do I get tickets for the 69 Atlantic magic show?
Visit the official Art of Play website to check current show dates, performers, prices and ticket availability. Because the theatre is small, it is best to book early and confirm all details before you travel.
- Check the official website
- Confirm dates and prices
- Book early for the best chance of seats
Is Art of Play Brooklyn worth visiting?
Yes. It is worth visiting if you like unusual gifts, clever puzzles, beautiful design or close-up magic. It is especially enjoyable for people looking for something different to do in Brooklyn Heights.
- Worth visiting for curious shoppers
- Good for gifts and puzzles
- A memorable stop in Brooklyn Heights
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