Manhattan's 10 Best Art Galleries

Arguably the most prominent dealer of our time, Larry Gagosian opened his first New York space in 1985 and owned a gallery with renowned dealer Leo Castelli in SoHo until 1996. Castelli and Gagosian helped define the glamorous SoHo gallery scene that would transfer to Chelsea in the early aughts. He represents and supports some of the most important post-war and contemporary artists including Yayoi Kusama, Richard Serra, and Jeff Koons while also mounting important historical surveys of noted artists such as Jean Michel-Basquiat and Lucio Fontana. Known for his grand, immaculate spaces, Gagosian currently has five gallery outposts in New York City alone with nine more spaces internationally. His prowess, keen eye, and consistent blockbuster exhibits have earned him a spot in history as one of the first mega dealers of the global contemporary art market.
Gagosian Gallery, 555 West 24th St, New York, NY, USA, +1 212-7 41-1111

David Zwirner emerged onto the New York art scene during the SoHo era opening his first space in 1993. In the past two decades, he has moved to Chelsea, expanded from one location to three in Manhattan, and opened a space in London. His newly renovated buildings exude contemporary immaculate grandeur, drawing crowds for both his noted historical shows and high-profile contemporary installations. Considered one of the most influential players in the art world, Zwirner represents established artists such as Lisa Yuskavage, Donald Judd, Christopher Williams, William Eggleston as well as the estates of Gordon Matta-Clark and Dan Flavin to name a few. He continues to pioneer and support emerging artists with infamous newcomer Oscar Murillo now among his roster of established talent.
David Zwirner Gallery, 537 West 20th St, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 517 8677

Native New Yorker Marian Goodman opened her gallery on the Upper East Side in 1977. Maintaining this outpost while watching the gallery scene migrate downtown to SoHo then west to Chelsea illustrates the loyalty of her following and importance as a New York art world anchor. Starting from modest means and good intentions, Goodman aimed to exhibit artists unrepresented in New York City and is known for her ability to identify and cultivate good talent providing her artists with unwavering long-term support. Her roster includes established talents Gerhard Richter and John Baldessari as well as younger artists Adrian Villar-Rojas and Danh Vo. Grounding her exhibits in critical contemporary theory, visit her gallery to see theoretically stimulating shows that are simultaneously visually pleasing.
Marian Goodman, 24 West 57th St, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 977 7160

Nicholas Acquavella founded Acquavella, a cornerstone of the New York art scene, in 1921. Over the years Acquavella has specialised in Italian Renaissance, Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, and Pop Art. This unwavering longevity pronounces them as a key player in the dealings of modern art, which can be seen through their noted historical shows by artists like Jean Dubuffet and Wayne Thiebaud. Recent exhibits by contemporary artists Damian Loeb and Enoc Perez illustrates their eye for future talents and continued foray into the contemporary market. Acquavella has occupied their current space, a picturesque townhouse on the Upper East Side, since 1967.
Acquavella, 18 E 79th St, New York, NY, USA, +1 212 734 6300

Installation view of Dubuffet | Barceló on view at Acquavella Galleries, June 30 – September 19, 2014 | All works of art by Jean Dubuffet are © 2014 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris All works of art by Miquel Barceló are © Miquel Barceló / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris