About New York
Nicknamed the “Big Apple,” New York is one of the most iconic cities in the world and a major hub in the worlds of art, fashion, and design. It’s home to outstanding museums and galleries, legendary live music venues, and the most famous address in the finance industry - Wall Street.
There are few places more energized to host an art exhibition than New York, with countless gallery spaces that range from undiscovered to world-renowned. The city is home to plenty of creative people whose talents you can draw on, from florists and photographers to the artists themselves.
Gallery Space Options in New York
Already found your gallery space in New York? Ensure your exhibition or event meets your vision with the help of the city’s experienced vendors.
- Florists
Floral bouquets and botanical features will add color, fragrance, and sophistication to your NYC gallery space. The city’s talented florists can satisfy your needs, no matter the style of bouquet or flower varieties you prefer.
- Caterers
If you want to provide food and drinks during your exhibition, look no further than New York’s catering companies. They can deliver everything from bite-size hors d'oeuvres to hearty meals that will keep your gallery staff energized.
- Photographer
Capture all the moments from your exhibition with the help of a professional photographer who will document all the people and artwork at your event. The images can later be used to promote your next exhibition on your website and social media channels.
- Staff
Need staff to serve drinks or assist with setting up your gallery venue? New York features plenty of recruitment agencies who can do the hard work of finding and vetting staff for you.
- Furniture Rentals
Some gallery spaces come with all the furnishings you need, while others may need a few additions. There are numerous equipment rental companies in New York where you can find everything from tables and chairs to sound and audio gear.
Event Planning Companies in New York
Need help finding your gallery space or planning your exhibition? The city’s experienced event management companies can handle all of the logistics for you.
- Brilliant Event Planning
Brilliant Event Planning specializes in events with a touch of luxury, particularly weddings. But they can turn their hand to organizing spontaneous events and gallery exhibitions, no matter the style or genre.
- FÊTE
FÊTE is one of the leading event management companies in New York and has appeared in publications that include Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. It was established in 2002 and offers a range of services for planning and executing your exhibition, with a talented team of in-house vendors to draw on.
- Twenty Three Layers
Twenty Three Layers’ previous clients include Airbnb, Google, and Spotify, which is a testament to their reputation as a trusted event management company. They specialize in experiential events, including both corporate and social projects, while covering everything from catering to live entertainment.
Pros and Cons of Art Shows in New York
When looking for a gallery space in NYC, it’s important to weigh the city’s advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
Advantages
- Diverse choice of venues
From stunning penthouses to light-filled lofts, New York boasts a diverse choice of gallery spaces to select from. You can find industrial warehouses and architecturally-impressive homes with the aesthetic you desire.
- Easy transportation options
With its extensive subway system, New York City is relatively easy to get around. Above ground, you’ll find iconic yellow taxis, as well as shared-ride services.
- Arts scene
New York is a global hub in the art world, with both emerging and established artists calling the Big Apple “home.” This means that you’ll have plenty of people interested in attending art exhibitions and a buzzing, networking vibe.
- Experienced vendors
From caterers to photographers and talented florists, New York has no shortage of experienced vendors who will help you deliver a memorable event.
- Cultural diversity
New York City is home to people from all corners of the globe, with diverse artistic backgrounds and interests. This means that you’re highly likely to attract a crowd, no matter how niche your exhibition is.
Disadvantages
- High property prices
New York City’s property prices are sky-high, which means you’ll probably pay more to rent a gallery space here than in other major cities across the United States.
- Crowds
New York has a reputation for being a crowded city. Waiting in line is part of day-to-day life here and something to be prepared for.
- Unfavorable weather
Fall and spring bring mild weather to New York, but summers are often hot and muggy. At the other end of the spectrum are the city’s notoriously cold and snowy winters, which might not be the best time to host an exhibition.
- Cleanliness
With garbage piled high on the sidewalks in some areas, New York isn’t the cleanest city in the United States.
- Noise
Whether it’s emergency service sirens or garbage collection trucks, New York is noisy at all hours of the day and night. Construction works are also never-ending in the city and add to the constant drone.
Famous Locations in New York
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Home to more than two million works, The Met is one of the most-visited art museums in the world, with its collection including pieces from classical antiquity, European masters, and contemporary American works. The main gallery is located along Museum Mile on the edge of Central Park, with a smaller collection at The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Occupying a striking building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, The Guggenheim is renowned for its collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Modern works. It’s based on the private collection of its founder, Solomon R. Guggenheim, an affluent businessman.
- The High Line
Originally a railway line, The High Line is an inspiring walkway that meanders above the streets of New York. It’s dotted with art installations, making it somewhat like an open-air art gallery, accompanied by elevated views across the city.