There’s More to Manhattan’s Gallery Scene than Chelsea

Manhattan provides a wealth of artistic experiences. Thus, gallery enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic arts scene should explore beyond the well-known Chelsea district. They should venture into the quieter haven of the Upper East Side, where an impressive collection of art extends beyond the iconic “Museum Mile,” featuring masterpiece collections like those at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. Below, we present five of the finest private art galleries on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, showcasing a blend of established masters and promising emerging talent, all exhibiting work that is accessible to the public and free of charge.

01. Gagosian Gallery

980 Madison Ave. btwn 76th & 77th Sts.; 212-744-2313; www.gagosian.com

Hours: Tue–Sat, 10am–6pm

This renowned gallery, a creation of esteemed art dealer Larry Gagosian, began in Los Angeles and has since expanded globally with more than a dozen locations in cities such as London, Paris, and Hong Kong. Visitors can explore two Gagosian Gallery locations on the Upper East Side: the original at 980 Madison Avenue, which features significant exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, and a more recent branch on Park Avenue at 75th Street. Additionally, the Gagosian Shop located at 976 Madison Ave.; 212-796-1224; offers a range of artists’ books and unique artist-designed products.

Current Exhibit: At the 980 Madison Avenue gallery, visitors can experience “Portraits of America: Diane Arbus/Cady Noland,” focusing on photography that explores the darker aspects of American culture (runs through May 23, 2014).

02. Mnuchin Gallery

45 E. 78th St. btwn Madison & Park Aves.; 212-861-0020; www.mnuchingallery.com

Hours: Tue–Sat, 10am–5:30pm

Robert Mnuchin, an octogenarian and former co-owner of the respected (now-closed) L&M Arts gallery, continues to uphold high artistic standards at the Mnuchin Gallery, located in the same elegant townhouse. Here, art enthusiasts will encounter notable exhibitions that specialize in post-World War II American art.

Current Exhibit: Catch “Casting Modernity: Bronze in the XXth Century,” featuring over 30 bronze sculptures by prominent 20th-century artists, including Calder and Koons (runs April 24–June 7, 2014).

03. Acquavella Galleries

18 E. 79th St. btwn Madison & Fifth Aves.; 212-734-6300; www.acquavellagalleries.com

Hours: Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm

Established in the 1920s by Nicholas Acquavella, this family-owned gallery remains under the stewardship of his descendants. Situated in a French neoclassical townhouse on the Upper East Side, Acquavella Galleries presents museum-quality exhibitions focused on notable art movements from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery serves as the exclusive international representative for acclaimed artists such as James Rosenquist and Damian Loeb.

Current Exhibit: View “Jean-Michel Basquiat Drawing: Work from the Schorr Family Collection,” presenting 22 works on paper along with two paintings sourced from the private collection of Herbert and Lenore Schorr (runs May 1–June 13, 2014).

04. Leo Castelli Gallery

18 E. 77th St. btwn Madison & Fifth Aves.; 212-249-4470; www.castelligallery.com

Hours: Tue–Sat, 10am–6pm

In operation since the 1950s, this esteemed gallery specializes in post-war American art, having represented some of the most significant artists in modern art history, including Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol.

Current Exhibit: “Walls: Jasper Johns and Roy Lichtenstein” displays works by these iconic artists, showcasing the enduring legacy of their contributions (runs April 25–June 27, 2014).

05. Friedman & Vallois

27 E. 67th St. btwn Park & Madison Aves.; 212-517-3820; www.vallois.com

Hours: Tue–Fri, 10am–6pm; Sat, 10am–5pm

This Parisian-based gallery offers a contemporary space on the Upper East Side, showcasing a rotating selection of shows dedicated to modern artists since its opening in 1999.

Current Exhibit: “Boris Zaborov” features works from one of Russia’s notable contemporary artists, whose impactful pieces are represented in significant collections like the Hermitage in St. Petersburg (runs through June 14, 2014).