Art galleries
In New York City, art is not limited to museums: you must also explore art galleries! Their exhibitions feature well-known artists but also young talents that challenge contemporary art.
Inuit drawing from the Alaska on Madison collection.
What You Need to Know About Art Galleries in New York
- New York is a city that matters in the art world. Not only will you find some of the most beautiful art museums in the world there, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the MoMA, the Guggenheim Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art, but you can also visit leading galleries.
- New York galleries mainly developed in the 1940s, specializing in contemporary art. Art galleries are primarily located in 3 neighborhoods: SoHo, the Lower East Side and the Upper East Side.
- According to the New York City Mayor’s office, there are approximately 1400 art galleries in New York. There is, however, no more precise census.
- Don’t hesitate to enter! There is obviously no obligation to buy and gallery owners will be delighted to present their current works to you. Many galleries even organize free exhibitions to encourage the public to come and discover the artists.
The 5 Best Art Galleries in New York
ACA Galleries
Founded in 1932, ACA Galleries is a renowned gallery specializing in American painting and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery features a selection of American Impressionism, with notable names such as Charles White, Stuart Davis, and Yasuo Kuniyoshi. The gallery was awarded the ‘Art To Life’ prize in 2008, recognizing its work in promoting women in art.
The interior of the ACA Galleries art gallery in New York. Address: 529 West 20th Street, 5th floor, between 10th and 11th Avenue.
Neighborhood: Chelsea.
Metro: 23 St.
Gallery 71
Gallery 71 is a specialized art gallery known for its works featuring New York. Among the artists present, you will discover, for example, the paintings of Marion Welch or Frederirk Mershimer. An essential address for lovers of New York. Moreover, the shop can also deliver to Europe if you fall for one of the creations.
The window display of Gallery 71. Address: 974 Lexington Avenue, on the northwest corner of 71st St.
Neighborhood: Upper East Side.
Metro: 69 St-Hunter College.
Louis K. Meisel Gallery
Louis K. Meisel Gallery is an art gallery specializing in contemporary art. Louis K. Meisel did not just hang works. He is also the inventor of the term ‘photorealism’, a word that describes ultra-realistic paintings and sculptures. Among the big names that have been exhibited here are Chuck Close, Audrey Flack, and Richard Estes.
Screenshot of the Louis K. Meisel art gallery website. Address: 141 Prince Street.
Neighborhood: SoHo.
Metro: Spring St.
Marian Goodman Gallery
Founded in New York in 1977, the Marian Goodman Gallery also opened a branch on rue du Temple, in Paris, in 1999. If you are Parisian, here is an excellent opportunity to compare the works presented on both sides of the Atlantic! The gallery represents more than 50 artists, including American Paul Sietsema, Frenchman Christian Boltanski, Italian Maurizio Cattelan, and Australian Daniel Boyd.
Screenshot of the Marian Goodman art gallery website in New York. Address: 24 West 57th Street, between Fifth and 6th Avenue.
Neighborhood: Midtown.
Metro: 57 St.
Tibor de Nagy
Founded in 1950, Tibor de Nagy is an influential gallery specializing in contemporary art. You will discover paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Tibor de Nagy, of Hungarian origin, made a good part of his career in the banking sector before turning to art, his true passion. The gallery has exhibited several famous artists, including Francis Picabia, Sam Francis, and Fairfield Porter.
Screenshot of the Tibor de Nagy art gallery website. Address: 11 Rivington Street.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side.
Metro: Bowery Station.