You’re driving down the Belt Parkway, maybe headed toward JFK or just trying to navigate the mess that is East New York traffic, and you see it. The sprawling, suburban-style oasis known as Gateway Center. It feels weirdly out of place in Brooklyn. No brownstones. No cramped sidewalks. Just massive parking lots and big-box stores.
But here’s the thing: people search for michaels gateway drive brooklyn ny all the time, and they usually end up a bit frustrated.
Why? Because if you look at the official directory for Gateway Center North and South, you’ll see a Target. You’ll see a Best Buy. You’ll see a massive Home Depot and even a Dave & Buster’s. But if you’re looking for a dedicated Michaels arts and crafts store right there on Gateway Drive, you are going to be looking for a long, long time.
The Gateway Center Crafting Myth
Let’s clear the air. There is no standalone Michaels located at the 501 Gateway Drive complex. Honestly, it's one of those local Mandela Effect situations where people assume every major power center has a Michaels.
I get it. If you’ve got a TJ Maxx, a Home Depot, and a Target, your brain just fills in the "craft store" slot with Michaels. But in reality, if you are standing in the parking lot at Gateway Drive, your closest actual Michaels is the one over at 252 Atlantic Ave in the Atlantic Galleria.
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That’s about 6 or 7 miles away, which in Brooklyn traffic can feel like a cross-country road trip.
Where do people get their supplies then?
If you’re already at michaels gateway drive brooklyn ny (or where you think it is), you probably don't want to hop back on the Belt. You have a few "sorta" options:
- Target (519 Gateway Dr): They have a decent stationary and "party" aisle. You can find some basic Crayola stuff, some generic acrylic paints, and maybe some DIY kits for kids. It’s not a Maker’s paradise, but it works for a last-minute school project.
- Five Below: Surprisingly good for cheap canvases and basic acrylic sets. It’s located in the North section of the mall.
- Home Depot: If your "craft" is more of a "build," this is obviously the king. But don't expect to find scrapbooking paper or delicate jewelry beads here.
Why Location Data is So Messy
You might have seen a listing online or a pinpoint on a map that led you to believe there was a michaels gateway drive brooklyn ny location. This usually happens because "Gateway Drive" is a major commercial hub, and SEO scrapers often bundle popular store names with popular addresses to catch search traffic.
It's annoying. You pack up the car, find a parking spot (which is actually easy at Gateway, thank god), and then walk around in circles looking for the signature red sign that never appears.
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The Real Brooklyn Michaels Locations
If you need the real deal—the yarn, the custom framing, the aisles of Cricut accessories—you have to head elsewhere in the borough.
- Atlantic Galleria: 252 Atlantic Ave. This is the big one. It’s multi-level, usually well-stocked, and right near the Barclays Center.
- Kings Highway: 4102 Avenue U (near Kings Plaza). This is another common "big mall" alternative for people in South Brooklyn.
Surviving a Trip to Gateway Center
Look, even without a Michaels, Gateway Center is a beast. It was built on the old Fountain Avenue Landfill—which sounds gross, but it’s now right next to the beautiful Shirley Chisholm State Park.
If you’re heading there to shop, here is the reality:
The "South" part of the mall (the 2002 original) is where you find the heavy hitters like BJ’s and Target. The "North" part (the 2014 expansion) is where the fashion and smaller retail live. If you enter "Gateway Drive" into your GPS, it might dump you at a random service entrance. Aim for 501 Gateway Drive or Erskine Street to actually get into the lots.
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It's a "Power Center," Not a Mall
Don't go expecting an indoor shopping experience. This is a suburban-style strip. You will be walking outside between stores. In January, the wind coming off the Jamaica Bay will absolutely bite your face off. Dress accordingly.
Actionable Tips for Brooklyn Crafters
Stop looking for michaels gateway drive brooklyn ny before you waste gas.
Instead, do this:
- Check the Atlantic Ave Inventory: Use the Michaels app to see if they actually have the specific yarn or frame size you need before you deal with the Atlantic Terminal parking garage.
- Try JOANN: If you’re already out that way, sometimes people confuse Gateway with other centers that have JOANN Fabric and Crafts, though those are also becoming rare in the city.
- The Target "Drive Up" Hack: If you just need basic supplies, use the Target app for the Gateway location. They have a great "Drive Up" service where they bring it to your car. It saves you from the chaos of the inside of that store, which is always packed.
Basically, Gateway is great for groceries, tech, and home repair. For fine arts and specialized crafting, you're going to have to look toward downtown Brooklyn or order online. Don't let the map pins lie to you.