Hoboken has welcomed a new space made for creativity and connection. Mothership, located at 257 1st Street, officially opened on October 11th, 2025, from 11 AM to 6 PM. It’s designed to bring together art, gaming, and culture in one space where people can create, learn, and relax.
The idea for Mothership came from five local creatives who wanted to make a community space that feels open and welcoming. They describe it as a “third space” — not home or work, but somewhere to meet others, explore ideas, and enjoy creative experiences.
The founders were inspired to build Mothership after noticing how technology and isolation had made personal connections harder. Their goal was to create a place that helps people reconnect through art, design, and creativity.
- Mothership opened on October 11th, 2025, at 257 1st Street, Hoboken, with free arcade play for its first two weeks.
- The space was started by five local creatives who wanted to rebuild real-world connections through art and shared culture.
- Plans include STEM and animation classes, an analog lab, and a coffee shop offering specialty teas and drinks.
The Inspiration Behind Mothership
Mothership began as an idea shared by two of its founders who met while studying art in New York City. Their shared love of creative culture led to the plan for a space that celebrates art, music, and media.
They spent time visiting community art centers and media stores across the United States, including Central Arts in Dallas and Vinegar Syndrome in Boston. These visits showed them how creative spaces can help people connect. A visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., where Parliament-Funkadelic’s famous Mothership is on display, inspired them to turn their dream into reality and gave the project its name.
Fast forward to 2025, and that idea has landed right in Hoboken. Mothership is now open and ready to welcome anyone who loves art, games, or hanging out in a creative space.
Inside Mothership
Mothership is a mix of an art gallery, game room, and old-school media store. The place has vinyl records, comics, collectibles, and trading card games, plus arcade machines and claw games that add a bit of retro fun.
The space also features interactive art displays that let visitors experience creativity firsthand. Beyond the retail section, Mothership hosts events, workshops, and activities that bring the community together. Regular programming includes DJ nights, movie screenings, trivia events, and art workshops for both adults and children.
An early highlight on the calendar is a movie and trivia night on October 23rd, hosted by a guest known for appearing on HBO’s The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder.
In the coming months, Mothership will add more creative programs, including STEM and animation classes, an analog computer lab, and a coffee bar serving specialty teas and drinks. The goal is to make the space a creative hub that keeps growing and evolving with the community.
Grand Opening and Hours
The grand opening on October 11th, 2025, gave visitors a first look at what Mothership has to offer. Guests enjoyed snacks and drinks imported from Japan and Korea, fresh popcorn, a TV installation, and a live DJ set that brought the space to life.
For the first two weeks, all arcade games are free, while claw machine tokens can be purchased at the counter.
Mothership’s regular hours are:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 11AM – 5PM
- Friday and Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed (used for pop-ups and collaborations)
- After-hours events: 6PM – 11PM, Wednesday through Sunday
These flexible hours give visitors plenty of time to explore, attend events, and take part in evening programs.
