23 Most Captivating NYC Art Galleries to Visit in 2024

New York City is an artist's haven, and the five boroughs have plenty of NYC art galleries that show off incredible works. Well-established, internationally known artists and those who are just beginning to make a name for themselves in the art world alike show their work in this unofficial art capital.

So, what is there to see in NYC art galleries? Detailed fine art, street art and pieces that will make you think, feel and want to create your next masterpiece. 

Making art has plenty of benefits, including lowering stress, improving focus and activating the brain’s reward center, according to NPR. And viewing art also has benefits, as it can make bring out your emotions, and make you think and appreciate the work, says the University of Arizona Global Campus.

You may be looking for NYC art galleries for emerging artists to show off your own work. Or maybe you want to see what artists are showing off in art galleries in Manhattan to be inspired. We’ve rounded up a list of NYC art galleries that are a must-visit when you’re in the city. 

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• Best NYC Art Galleries for Emerging Artists
• Largest NYC Art Galleries
• Small NYC Art Galleries
• Most Unique NYC Art Galleries

Best NYC Art Galleries for Emerging Artists

1. NYC Art Classes & Events

Art classes in NYC, pottery classes in NYC and painting classes in NYC are great indoor activities in NYC for those who enjoy being creative. After taking these classes with world-class artists, you may have sparked an interest in art or be interested in seeing the work of other emerging artists.

You can also visit Smack Mellon in Brooklyn, an NYC art gallery that offers a fellowship and free studio space for emerging and early-career artists. The gallery also features exhibitions of emerging and early-career artists.

2. C24 Gallery

Located in Chelsea, C24 Gallery features contemporary art in 9,000 square feet of space. The gallery has devoutly exhibited artists who are just emerging on the scene, which makes it one of the best art galleries in NYC to view those new on the scene or for artists looking to have their work featured.

3. CLEARING

Originating in Brussels, CLEARING features contemporary works from emerging artists from around the world, particularly those of younger artists. It’s one of the best NYC art galleries to understand commentary and perspectives from young creative minds.

4. Marianne Boesky Gallery

The Marianne Boesky Gallery has a storied history as an NYC art gallery. It moved around the city before settling in Chelsea. Art dealer Marianne Boesky routinely features emerging and mid-career artists that have gone on to become big names in the art world.

5. Martos Gallery

This critically acclaimed gallery allows artists to work with a variety of mediums. Martos Gallery routinely features emerging talent and well-established names. The gallery also represents estates of art collectors, so visitors are able to view priceless works.

6. Half Gallery 

Tucked away in the East Village, Half Gallery exhibits emerging and established artists from a variety of stylistic backgrounds. The cozy space was founded by William Powers and features vibrant works made to evoke feelings.

Wondering how to get art shown in NYC? Consider approaching one of these galleries that feature emerging and new artists about exhibiting your work.

Largest NYC Art Galleries

7. Perrotin

With over 25,000 square feet, Perrotin features some of the most unique art in the city. Beyond the art, there are panel discussions, workshops, concerts and a bookstore. If you’re wondering how to meet people in a new city, Perrotin is a great way to meet like-minded art lovers.

8. Templon 

Templon originated in France in 1966, so the gallery has a storied history with many international artists. The NYC art gallery currently represents some of the art world’s most famous artists and features work from some of the largest names in the industry, past and present. 

9. Metropolitan Museum of Art 

What is the largest art gallery in New York? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, of course. This legendary museum is also the most famous art gallery in New York City and the largest art museum in the Americas.

It hosts some of the world’s most famous paintings as well as exhibits from contemporary painters, ancient architecture, and the renowned Costume Institute. Plan a birthday dinner in NYC where you can discuss some of the amazing exhibits after visiting.

10. David Zwirner Gallery

Where are most galleries in NYC? Many NYC art galleries can be found in the Chelsea area, and David Zwirner is one of them. With over 30,000 square feet, the David Zwirner Gallery is among the largest NYC art galleries, and one of the finest.

It features beautiful shows of contemporary artists from around the world, along with historical pieces of art.

11. Sean Kelly Gallery

Sean Kelly Gallery is a great place to find art ideas to inspire your own work. This NYC art gallery features art installations and performance art from established and mid-career artists. The gallery is known for risk-taking and modifying the space to fit the work of the artist featured.

12. Pace Gallery 

The Pace Gallery has nine spaces around the world, making it one of the largest collections of exceptional artwork. This famous space features classic mediums such as paintings and photography as well as newer, groundbreaking and expanding mediums, making for a well-rounded exhibit. Who knows, visiting this gallery might inspire you to take a few photography classes in NYC.

Small NYC Art Galleries

13. :iidrr

This artist-run gallery is a must-visit on this list of NYC art galleries. The exhibits blend trends, culture, and media to create engaging pieces.

If you’re still wondering how to find your art style, find inspiration in their unique exhibits. This small art gallery in NYC also collaborates with up-and-coming artists.

14. Van Der Plas Gallery

Though it has a small square footage, the Van Der Plas Gallery boasts some big historical art movements. Van Der Plas Gallery shows off New York’s street art movement, where many artists in the 1980s paved the way and created their own movements.

15. The 8th Floor

As an independent art exhibition space, The 8th Floor is a small art gallery in NYC that seeks to broaden access to art in the city. The gallery features performances and discussions among their collection of contemporary artists.

16. Anita Shapolsky Gallery

Anita Shapolsky has been a curated and collector for over 40 years. The gallery boasts a variety of exhibited artists who create expressionist and abstract works.

Proudly displaying Latin American, African American and women artists, this is one of the most diverse places on this gallery guide of NYC.

17. The Hole NYC 

This gallery guide of NYC has to feature this fun and collaborative space. Presenting solo and group monthly exhibitions and representing emerging artists, The Hole NYC is a great place for local artists to collaborate and find community. Necause this art gallery is on the cusp of Brooklyn and Queens, you can also visit all the best Brooklyn Street Art murals, especially the Bushwick Street Art Collective murals, on a free, self-paced walking tour. 

Most Unique NYC Art Galleries

18. ACA Galleries

ACA Galleries is unique for being one of the oldest on the list. Having been established in 1932, this gallery has exhibited political and progressive art for nearly a century. Here you’ll see some of the most high-profile works in New York City.

19. bitforms gallery 

To see art that deviates from the standard, bitforms gallery is the place to be. The cutting-edge gallery features artists who are up-and-coming and mid-career that use the latest technology to create unique pieces.

20. Small is Beautiful

Micro and miniature works can amaze just as much as large-format art. Small is Beautiful exhibits art in the tiniest form, like as small a pencil tip of a mini diorama. This unique place is one of the best date ideas in NYC.

21. Pop International Galleries

For anyone who loves color, Pop International Galleries is the place to be. The exhibits feature work from icons like Basquiat, Haring and Warhol. And with unique pieces available to purchase, this gallery is also a great place to find gifts for artists.

22. Olfactory Art Keller

At Olfactory Art Keller, visual artists mix their work with scents to create a total sensory experience. Smell is the artistic medium here and you’ll find scented objects, performances and multi-sensory works.

The perfumes sold in their store make unforgettable New York gifts to remember your trip.

23. KARMA 

This gallery in the East Village features 20 exhibitions a year from a variety of artists from diverse style backgrounds. The store has books and publications about each of the exhibits, making it one of the most fun indoor activities in NYC.

Art galleries in Manhattan and across the other four boroughs feature diverse perspectives, messages and artists. NYC is known as one of the best cities for artists.

From the most famous art gallery in New York to some of the more underground spaces, there are plenty of spaces to get inspired, view art and even show off some of your own work. New York is the perfect city to let out your creativity.

For even more fun NYC activities, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!