A $110 million painting (and other treasures) at the Brooklyn Museum

You read correctly-- one hundred and ten million big ones. The Basquiat painting (Untitled) which claims the eye watering price tag is the costliest work by an American artist... ever. That alone is enough reason to visit the exhibit on display at the Brooklyn Museum through March 11, but for those who enjoy graffiti art, the work is a real treat.

While the Basquiat is definitely a cool experience, I found that the Brooklyn Museum has so much more to offer. The 19th century structure is one of the largest and oldest museums in New York City; the architecture is magnificent, and the grand Beaux-Arts Court its crown jewel. Its vast collection of art and antiquities numbers more than 1.5 million works. And beyond all of this, the Museum takes pride in its community, culture, and diversity.

Long on my NYC bucket list, the Brooklyn Museum has now become one of my new favorite local landmarks. Here are the top five attractions you can't miss.

1. The Architecture

Architectural highlights include a bright, modern entry pavilion and the magnificent Beaux-Arts Court located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Museum.  Currently home to the European Collection, the Court features a striking glass roof, glass tiled floors, and sweeping archways. Design enthusiasts, rejoice!

2. Ancient Egyptian Art Collection

The Museum boasts one of the largest and oldest collections of Egyptian art and antiquities in the country. And. It. Is. Unbelievable. Some pieces are more than 4,000 years old yet incredibly refined and amazingly well-preserved. Artifacts range from statues to pottery, jewelry to cosmetics, tombs to ritual tools, and even documents. #Goosebumps

3. Rodin Exhibit

On display through April 22, "The Body in Bronze" exhibit examines the many stages of Rodin's life and career, including larger impressive works and smaller intimate pieces. The various portraits of the artist himself bring the whole display to life.

4. Stained Glass Masterpieces

I'm a sucker for stained glass. There, I said it. Something about the glow of rippled light dancing through colorful, translucent fragments of glass is utterly bewitching. Religion Enthroned by J. & R. Lamb Studios (presented below) uses a "double painted" method that brings a lifelike appearance to its subjects, and it is one of the most elegant glass works I have ever seen. Unfortunately, the piece is awkwardly situated in the entryway of one of the galleries on the 4th floor and is easily missed. Brooklyn Museum, if you ever read this, move this lovely work to a worthy space!

5. Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party"

Celebrating the role of women in 'herstory', Judy Chicago's installation took nearly five years of meticulous work to create. It honors 39 legendary women --real and fictional-- with a banquet table and a painstakingly personalized place setting for each. There is really nothing subtle about the motifs, but I think that was Judy's objective: to be bold and unapologetic about recognizing women and their essential contributions to the human experience. You go, girl!

Although we spent an entire afternoon rambling through the halls of the Brooklyn Museum, I am certain that we barely scratched the surface of all that's on offer here. What a wonderful bastion of NYC culture -- I can't wait to return.