New York City’s entire art scene is world-class, with Chelsea’s art district being one of the most influential globally. Though Manhattan and Brooklyn are just a bridge apart, their art scenes differ. In Manhattan, the greatest artists exhibit; in Brooklyn, the great artists are made. Manhattan is home to over 500 galleries, and here’s a roundup of the must-see spots for fine art.
- Peter Lik Fine Art Gallery (10 Columbus Cir, New York): If you’re into record-breakers, you’ll want to stop by here. Peter Lik’s “Phantom,” shot in Arizona’s Antelope Canyon, holds the title of the most expensive photograph ever sold in 2014 at $6.5 million. The gallery is tucked away in the Shops at Columbus Circle, so after admiring the landscape photography, you can head downstairs for some luxury shopping or dining.
- David Zwirner (34 E 69th St, New York): With locations in Chelsea and the Upper East Side, David Zwirner’s galleries are among the most respected for contemporary art. They display everything from video installations to sculptures. Fun fact: Sasha Gordon recently became the gallery’s youngest artist on-roster at just 26 years old.
- Hauser & Wirth New York (542 W 22nd St, New York): Hauser & Wirth’s first American gallery was purpose-built in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The most recent addition, located in the West Chelsea Arts District, was designed by world-renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf and offers a far more immersive experience than your typical gallery.
- The Met Cloisters (1 E 70th St, New York): If medieval art is your thing (or even if it’s not), the Met Cloisters is a magical experience complete with a medicinal garden and Hudson River views. Located in Fort Tryon Park, it feels like stepping into a gothic castle.
- Frick Collection (1 E 70th St, New York): This intimate, antique museum in the Upper East Side of Manhattan was the former mansion of Henry Clay Frick. The space is as impressive as the masterpieces it holds within. With no barriers between you and the art, you can fully immerse yourself in each collection.
- Throckmorton Fine Art (145 E 57th St, New York): If you’re into Latin American art and photography, this is a can’t-miss spot on East 57th Street. It also features a notable collection of vintage Frida Kahlo photographs.
- The National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Pk S, New York): This members-only club in Gramercy Park was founded to enrich the American public’s appreciation of fine arts. Located in the Samuel J. Tilden House, the space has over 700 artworks on permanent display. The opulent brownstone and Victorian-era decor are a fitting backdrop for the many art and cultural events that take place here.
- Sotheby’s New York (1334 York Ave, New York): As the world’s largest broker of fine and decorative art, Sotheby’s Upper East Side headquarters opens six floors of gallery space to both art collectors and the public.
- Agora Gallery (530 W 25th St, New York): Located in Chelsea, Agora Gallery is a contemporary art space and “vanity gallery” dedicated to promoting both national and international artists. Currently on display is “On View”, an exhibition featuring the works of six female abstract artists.
- Jim Kempner Fine Art (501 W 23rd St, New York): Jim Kempner has been a prominent New York art dealer since 1987. His Chelsea gallery spans three levels and showcases a range of mediums, including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and most recently, string installations by Manuel Knapp.
