If there’s one thing that defines the culture of New York, it’s our never-ending art scene. With galleries and exhibitions on nearly every street, and museums filled with lovely finds from all over the world, and new artists always waiting to be discovered, there’s no lack of captivating places!
Not to mention the ever-present outdoor art scene of fleeting installations, pop-up exhibitions, and street art. Let’s chat about art galleries in NYC though, where you can find curated collections that are sure to impress and fascinate you. Check out our favorites below.
1. Gagosian, Chelsea
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic art galleries in NYC, the Gagosian Gallery and its surreal-style art will make you wonder if you’ve stepped into another world. With its 20,000 square foot cemented amongst Chelsea’s galleries, its an art staple that’s seen works from Damien Hirst to Andy Warhol to Jeff Koons pass through. Their massive gallery space makes it easy to check out all sorts of pieces including sculptures, murals, and more. Plus, Gagosian was the first gallery to establish a publishing house, meaning you can purchase books, zines of artist’s work, and a whole lot more (at the UES shop). Check out what’s on show at Gagosian here.
Where: 522 W 21st St
2. David Zwirner Gallery, Chelsea
With four locations in NYC each home to some of the most cutting-edge art in the world, David Zwirner’s series of galleries are sure to delight any aesthetically-minded person. The focus of the works on display here is pure modernity, with just enough of a political edge to spark intellectual debate between peers. Hosting some of the most prized contemporary art pieces in the world over the course of years, this spot has featured artists like Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, and many emerging ones too. See what’s on show here.
Where:
- 525 W 19th St
- 537 W 20th St
- 34 E 69th St
- 52 Walker St
3. Pace Gallery, Chelsea
Pace Gallery is one of NYC’s most iconic galleries, and it’s no secret since it sits in Chelsea’s gallery hotbed. With galleries all over the world, New York’s rendtion includes some of the most influential contemporary artists and estates from the past century, including Mark Rothko, David Hockney, Alexander Calder, and more. Nowadays you’ll find anything from abstract Expressionist paintings to full-on light and space installations. It’s really as unique as it gets. Check out what’s happening here.
Where: 540 W 25th St
4. Ashley Longshore Gallery + Showroom, SoHo
If you haven’t been to Ashley Longshore’s color-splashed gallery in SoHo yet than what are you doing?! The artist has made a name for herself, thanks to her eye-catching pop art that ranges from portraits of Oprah Winfrey to massive sculptures of Chanel rings. It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise and one of the trendiest galleries open right now. Learn more about Ashley Longshore Gallery here.
Where: 43 Crosby St
5. C24 Gallery, Chelsea
This contemporary art gallery was founded in 2011 by Emre and Maide Kurttepeli and partners, Mel Dogan, and Asli Soyak. Their roster of artists has been refined to represent works across gender, culture, and races. Focusing on a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, photography, fiber art, video and sculpture, the gallery has a mission to showcase underrepresented artists who use their craft for social and culture causes. See what’s on at C24 Gallery here.
Where: 378 Broadway
6. Smack Mellon, DUMBO
Smack Mellon in Brooklyn is an art gallery that doubles as a venue and studio workplace! This space focuses on furthering the artistic vision of the city by recognizing all sorts of talent including under-represented artists, female artists, mid-career artists, and those looking for recognition and exposure. With its core rooted in being a nonprofit arts organization, this gallery prioritizes offering their space as somewhere for artists to explore and exhibit their creative ideas outside the concerns of the commercial art world. See what’s happening at Smack Mellon here.
Where: 92 Plymouth St, Brooklyn
7. Westwood Gallery, Bowery
If you’re on the hunt for abstract art and vibrant colors and shapes, Westwood Gallery is one of the best art galleries in NYC for it. Since its founding in 1995, they’ve been representing a plethora of contemporary NYC artists. The art ranges from paint to photographs, and range in genre from abstract expressionism to minimalism. Their core exhibition program also includes extensive research into the socio-cultural implications of the artist’s artwork and process. This means you can expect things like an award-winning documentary environmental film and international art collaborations. See what’s happening at Westwood Gallery here.
Where: 262 Bowery
8. Decor Art Gallery, Gramercy
Although not the typical art gallery you would imagine, Decor Art Gallery is more of a place to buy and frame art, rather than see high-scale works. They are most known for their high-end custom framing services, but they do also have already created works that you can buy and take home with you (with many of them being NYC themed!). If you’re looking for something casual for your home or need help taking a digital piece and bringing it to life, we suggest Decor.
Where: 555 3rd Ave
9. Pop International Galleries, Bowery
Are you ready for a pop of color?! Living up to its name, Pop International Galleries and its colorful pieces focus on pop culture and its icons, ensuring something will catch your eye. Their highly curated collection features all sorts of household names like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and even Dr. Seuss! You can even purchase pieces from here too. Whether you just want to check out some cool colors, or feel like adding to your collection, you can do it all here. Check out the gallery’s inventory and artist roster here.
