New York City’s art galleries are as varied and surprising as NYC itself. Thankfully, they’re mostly clustered into six main neighborhoods, each with its own artistic vibe. In this guide, we’ll show you where to go, the galleries you shouldn’t miss and an idea of the artists whose work you might see while you’re out. Regardless of what’s being shown, you’re guaranteed to encounter art that will amaze you—all for free.
Installation view from "Nan Goldin: Blood on My Hands" (2016), Matthew Marks Gallery. Artwork © Nan Goldin, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Chelsea
When you’re in the mood for a stimulating walk, don’t just traverse the length of the High Line—disembark at 20th or 23rd Streets and spend an afternoon strolling around the City’s art epicenter. The Chelsea gallery district occupies about 10 blocks (from 18th to 28th Streets, between 10th and 11th Avenues), and features contemporary art in every medium. This is the place to see the biggest names alongside the most notable up-and-comers.
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• International powerhouse
• 1980s icon
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Artwork by Saira McLaren. Courtesy, Sargent's Daughters
Lower East Side
Young artists may have moved their lofts to Brooklyn from the historically gritty Lower East Side, but plenty of their work remains on display here. And though the neighborhood is increasingly characterized by glitzy hotels and glittery bars, the predominant vibe of the work in this neighborhood is early career and edgy. The must-see galleries are gathered east of Bowery and between Houston and Grand Streets, abutting Chinatown and Nolita, making the district ideal for walking off brunch—or killing time while you’re waiting for a table.
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Pace Gallery. Courtesy, Pace Gallery. © 2018 David Hockney
57th Street
Midtown is home to some of the City’s best and longest-running galleries. Marlborough and Pace date back to the early 1960s, and Tibor de Nagy—though it recently decamped to the Lower East Side—set up shop here back in the ’50s. At the area’s elegant spaces, you’ll find a wide range of works by big contemporary names and canonized masters. Clustered near Fifth Avenue, they’re ideal to pair with a trip to MoMA and Central Park.
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© Cy Twombly Foundation. Courtesy, Gagosian. Photo: Robert McKeever
Upper East Side
Befitting its tony reputation, the Upper East Side has a stately set of galleries, many in converted townhouses. Downtowners such as Gagosian have opened up outposts here, with a polished selection of work. The district is located in the mid-70s between Park Avenue and Central Park, but there are some outliers.
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Photo: Paul Warchol
Soho
In the 1970s and ’80s, Soho was the City’s best-known art district, though these days the neighborhood is more famous for its retail and restaurants. Still, there is plenty of work here that is not to be missed. The vibrant, modern vibe of the area’s top galleries goes perfectly with a shopping trip.
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Artist: Zach Nader. Courtesy, Microscope Gallery
Williamsburg and Bushwick
If you want to be “down with the kids,” put these neighborhoods on your list and keep an eye on them for the next few years. At least one major Chelsea gallery has opened an additional location here, and although there hasn’t been an incoming flight of major gallerists, there are plenty of scrappy independents that show provocative, satisfying work. The adventure increases as you move east; the ones listed below are within shouting distance of the Morgan Avenue stop on the L train.
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• The way-out outpost of the longtime Chelsea gallery
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Installation of "Heads Will Roll," by Max de Esteban. Image © Klompching Gallery
Dumbo
A more established Brooklyn art neighborhood occupies about a five-block radius adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge and along the scenic waterfront. On the cobblestone streets you’ll find diverse offerings, both in artwork and exhibition spaces, from young newcomers to curators who’ve been at it for decades.
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