Best Art Galleries San Francisco Has to Offer
There are so many great art galleries in San Francisco that regularly organize exhibitions, shows and different art events. San Francisco is one of the major centers of contemporary art in the United States, and it’s not surprising that this beautiful city hosts a number of recognized and notable art galleries. What is interesting and unique about San Francisco art galleries is the fact that the majority of them promote local artists – artists from the Bay Area (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Napa and other cities). Of course, they also represent and promote national and international artists, but there aren’t many cities whose art galleries are so focused on promoting local emerging and established artists.
San Francisco art galleries largely contribute to the reputation of the city as one of the main art centers in the United States. Apart from a vast number of spaces, San Francisco is also home to many important art institutions, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and many others. In addition, art galleries in San Francisco reflect the richness of Californian culture. There are many spaces that promote Latin American art, and those presenting Californian art and artists from this state. Finally, as one of the largest cities in the US, San Francisco art spaces regularly host exhibitions of major contemporary artists of our time.
Editors’ Tip: Art-Sites San Francisco: The Indispensable Guide to Contemporary Art-Architecture-Design
We recommend you the book titled “Art-Sites San Francisco: The Indispensable Guide to Contemporary Art-Architecture-Design” written by Sidra Stich. It explores the vivid arts scene of San Francisco, and in detail presents museums, galleries, alternative art spaces this beautiful city has to offer. art-SITES San Francisco is an abundant compendium of practical information and in-depth discussions about the best places to see innovative work by local and international talents. Illustrated with neighborhood maps, suggested walking tours, and helpful indexes, this handbook examines museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, film centers, cutting-edge architecture and interior renovations, public art and other art-relates places. The book also covers art scene of other cities in the Bay Area, such as Marin, Napa, Sonoma, the East Bay, the Peninsula, and San Jose.
Scroll down and take a look at art galleries in San Francisco you have to visit!
Robert Koch Gallery
Established in 1979, Robert Koch Gallery is one of the most prominent art spaces in San Francisco. The gallery is specialized in photography – the whole history of photography has been presented in this art space. Although the gallery focuses on contemporary photography, they also promote experimental work from the 1920s and 1930s, and 19th century photography. For all photography-lovers, this gallery is a must-see place in San Francisco.
Jack Fischer Gallery
Jack Fischer Gallery works with outsider and self-thought creators. The large space where the gallery relocated in 2013 provides a great atmosphere for different types of shows. The shows are perfectly curated, while the list of the artist gallery represents is remarkable. Those who will visit this gallery have an opportunity to see the exhibition of Lou Beach titled End of Days (on view until September 10, 2016).
Scott Richards Contemporary Art
Located in the prestigious Art Galleries Building at 251 Post Street in San Francisco’s Union Square, Scott Richards Contemporary Art has a remarkable collection of European and American contemporary artists’ works. The gallery regularly participates in some of the most notable art fairs in the United States and it also presents nine artists solo exhibitions per year. The Gallery also offers expert advice and personalized consulting services.
Berggruen Gallery
Berggruen Gallery is located in the historic Union Square area. It’s one of the most notable San Francisco art spaces. The Gallery exhibits works by some of the greatest names of American art, including works by Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Willem de Kooning and many others. It also promotes figurative painters from the Bay Area. This notable gallery was established in 1970, and is a member of the Art Dealers Association of America since 1975.
Hashimoto Contemporary
Hashimoto Contemporary is one of the most vibrant art galleries in San Francisco. The Gallery regularly organizes exhibitions and the list of the artist it presents is huge. Hashimoto Contemporary represents artists coming from different backgrounds, using different styles and motifs. The Gallery participated at many important American art fairs. Click here to read the interview with the director of the Galllery, Mr. Ken Harman. Harman is also owner of another respectable San Francisco art gallery – Spoke Art Gallery. Spoke Art features new exhibitions every month, typically a solo by a single artist or a group show featuring up to one hundred artists.
Catharine Clark Gallery
Catherine Clark Gallery is renowned San Francisco gallery that was established in 1991. A wide range of media is represented in the gallery’s program. It was one of the first art galleries in San Francisco that began presenting new media art. The gallery artists exhibited at famous international institutions, such as Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. In 2013, Catherine Clark Gallery moved to a new space, and now it’s located at 248 Utah Street between 15th and 16th Streets in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood.
The McLoughlin Gallery
The McLoughlin Gallery is located in the historic 49 Geary building, San Francisco. It’s a contemporary art gallery that regularly organizes exhibitions of established and local mid-career and emerging contemporary artists. Almost all art media are being promoted at The McLoughlin Gallery, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation. Geary building is certainly one of the main art venues in San Francisco.
Anglim Gilbert Gallery
Anglim Gilbert Gallery has rich history in San Francisco art scene. For more than 30 years, this recognized art gallery has been organizing exhibitions – it focuses on presenting the California Beat artists. The gallery also presents works by the Bay Area Conceptualists and vital experimental movements in the art of California.
Galeria de la Raza
Galeria de la Raza was founded in 1970, and it’s a non-profit community-based arts organization. It was founded by a group of Chicano creators and community activists in San Francisco’s Mission District. Since its foundation, the gallery has been conducting programs serving Latino audiences and artists. Its mission is to promote Chicano art and Latin American art.
Rena Bransten Gallery
Rena Bransten Gallery was founded in 1974, by Rena Bransten. It promotes and organizes exhibitions of established and emerging artists. Originally it was focused on ceramic sculpture by California artists, however today it promotes contemporary artists coming from different backgrounds. It regularly exhibits works by both national and international contemporary artists.
Dolby Chadwick Gallery
Since 1997, Lisa Dolby Chadwick has been running the gallery of the same name, representing both emerging and established artists working in a variety of media. The 5,000 square-foot space at their current location at 210 Post Street in San Francisco has hosted over 155 exhibitions and curated shows, some in cooperation with other renowned institutions in the city.
All Images used for illustrative purposes only.