Art exhibits are as different as the artists that exhibit them, so picking the best art galleries to visit can be difficult. The best places to see both historical and modern works, as well as one-of-a-kind artistic talent, are the top art galleries in the United States and the rest of the world. Here are some of the best art gallery locations to visit on your next trip.
The “best” galleries in America are the subject of much debate, but there’s no denying that the United States has over 6 million museums and galleries. This colossal number leaves plenty for art aficionados to choose from fine art institutions to small, niche galleries. From museums that house important collections to galleries specializing in a single artist, these ‘best’ museum and art gallery options across America are home to some of the world’s greatest works of art.
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), commonly referred to as MoMA, is among the world’s most influential art museums. Its collection, which is virtually unmatched in terms of scope and quality, is recognized as one of the finest collections of modern and contemporary art in the world. Located in the heart of New York City in Midtown Manhattan, the museum sits inside a landmark building designed by architect Renzo Piano. Recently, the museum announced its newest expansion, which includes an additional 70,000 square feet of gallery space and another 10,000 square feet of public amenities, including a café, a restaurant, and a lobby library.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is a massive museum filled with treasures worldwide. Its collection includes over two million works of art, and the museum regularly has special exhibits that showcase different elements of its collection. This museum, established in 1870, originates in Italian Renaissance art, and over time, it grew its collection to include works from all over the world. It has an unparalleled collection of art from around the world, which traces the history of art, paintings, and sculptures dating back to the 12th century. Today, the collection includes:
- Ancient sculptures from Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
- Paintings, drawings, and prints from European masters including Raphael, Michelangelo, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
- Furniture, ceramics, and glass from Asian and Middle Eastern artisans.
- Metalwork.
- Textiles, costumes, and jewellery.
Chicago’s museum district is home to some of the world’s finest art collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s also home to some of the city’s finest cuisine, thanks to the highly-rated restaurants adjacent to the museum, and it’s the perfect end to a day of touring the art. The Art Institute of Chicago is an art museum located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1879, the museum’s permanent collection contains over 300,000 works of art. The Art Institute offers special programs for kids, teens, and adults throughout the year.
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., is the largest museum of art, with more than 600 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints spanning 5,000 years of art history. The gallery’s collection focuses on the major artistic movements of the modern era, from Early Renaissance art to contemporary art. The gallery also features works by contemporary African and African American artists.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
LACMA is a world-class museum situated in Los Angeles, CA. Its collection consists of over 131,000 works, ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. LACMA’s permanent exhibit halls include the European Art, Architecture and Design, Latin American Art, and Pacific Asia collections. The museum’s art collections reflect Los Angeles’ unique multicultural heritage, and the museum’s architect, Richard Meier, incorporated American and Mexican styles into the museum’s modern architecture.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a regional and internationally renowned art museum. Founded in 1929, LACMA, with 96,000 objects in its permanent collection, is one of the largest art museums in the western United States and is ranked by international art experts as one of the most influential art museums in the world.
Whitney Museum of American Art
The Whitney Museum of American Art opened up in 2015, and it was the first new major museum built in New York City in more than 50 years. It is a nonprofit art institution devoted to collecting, exhibiting, preserving, and educating the public about modern and contemporary American art. The museum’s permanent exhibitions never include a single work of art that has been exhibited before. It encompasses 12 galleries, three administrative spaces, and an education centre. The Whitney Museum offers free admission, and it’s free to all New York Residents and New York City schoolchildren. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.
America has many places to see art, but these 6 top art galleries are placed for the best art in this country.