If the world can have an Axis of Evil, then the Big G deserves an Axis of Cool. These Axis members–three of them right on shores of the Gowanus, and numbers four through seven nearby–define subtle, low-key, cutting edge cool goodness:

Empty Vessel Project–This WWII Navy rescue boat undergoing rehabiltation while moored on the Gowanus presents a range of community-oriented events and offers itself as a free space for readings and more. You can even study French on the water. Located at the foot of First Street on the canal. Check their website for hours.

Proteus Gowanus–Housed in an historic old box factory that was purchased by its resident artists, Proteus is a multi-disciplinary gallery and reading space that offers a regular schedule of Gowanus-oriented events including discusions, tours and readings. There is also a one-room museum with Cold War artifacts and artwork. The cool Proteus space is located at 543 Union, with an entrance on Nevins.

Issue Project Room–Located in a former coal silo that is one of the most intriguing spaces on the shores of the Big G, the Issue Project Room (sort of pictured above) features musical performance, spoken word offerings and more. The gate is located at 400 Carroll Street, right at the magnificent old Carroll Street Bridge.

The Brooklyn Lyceum–The Lyceum is located in the ultra funky space that was formerly Public Bath #7. It hosts film screenings, film festivals, live music performances and other events (including weekend family brunches) in its recently renovated space. (The scaffolding was up for a long, long time.) There’s also a “fast food” outpost of Schnack, a GL fave that is the home of the Schnackie. Report to 227 Fourth Avenue (corner of President) to be cool. Or not.

Rooftop Films–This cool summer series show films, you guessed it, on the roof of the Old American Can Factory at the corner of Third Street and Third Avenue. (There’s also a Williamsburg site on the roof of Automotive High School on Bedford Avenue.) The 2006 season is still being planned. The official address is 232 Third Street, which means that someday rootop films will overlook Gowanus Whole Foods, Gowanus Village and things we can’t even imagine right now.

Center for Spoken Words and Performing Arts–A spoken word and musical performance space and cafe on Fourth Avenue, this venue has a full schedule of events each week. It’s located a few doors down from Union Street at 226 Fourth Avenue.

Monster Gallery and Indie Alley–A thousand square feet of gallery space at 234 Fourth Avenue, a few doors down from the Center for Spoken Words, that hosts exhibitions and other events (like Die You Zombie Bastards parties and screenings) the Monster Gallery bills itself as being in Park Slope, even though it’s most definitely on the Gowanus Side of the tracks. Probably just a ruse to calm the nerves of the uninitiated.