One of living in Manhattan’s biggest luxuries is the proximity to world-class art. The city is lousy with the stuff. Practically every neighborhood boasts either big-name museums or galleries displaying up-and-coming artists.  In my opinion, the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan can’t be beat. Chelsea is home to over 300 independent art galleries (for a full list of galleries, please check this website.). These galleries show all different types of art: photography, paintings, and sculpture in pretty much any style you can image.
There are a few reasons the Chelsea galleries stand out for me. First, most of the galleries don’t have entrance fees (i.e., they’re free). Second, they’re located beneath Highline Park–an abandoned train track that was converted into a beautiful urban park. You combine the two and you can spend an entire day sucking up some of the best Manhattan has to offer without spending a cent. This makes a day in the Chelsea galleries perfect for dates or for spending time with friends who don’t have much cash (if you don’t live in New York City, you should know there is never a shortage of people complaining about being cash-poor).
Before I move on to highlighting some current shows, I want to address some people’s intimidation of galleries. Get over it. Here is my one tip for enjoying an art gallery: Enjoy the art–don’t take the art or yourself too seriously. Some of the stuff you’ll see is going to be of the my-toddler-could-do-that variety. Some of it’s going to be really weird. Some of it you’re just going to hate. BUT, appreciate it for what it is. If you think the design is cool, enjoy the design. If you find something funny, smile. If you like or hate something and don’t know why, that’s great! All of these things can be used as fodder for conversation. (One note: don’t mock the art while you’re at the gallery, that’s really rude. Wait until you’re out of the gallery to mock the art.)
In all honesty, there are so many galleries you can just go and walk around and look in windows to look for stuff you’re interested in and you’ll have a great day. All of the galleries are switching exhibitions for the winter, so now is the perfect time to go. But, if you’re the type who needs a destination, here are some great shows that are going on right now.
525 W. 19th St, New York, NY 10011
This gallery is a can’t miss. Zwirner is known one of the most renowned names in the NYC art world. Currently showing Philip-Lorca diCorcia’s show Hustlers.
2. Gagosian Gallery
522 W. 21st St, New York, NY 10011
Another staple of the New York art scene. Currently showing Richard Serra’s New Sculpture.
530 W. 24th St, New York, NY 10011
This gallery is known for its risky, boundary-pushing work. Currently exhibiting Elaine Reichek: A Precise.
510 W. 25th St, New York, NY 10011
You can count on this gallery to put on shows by some of the biggest names in contemporary art. Currently exhibiting Irving Penn: On Assignment through October 26, 2013.
515 W 24th St, New York, NY 10011
Never seen conceptual art? This is the place. Currently exhibiting Cyprien Gaillard: Today Diggers, Tomorrow Dickens.