Where: 195 Bowery
10. PERROTIN, Lower East Side
Originally opened in 2013 in a historic building on the Upper East Side’s Madison Avenue, PERROTIN lasted three years before moving to it’s 25,000 square foot space on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side. The gallery constantly features different thought- provoking works, and even hosts panel discussions, workshops, and concerts from time to time. Their expansive bookshop is also a great place to hang out before or after, so you can explore their unique zines and editorials published by the gallery.
Where: 130 Orchard St
11. Michael Werner, Lenox Hill
Founded originally in 1990 by Michael Werner with direction from Gordon VeneKlasen, this townhouse turned art gallery holds tons of modern and contemporary European and American Art. Artists included here over the years include Sigmar Polke, Wilhelm Lehmbruck, Huven Andesron, Aaron Curry, and Enrico David. You’ll typically find all sorts of gorgeous paintings at this Lenox Hill gallery. See what exhibitions are on here.
Where: 4 E 77th St # 2
12. KARMA, East Village
This brick facade gallery nestled among the divine restaurants in East Village hosts about 20 exhibitions per year, representing a diverse roster of artists and style. It was founded in 2011 by Brendan Dugan and also owns a bookstore that cranks out books, merchandise, and publications about the gallery’s rotating works. Check out what’s on at Karma here.
Where: 188 E 2nd St
13. Gladstone Gallery, Chelsea
Unlike many other galleries on this list, Gladstone Gallery is what they call “blue-chip” meaning they primarily focus on one genre of art. Works here tend to focus on conceptualism and abstractionism, allowing the art consumer to make of the piece what they wish. Often with splashes of colors and mesmerizing shapes and strokes, this gallery puts individual interpretation at the forefront. See all of the current exhibitions here.
Where: 515 W 24th St
14. Taglialatella Gallery, Chelsea
Specializing in art that comes from the street art and secondary art market world, the works at Taglialatella Galleries have a sense of “hype” around them. From a massive KAWS figurine (shown above) to one-of-a-kind Keith Haring artwork, everything here is very cool and super Instagrammable. We’re talking Invader to Banksy to even Jean-Michel Basquiat. If you think of all the hyped contemporary artists, you’ll probably find a piece of their’s here. Check out their exhibitions here.
Where: 229 10th Ave
15. Templon, Chelsea
With its original roots dating back to 1966 France, Templon’s NYC location (which just opened in fall 20222) represents a group of international artists that have also taken participated in the Whitney Biennial, Documenta, and many more international exhibitions. Across the 4 galleries, artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol have passed through, ensuring some credibility since its inception all those years ago. Check out their current exhibition here, which is a stunning immersion made of red thread.
Where: 293 10th Ave
16. Salon 94, Upper East Side
Salon 94 has only been around for a few years, but this gallery hosts exhibitions, performances, and educational projects, and is one of the best art galleries in NYC. Some of the most iconic artists to pass through here include Wangetchi Mutu, Tom Sachs, and more. They also have a 94th street location that is invitation only.
Where: 3 E 89th St
17. Chase Contemporary, SoHo
Last but not least on our list is Chase Contemporary, a SoHo art hub located between Spring and Prince Street in SoHo. Showcasing a variety of contemporary paintings, photography, sculptures, and works on paper, you’ll find a bit of everything with a range of different artists (from emerging to established secondary market frequents). Established in hopes to celebrate post-war art, this spot has featured works from Peter Beard, Yayoi Kusama, Robert Indiana, Kenny Scharf, and more. Check out what’s on here.
Where: 413 W Broadway
18. Lévy Gorvy Dayan, Upper East Side
Lévy Gorvy Dayan might just be our vote for the most beautiful art gallery in NYC. The gallery itself feels like you’re walking around a private European mansion, and the art (which ranges from paintings to sculptures) just oozes brilliance. Their main focus is on modern thinkers and to increase the visibility of twentieth- and twenty-first-century works and artists. Learn more about Lévy Gorvy Dayan here.
Where: 19 E 64th St
19. EDEN Gallery, Multiple Locations
NYC is home to a 3 different locations, with one being in SoHo and two in Midtown. Since being founded in 1997 by Cathia Klimovsky, the gallery has grown to the global scale and represents high-end art from international artists that promotes contemporary optimism and a colorful view of life! From acryllic paintings of Monopoly characters to stipped back sculptures of the Beatles, there’s so much to see across all 3 locations. Learn more about EDEN Gallery here.
Where:
SoHo – 470 Broome St
Midtown – 437 Madison Ave & 647 5th Ave (two separate locations)
20. Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Union Square
Supporting the educational goals of the accompanying Pratt Institute, this gallery helps support artists who are intersecting art, design, science, and new technologies. Learn more about Pratt Institute and the gallery here.
Where: 144 W 14th St