The Dumbo Projection Project Returns for 2025! 

Dumbo Projection Project
Photo: Julienne Schaer

The Dumbo Projection Project Returns for 2025!

Returning for its second year, The Dumbo Projection Project will be back from March 5 to May 25, 2025.

The Dumbo Projection Project is the largest video art series in Brooklyn, and this year’s projections will be even bigger. Artworks will be displayed on the Manhattan Bridge and across the BQE in Susan Smith McKinney Steward Park, creating a visual experience that’s not only free but also family-friendly.

Once again, this outdoor video art series will transform the streets and bridges of Dumbo, Brooklyn, with a mix of technology and creativity. These projections will be available for viewing Wednesday through Sunday, from dusk until 11 pm, so there’s plenty of time to plan your visit once the sun goes down.

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Three Unique Art Installations

This year, the project will be divided into three parts, each lasting four weeks. These installations will showcase the work of local and global artists.

The Dumbo Projection Project Returns for 2025! 

Wet Nose Pawject: March 5-30, 2025

As a city of pet lovers, dogs naturally hold a special place in the heart of New York City, and this exhibition celebrates the many cute faces of our furry friends. Curated by Photoville, it showcases heartwarming videos of dogs living their best lives in Dumbo, with the iconic bridges in the background.

If you’re a dog lover, it is definitely a must-see. “Wet Nose Pawject” by artist Kholood Eid and photographer Matthew Gilbertson was created by dog lovers fellow themselves, who understand the joy of owning a dog and the impact they have on us. “Making dogs happy makes us happy,” says artist Kholood Eid. “We don’t deserve them.”

SMx30 Outdoors: April 2-27, 2025

In celebration of Smack Mellon’s 30th anniversary, this projection takes you on a journey through the nonprofit arts organization’s history and future in Dumbo. It features works by artists such as the Barnstormers and Juan José Cielo. One of the standout moments includes time-lapse footage of a massive floor painting, alongside two videos created during a residency at the Mars Desert Research Station. This mix of art and science looks at what it takes to create in extreme environments, offering a thoughtful look at innovation and survival in tough conditions.

Unexpected Delight!: May 1-25, 2025

The final volume of the series, curated by Gabriel Barcia-Colombo for NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program, is based on surprise. This collection of student-created works explores the theme of unexpected delight, inviting visitors to rediscover the familiar spaces they encounter daily. Expect a variety of fun, interactive pieces that will make you stop, take a second look and see the world in surprising and new ways.

A Leisurely and Fun Family Outing

With spring temperatures finally creeping back, it’s a great time to take a walk along the waterfront. You can enjoy the views of the Manhattan Bridge and check out the colorful projections that turn Dumbo into a cool art space. Whether you’re there to see the dogs, the art, or just enjoy a fun evening with the kids, the projections are a free and engaging event for everyone.

Presented by the Dumbo Improvement District, the event aptly takes place in one of Brooklyn’s most artistic neighborhoods. Dumbo has long been a creative hub for artists, and the Dumbo Projection Project adds to the neighborhood’s artistic history. The Dumbo Improvement District has been helping bring art to the public since 2006, turning the area into a kind of open-air gallery.

With over 165 artist studios, galleries, and residency programs, it’s a natural fit for this type of project. Since the neighborhood is also a popular spot for families, offering parks, waterfront views, and various activities, this projection series simply adds to the area’s unique character.

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