Modern art has long been a part of the fabric of New York City. From the bustling streets of SoHo to the chic galleries of the Upper East Side, it’s virtually everywhere you look in the Big Apple. And with so much art on display, it’s no wonder that many people become interested in Modern Art Buying in NYC when they visit the greatest city in the world.
If you’re thinking about buying modern art while you’re in New York City, there are a few things you should know before making your purchase. In this insider’s guide, we’ll show you where to find the best modern art galleries in NYC, what to look for when choosing a piece of artwork, and how to negotiate like a pro so that you get the best price possible. Read on for everything you need to know about buying modern art in NYC!
Where to Find Modern Art Galleries in NYC.
There are dozens of great places to find modern art galleries in New York City. Some of our favorites include:
- The Lower East Side: Home to trendy boutiques and hipster coffee shops, the Lower East Side is also home to some of the best contemporary art galleries in town. Check out spots like Ludlow Street Gallery and Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Open Studios for unique finds from up-and-coming artists.
- The West Village: This quaint neighborhood is known for its charming cobblestone streets and picturesque brownstones. But did you know that it’s also home to some world-renowned contemporary art galleries? Visit David Zwirner or Luhring Augustine for cutting-edge artwork from both established and emerging artists alike.
- Chelsea: Located between Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, Chelsea is one of the most popular destinations for nightlife and dining in NYC – but it’s also home to more than 200 art galleries! If you’re looking for contemporary artwork, be sure to stop by Gagosian or Paul Kasmin Gallery. You won’t be disappointed.
- Bushwick, Brooklyn: In recent years, Bushwick has become one of the hottest neighborhoods for young creatives in NYC – and its gallery scene reflects that! With edgy spaces like Ministerio de Cultura and NURTURE art, this is definitely not your average gallery district.
- Long Island City, Queens: Just across the river from Midtown Manhattan, Long Island City has emerged as an unlikely hub for contemporary art over the past decade. Thanks largely to MoMA PS1 – one of the largest nonprofit contemporary art spaces in America – LIC boasts an incredible selection of galleries, including Van Alstyne Fine Arts, Gregory Edwards Gallery, Maziar Bahari Productions, and more.
- Staten Island: While Staten Island may not be as well known for its arts scene as other boroughs, it actually plays host to a number of fantastic contemporary art galleries – including Gateway Project Spaces, STATEN ISLAND ARTS Culture Lounge & Gallery Space, Valentine’s Painting Center & Studio Workshops.
- The Bronx : The Bronx is home to wonderful cultural institutions like The Bronx Museum of Arts! This vibrant museum regularly features exhibitions showcasing work by local artists as well as internationally recognized names.
Other notable venues include Poe Park Visitor Center & Wave Hill House & Gardens. No matter what part of town you’re exploring during your stay in NYC, you’re sure to uncover some amazing modern art gems along the way!
The Best Galleries to Buy Modern Art in NYC
If you’re new to collecting or just starting your search for the perfect piece of modern art, it can be helpful to visit some of NYC’s many galleries. These spaces are usually free and open to the public, so they provide a great opportunity to see works by both established and emerging artists. Not sure where to start? Check out our list of must-visit galleries for modern art lovers in NYC:
Gagosian Gallery: This powerhouse gallery represents some of the biggest names in contemporary art, including Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol. Gagosian has locations all over the world, but their flagship space on Madison Avenue is not to be missed.
Hauser & Wirth: With locations in Zurich, London, New York, Somerset (UK), Los Angeles, and Hong Kong; Hauser & Wirth is one of the largest international contemporary art dealerships today. The dealer specializes in 20th-century and contemporary paintings as well as sculptures. In 2017, Hauser & Wirth opened a massive 60 000 square foot exhibition space on 18th Street in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood – definitely worth a visit!
Pace Gallery: Founded in 1960 by Arne Glimcher (father of actor Julianne Moore), Pace is now one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries. The gallery represents several major artists including William Kentridge and Robert Rauschenberg. They have three locations in New York City – two on 57th Street and one downtown on 25th Street.
Marian Goodman Gallery: This legendary French dealer has been representing some of the most influential artists since she first opened her Paris outpost back in 1977. Her roster includes heavy-hitters like Gerhard Richter, John Baldessari, Ed Ruscha, Richard Long, Louise Bourgeois, Miroslaw Balka, among others. Marian Goodman finally brought her eponymous gallery Stateside back 2015 with a spacious location on West 55th Street.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to be “modern art buying in NYC”, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, do your research – know what you like and what you’re willing to spend. There are a ton of galleries and dealers out there, so don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the perfect match. Secondly, remember that buying art is an investment. It’s important to purchase pieces that you love and will want to display proudly in your home or office; but it’s also important to consider resale value when making your decisions. Do your homework on the artist or style of artwork you’re interested in before making any final purchases, so that you can be confident you’re getting a good deal that will only appreciate over time. Finally, have fun! Buying art should be an enjoyable experience, so go out there and enjoy yourself.