Best art galleries on the Lower East Side

At these art galleries on the Lower East Side, you'll find big names alongside up-and-coming talent.

By Howard Halle

In the past few years, the Lower East Side has seen a steady migration of art galleries, and the area's growth has accelerated. Lower rents than Chelsea have allowed young dealers to open shop, bringing a whole new generation of artists to public attention. Here are ten of the best venues; click through to see what they're showing.

Canada

  • Free

One of the original LES galleries, Canada still keeps it real with a program that reflects a funky DIY aesthetic.

  1. 55–59 Chrystie St, (between Canal and Hester Sts)
More info

Ramiken Crucible

  • Free

Musician and artist Mike Egan established this small space in 2009 to showcase unrepresented artists he likes.

  1. 389 Grand St, (between Clinton and Essex Sts), 10002
More info

On Stellar Rays

  • Free

This gallery's rather exotic name originates from a 9th-century text by Arab philosopher Alkindus.

  1. 133 Orchard St, (between Delancey and Rivington Sts)
More info

Rachel Uffner

  • Free

Rachel Uffner cut her teeth working at Christies and as director for D'Amelio Terras gallery in Chelsea.

  1. 47 Orchard St, (between Grand and Hester Sts)
More info

Scaramouche

  • Free

This small, young gallery privileges performance, video and Conceptual work.

  1. 52 Orchard St, (between Grand and Hester Sts)
More info

Lisa Cooley

  • Free

Lisa Cooley's roster of artists seems to share a penchant for Conceptualist sleight-of-hand, mixed with unexpected materials.

  1. 107 Norfolk St, (between Delancey and Rivington Sts)
More info

Sue Scott Gallery

  • Free

Sue Scott stocks her gallery with a lineup of artists that tips predominantly, though not entirely, toward painters.

  1. 1 Rivington St, (at Bowery)
More info
Eleven Rivington

Eleven Rivington

  • Free

An offshoot of 57th Street's tony Greenberg Van Doren Gallery, Eleven Rivington offers an impeccable midtown atmosphere in small-storefront form.

  1. 11 Rivington St, (between Bowery and Chrystie St)
More info

Klaus von Nichtssagend

  • Free

This space with a made-up name was opened by Rob Hult and Ingrid Bromberg Kennedy in 2004 and moved to the Lower East Side in 2011.

  1. 54 Ludlow St, (between Grand and Hester Sts), 10002
More info

Sperone Westwater

  • Free

Started in 1975, this old-school-as-it gets gallery is housed in a purpose-built showcase designed by starchitect Lord Norman Foster.

  1. 257 Bowery, (between E Houston and Stanton Sts)
More info
Share your thoughts
  4. * mandatory fields

Comments & ratings

Rated as: 1/5 (1 rating)

  • A multi-million dollar depression era carving of a chariot is available for sale. Size is 505 feet x 2.5 feet x 5 ft high. Contact me and I will send you an email with information and a photo. My phone number is 516-705-8758

    Nick Shah Fri Apr 26
    Report

  • My favorite Art Gallery is Woodward on Eldridge Street. Never miss an exhibition/never disappointed.

    El Thu Apr 25
    Report

  • I sent an original Hirschfeld print to the Margo Feiden gallery (15 E 9th St) for Authentication and Appraisal services per their website. 60 Days have gone by and I still have yet to receive any documentation of Authenticity or Appraised Value. They cashed my check upon receipt and have yet to provide anything for it. In Texas we call this FRAUD. Buyer Beware, steer clear of this one.

    Charles Brown Sun Feb 3
    Rated as: 1/5
    Report