The 7 Best Galleries On Manhattan's Lower East Side

Art is constantly evolving, and in the past few decades, the Lower East Side of Manhattan has exploded as an art destination in the city. It’s not as high-brow as Chelsea; the galleries welcome emerging and experimental artists, and yet it’s becoming a respected art neighborhood. Most of the galleries in the area have opened since the year 2000, and many share the same name as their owners who, more often than not, have extensive art backgrounds and excellent tastes. It seems that many of them simply grew tired of the scene in Chelsea and wanted a space to show what they want, and right now, that space is the Lower East Side. There are over 200 galleries in the neighborhood, but here are a few to get you started.

1. WhiteBox

Art Gallery

Founded in 1998, WhiteBox is unique in the attention it gives to performance and site-specific art. Just two years after it opened, it was nominated for ‘Best Group Show’ by the International Art Critics Association and has since become known as a space where the surrounding community of the LES and Chinatown is encouraged to engage with modern and contemporary art. WhiteBox is an advocate for the avant-garde, the underrepresented, and the experimental, and it’s making it accessible to all.

2. Bitforms

Art Gallery, School

Bitforms is dedicated to the digital arts, and this emphasis makes it a fascinating visit in the modern, digital age of today. While many galleries in this neighborhood support modern, non-traditional artists, this one is unique in that its focus is on multimedia and technology, showing work that uses software, the internet, and social media. Its exhibits are relevant to anyone living in the 21st century, are often interactive, and will make you view the technology you use every day in new ways.

3. Lesley Heller Workspace

Art Gallery

Opened in 2010, the Lesley Heller Workspace is, like others in this neighborhood, a gallery that promotes emerging contemporary artists. There are two separate spaces in the gallery, allowing for dual exhibitions, and many of the shows are guest-curated. This allows for unique conversations and multiple viewpoints (from the multiple collectors, curators, and artists), and this is precisely the gallery’s aim.

5. James Fuentes

School

The James Fuentes Gallery is run by James Fuentes, a Lower East Side native who opened his gallery in 2010. His goal is to showcase both established and up-and-coming artists equally, not discriminating against where an artist went to school, how famous they are, or what medium they use. His goal is to allow the art to speak for itself, for it to be exhibited simply, and he’s not afraid to show work that’s eclectic and pushes boundaries.

6. Canada

Art Gallery

Canada has become a destination for contemporary art, and they often show sculptural exhibits or installations – a welcome change from the two-dimensional art so often shown. Founded in 1999, it was one of the first galleries in the neighborhood to establish itself, and in its early years, it was known as an anti-establishment haven where artists could express themselves. Now, it’s highly respected across the art world.

7. Steven Harvey

Art Gallery

Another contemporary gallery, Steven Harvey Fine Art Projects was established in 2007 on the Upper East Side and has since relocated to the Lower East Side. Right now, the gallery is showing a solo exhibition by artist Clintel Steed, an artist from Salt Lake City. The gallery typically shows contemporary painters, yet their style is less avant-garde than some of their super funky neighbors.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.