Brooklyn Is the Gallery Capital

While Manhattan's Chelsea still gets the headlines, Brooklyn has become the epicenter of emerging and experimental art. Lower rents, bigger spaces, and a culture that rewards risk-taking.

By Neighborhood

Bushwick

The heart of Brooklyn's art scene. Dozens of galleries within walking distance, plus building-wide open studios several times a year.

• Luhring Augustine Bushwick — Blue-chip gallery with a massive Bushwick outpost
• 56 Henry — Known for discovering emerging talent
• Signal Gallery — Sound and multimedia art in a converted warehouse

When to go: First Thursday of every month for the Bushwick Open Studios crawl.

DUMBO

Waterfront galleries with Manhattan skyline views. More established, higher price points.

• A.I.R. Gallery — The first artist-run gallery for women in the US
• Smack Mellon — Large-scale installations in a converted spice warehouse
• Minus Space — Reductive and abstract art

Williamsburg

The OG Brooklyn art neighborhood. Still strong despite the brunch-ification.

• The Boiler/Pierogi — One of Williamsburg's longest-running spaces
• SITUATIONS — Experimental and conceptual projects

Red Hook

The frontier. Massive studio spaces attracting artists priced out of everywhere else.

• Pioneer Works — A cultural center in an old iron works factory. Events, exhibitions, and residencies.

Tips for Gallery Visits

• Most Brooklyn galleries are free and open Thursday-Sunday
• Follow galleries on Instagram for opening night invites (free wine, meet the artists)
• Bring a phone — many shows incorporate QR codes and digital elements
• Don't be intimidated. Walk in, look, ask questions. Gallery staff expect visitors.

Art Buying 101

Brooklyn is one of the best places to buy art directly from emerging artists:

• Works from emerging artists: $200-$3,000
• Gallery shows: prices on request (ask — it's normal)
• Open studios: often the best prices and you meet the artist