If you are a fan of art and free booze, Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood is a pretty magical place. There are a large number of art galleries in this area that are open to the public. You can wander in any day and shop what ever pieces they have on display. Most people don’t do this, however. Original art is not exactly an impulse-buy. It is however, fabulous window shopping.
If you want to visit the Chelsea art galleries in NYC, the time to go is on Thursday nights.
Thursday nights are when the galleries have their opening parties. Walk around the area from 10th to 11th Avenues between 20th and 29th Street on a Thursday around 6pm and chances are good you will find a gallery with a large crowd inside.
Step inside a Chelsea art gallery, find the bar (there’s almost always a bar), and sip a glass of wine as you mingle with artists, collectors, and folks off the street just like you!
Free Art Gallery Openings NYC
You can usually spot the artists by their fancy, flamboyant attire, and as they are almost certainly surrounded by a crowd of friends and admirers.
I’ve been working in Chelsea and that is how I stumbled into Agora Gallery’s last opening. There’s a large variation in the artists featured in this gallery, which I very much enjoyed.
It’s not the just free wine that draws me to a Thursday night Chelsea art gallery crawl.
What draws me to these openings is the incredible feeling they embody, of artists pouring their hearts into their craft and succeeding.
There are few things more inspiring to me than that.
Chelsea art gallery openings are one of the places in NYC where strangers still talk to each other.
Everyone is drinking wine, but no one is on their phones. Easy conversation starters hang on every wall. “What do you think of it?” offers a perfect way to talk to anyone in the room.
You could go online and research what galleries have art openings and when. Make an itinerary and a plan of exactly where to go and what to see. Or you can be like me and treat the iconic NYC activity of art gallery hopping like a night of art trick-or-treating. Wander around the neighborhood, find galleries that look fun. Some of the art will be like those tiny dum-dum lolly pops. If your lucky, you’ll view a king-sized master piece.
Like the time I stumbled into a gallery opening that was like a fabulous Sailor Moon LSD trip:
A Chelsea Art Gallery Opening Indistinguishable from Sailor Moon on Drugs
Have you ever been to an art gallery opening? Does art trick-or-treating sound awesome or awful? Can you ever say no to FREE BOOZE?
The couple in the sixth(?) picture. He’s backed into a corner, leaning over to listen. She’s standing emphatically, as if she’s on the deck of a boat. I wonder what they are talking about. #vicariouspeoplewatching
I don’t drink so I wouldn’t be interested in the alcohol but I think that’d make a lovely day or evening, wandering around art galleries! You’ll always find something interesting xxx
Jenny in Neverland recently posted…My job history
Thank for your insight Jen , I dont drink. Plan to bring my niece.
From the look of it that art looks amazing. I wish there were galleries near me to go explore.
I so wish I lived in an area where this was a thing. I love looking at art! If I ever visit the city this is for sure on my to do list!
This is so great! I’ve been looking for some new art galleries to walk through and now I know where to start!
I live in London and whilst it has been a while since I went to a gallery, when I do go (ie. The Tate galleries, National Portrait Museum etc.), it was always so incredible to see such a variety of beautiful work. I am so desperate to visit New York and from the looks of these pieces, I would definitely consider visiting!
Ellyn x | Life Of A Beauty Nerd
I love this post & I love art shows! They make my heart happy ! I’m always trying to find an opportunity to go on a Thursday night but never have the chance. Thanks for sharing this !
Ahhhh this looks so amazing. I’ve never been to new york but I’m literally desperate to go. I’m going to add this to my list of places to visit when I do eventually make a trip out there – I absolutely love art galleries and to be honest, who isn’t occasionally partial to a little cliche?! haha!
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That opening looked like a lot of fun! If I was stateside right now, I would certainly check it out. But still have to put this on my list when I get back.
I don’t go to art galleries, but I’ve been to one of my friend’s in Montclair, NJ and it was really nice! 🙂
I’ve never been to an art gallery! Not sure if I would enjoy it but it sounds interesting so might have to give it ago next time I’m in London! Lovely post!
Do these events still happen?