3 Must-See New York Galleries, Attractions, and Sights for Art LoversBy Angelica Malin
NYC has so much to offer, whether you’re coming for the incredible food, looking to enjoy world-class live entertainment, or want to experience its jaw dropping architecture up close and personal.
For art lovers, the opportunities to indulge your passion are endless, so let’s talk about a few of the most impressive hotspots to encounter and even acquire amazing works across the Big Apple.
Where to Buy Paintings: The Best Galleries for Art Lovers in New York City
Whether you want to acquire a new piece immediately, or maybe just explore a few galleries and purchase something later on, NYC is the place to be.
From small independent galleries hosting up and coming artists, right up to the big name auction houses such as Sotheby’s or Christie’s – there really is something for everyone.
For instance, The Met offers an amazing selection of works from well-known artists drawn from different global cultures, along with all sorts of other artifacts and pieces from throughout history. You can buy art-inspired notecards, puzzles, books and even tableware from The Met.
Also, a visit to the Whitney Museum will offer visitors access to some of the most unique and interesting paintings in all of New York City. You can buy prints and posters both at the museum itself, and from its online store.
Of course, in the age of ecommerce, ordering art from the web, including platforms like Singulart, is arguably the best option. Whether you shop oil paintings after being inspired by NYC’s museums and galleries, or hit up creators on platforms like Instagram and Etsy, there’s never been a better time to buy.
Uncover the Splendors of Street Art: A Tour of Iconic Graffiti in NYC
Stumbling across street art is a great way to discover unique works, and also to gain insight into local culture. New York City has its fair share of truly iconic graffiti pieces that are worth checking out, so add this to your itinerary ahead of your visit.
From colorful works found around neighborhoods like Bushwick and Ridgewood, right up to famous murals in Manhattan, there’s something for everyone here.
The Bowery Wall near Little Italy has been home to a variety of rotating murals from world-renowned artists such as Keith Haring or Shepard Fairey, although at the moment it’s been put on pause as a result of repeated vandalism. Even so, it’s still worth a look if you’re in the area.
Discovering Sculpture Gardens and Exhibitions Around Town
It should be no surprise that New York City is home to some of the most stunning outdoor sculptures in the world, ranging from classical pieces by masters such as Auguste Rodin or Henry Moore right up to current creations from artists who are still plying their trade today. So book a hotel, grab a map and get walking.
Exploring these sculpture gardens is a great way for art lovers to appreciate a variety of different styles while enjoying nature at its finest.
For example, the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City provides visitors with an incredible display of large-scale installations that have been carefully selected through their annual open call program.
Not far away there’s also The High Line, which features beautiful public artworks along its pathways – perfect if you want to take a stroll while admiring various sculptures and photographs made by both emerging talents and established names alike.
Finally, make a beeline for Central Park where you can find gorgeous statues like Alice In Wonderland or Balto – a must-see for any art lover visiting NYC. And don’t forget to plan restaurant visits around your inspiring art adventures!
The Bottom Line
You really don’t have to go far in New York before you come across amazing art, so as well as visiting these attractions, remember that you can also just follow your instincts and find some incredible works organically.