words by JANA LETONJA

Brooklyn’s iconic creative hub The 1896 Studios & Stages has just unveiled its brand-new 2025 Master Image Catalogue, a stunning 200-image visual journey through the legendary studio’s expansive shooting and event spaces. Eight months in the making and “hot off the press,” the catalogue captures the soul of one of New York’s most revered creative sanctuaries — a place where photography, film, art, and culture converge under one roof.

image courtesy of THE 1896 STUDIOS & STAGES

As the studio prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, The 1896 continues to embody the spirit of Brooklyn’s creative renaissance. Nestled in a quiet corner of Bushwick, the turn-of-the-century brick-walled complex spans nearly 30,000 square feet, offering filmmakers, photographers, and artists a uniquely cinematic environment steeped in both history and innovation.

Over the past two decades, The 1896 has played host to some of the most iconic cultural moments in recent memory. From David Bowie’s final music video “Lazarus” to Madonna’s 40-year career retrospective for Vanity Fair Italia by Luigi & Iango, and even the infamous “Crackcident” episode of Girls, its atmospheric spaces have been immortalized across screens and editorials. Its walls have doubled as gritty crime scenes for CSI, Law & Order: SVU, and FBI: Most Wanted — even serving as The Penguin’s lair on HBO Max — as well as the creative backdrop for countless fashion campaigns and music videos.

images courtesy of THE 1896 STUDIOS & STAGES

Beyond its cinematic legacy, The 1896 has become a cornerstone of New York’s event and creative scene. The studio recently relaunched Primate Props, a dynamic collection of hand-curated props, flats & textured backdrops available for shoots and events. The venue also doubles as an event space, hosting art-driven gatherings, brand launches, and private celebrations that reflect its boundary-pushing ethos.

At the heart of The 1896 is founder and creative director Jen Durbin, a celebrated sculptor and visionary whose art practice informs every facet of the space. Named one of Art Forum’s “Best Of” for her 16-year sculpture series 90 Moves in 9 Seconds, Durbin has long explored the relationship between the human body, movement, and image. It was this fascination with the “living presence of the moving image and its cultural imprint on the American psyche” that inspired her to create The 1896 — a living monument to creative expression and cinematic storytelling.

The new Master Image Catalogue is more than a visual archive — it’s a love letter to two decades of artistry and collaboration. Each image showcases the texture, light, and architectural character that make The 1896 a dream canvas for creators across industries. As Durbin and her team prepare to mark their 20-year milestone, they continue to expand The 1896’s legacy, bridging the worlds of art, fashion, and film in ways that feel both timeless and ahead of their time.