Is alcohol allowed at the Brooklyn Zen Center?
A: No, Brooklyn Zen Center is an alcohol-free space.
Can people wear shoes in the Zen Center?
A: The entire space, beyond the entryway and bathroom, is a shoes-off area.
Are chairs available and how many?
A: Yes, we have approximately 40 wooden chairs available for use.
Can the altar be removed from the zendo for my occasion?
A: Yes. Please let us know if you would like the altar moved and we can arrange this.
How do guests enter the secured front door?
A: The code to buzz the front door is 30. This code activates the phones in the Zen Center, which can be used to buzz guests in.
Is the kitchen fully equipped?
A: Yes. The spacious kitchen is equipped with two large refrigerators, two sinks and a stove. It can easily handle the catering needs of 75 guests.
Is the space wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, there is a wheelchair-accessible entrance, as well as an elevator, on the President Street side of the building. The address on this side of the building is 540 President Street (between 3rd and 4th Avenues). Take the elevator to the second floor and proceed down the hall toward Carroll Street. The entrance to Brooklyn Zen Center will be the last door on your left.
Is parking easily available?
A: Brooklyn Zen Center does not have a dedicated parking area, but street parking in the neighborhood is abundantly available on the weekends.
What about public transportation?
A: Brooklyn Zen Center is one block away from the M/R subway station at Union Street and 4th Avenue. This station in turn is one stop from the Atlantic/Pacific station, which services the D/M/N/R/B/Q/2/3/4/5 lines as well as the Long Island Railroad. The Carroll Street station on the F and G line is also only four long blocks away.
Is it a quiet space?
A: Yes.
Are there good restaurants and/or bars nearby?
A: Yes. Restaurants and bars of nearly every description can be found on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, less than two blocks away.

Frequently Asked Questions