One of living in Manhattanโs biggest luxuries is the proximity to world-class art. The city is lousy with the stuff.ย Practically every neighborhood boasts either big-name museums or galleries displaying up-and-coming artists. In my opinion, the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan canโt be beat. Chelsea is home to over 300 independent art galleries (for a full list of galleries, check this website.). These galleries show all different types of art: photography, paintings, and sculpture in pretty much any style you can imagine.
There are a few reasons the Chelsea galleries stand out for me. First, most of the galleries donโt have entrance fees (i.e., theyโre free). Second, theyโre located beneath Highline Park–an abandoned train track that was converted into a beautiful urban park. You combine the two and you can spend an entire day sucking up some of the best Manhattan has to offer without spending a cent. This makes a day in the Chelsea galleries perfect for dates or for spending time with friends who donโt have much cash (if you donโt live in New York City, you should know there is never a shortage of people complaining about being cash-poor).
Should I Visit an Art Gallery?
Before I move on to highlighting some current shows, I want to address some peopleโs intimidation of galleries. Get over it. Here is my one tip for enjoying an art gallery: Enjoy the art–donโt take the art or yourself too seriously. Some of the stuff youโll see is going to be of the my-toddler-could-do-that variety. Other pieces will be really weird. You may hate some of the pieces. But appreciate it for what it is.
If you think the design is cool, enjoy the design. All of these things can be used as fodder for conversation. (One note: donโt mock the art while youโre at the gallery; thatโs really rude. Wait until youโre out of the gallery to mock the art.)
In all honesty, there are so many galleries you can just go and walk around and look in windows to look for stuff youโre interested in and youโll have a great day. All of the galleries are switching exhibitions for the winter, so now is the perfect time to go. But, if youโre the type who needs a destination, here are some great shows that are going on right now.
1. David Zwirner
525 W. 19th St, New York, NY 10011
This gallery is a canโt miss.ย Zwirner is known one of the most renowned names in the NYC art world.ย Currently showing Philip-Lorca diCorciaโs show Hustlers.
2.ย Gagosian Gallery
522 W. 21st St, New York, NY 10011
Another staple of the New York art scene. Currently showing Richard Serraโs New Sculpture.
3.ย Zach Feuer Gallery
530 W. 24th St, New York, NY 10011
This gallery is known for its risky, boundary-pushing work. Currently exhibiting Elaine Reichek: A Precise.
4.The Pace/MacGill
510 W. 25th St, New York, NY 10011
You can count on this gallery to put on shows by some of the biggest names in contemporary art.ย Currently exhibiting Irving Penn: On Assignment through October 26, 2013.
5.ย Gladstone Gallery
515 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011
Never seen conceptual art?ย This is the place. Currently exhibiting Cyprien Gaillard: Today Diggers,ย Tomorrow Dickens.
Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.ย