The 10 Best Contemporary Art Galleries in Caracas

Odalys is a foundation whose primary objective is the promotion and diffusion of Latin American art all over the world. Thanks to its research, Odalys was able to recover the works of Milos Jonic and Federico Lessmann, two of Venezuela’s most important and influential photographers of the 19th century. The foundation also encourages and sustains young artists through sponsorship and scholarship programs, while the gallery itself serves mainly as an exhibition space for the art that is auctioned every month by the Casa de Subastas Odalys. Through a partnership with the Association of Artists of Venezuela (AVAP), Odalys has created a support network for local artists and their families offering various types of health policies and insurance plans. With the charitable work of the foundation and the promotional activities of its galleries in Madrid and Caracas, Odalys is undoubtedly one of the most relevant names on the Venezuelan and Latin American art scene.

In Spanish, galpone stands for ‘shed’; this cultural center on the outskirts of the city is in fact a cluster of nearly 20 different sheds entirely dedicated to artistic expression in all its forms. Painting and installations, music, cinematography, literature and even gastronomy all find their own space inside the galpones: from the previously mentioned art galleries Periferico Caracas, D’Museo and Oficina #1 to various bookshops, cafes and even an open-air cinema. Since its opening, Centro de Arte Los Galpones has become Caracas’ go-to-place for art experts and rookies alike, as it offers a setting where art can thrive and inspire its visitors with its ubiquitous presence.

Located in Las Mercedes, Caracas’ largest commercial district, Artepuy is one of the most edgy and innovative galleries in Venezuela. In just a decade, this gallery has established a name for itself on the contemporary art scene, becoming an exceptional place for up-and-coming Venezuelan artists to showcase their work. The gallery’s mission is to promote artists who have been steadily building a coherent narrative and who constantly strive to find new and interesting ways to express their vision of the world. From the body paint art of Cecilia Paredes to the toylike sculptures of Reymond Romero or the hybrid wooden sculptures of Rodrigo Echeverri Calero, Artepuy’s exhibitions surpass the boundaries of the contemporary and show us a glimpse of the future.