Philadelphia boasts a strong arts scene and is home to two world-class art schools – the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. In this article we check out the best galleries in Philly and what makes each one an art lover’s paradise.
Our top Picks
There are over 30 art galleries in Philadelphia, so it may be difficult to figure out which ones are the best. We have narrowed the list down to 5 of our top picks.
- Locks Gallery
- Fleisher/Ollman Gallery
- James Oliver Gallery
- Urban Art Gallery
- Philadelphia Visionary Arts Gallery
Locks Gallery
Locks Gallery, founded in 1968, is one of the oldest in Philadelphia. This gallery represents an international group of critically acclaimed contemporary artists working in various media, with the main exhibitions focusing on sculpture and painting.
Locks Gallery has been a long-time member of the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) and subscribes to the highest standards of connoisseurship, scholarship, and curatorial practice.
Fleisher/Ollman Gallery
In 1970, Janet Fleisher, owner of the original gallery known as “Little Gallery,” hired John Ollman. The two shared a love for art outside the mainstream, and they expanded the gallery’s program to include folk, African, Oceanic, pre-Columbian, and Native American art, in addition to the European and American avant-garde.
Over the next forty years, the gallery became known as one of the world’s premiere sources for self-taught art, helping to define the field and develop significant public and private collections. Today, Fleisher/Ollman Gallery continues to represent substantial American vernacular artists of the 20th century, including the Philadelphia Wireman, for whom the gallery acts as the primary representative.
James Oliver Gallery
Founded in 2006, James Oliver is a unique, contemporary, loft-style gallery in the heart of the historic area, above the world-famous Morimoto Restaurant. The gallery features local, national, and international artists focusing on painting, sculpture, media, photography, and installation works.
Owner James Oliver is a painter whose precise visual language pushes the tradition of twentieth-century abstraction into a contemporary context. From a young age, he was exposed to visual art, and as the owner of the gallery, Oliver has honed his painting and curatorial skills. As a curator, he is constantly looking for artists who will enhance the vision of his gallery spaces.
Urban Art Gallery
Urban Art Gallery was established with the aim of bridging the gap between art and the urban community. It is a vibrant gallery where artists can showcase their skills. The gallery presents diverse creative expressions, including poetry, live performances, workshops, and private events.
Urban Art Gallery is a non-profit organization committed to serving the community. It offers free programs designed to engage and empower youth, including Chess Chat, Art Buds (free youth art classes), and more.
Philadelphia Visionary Arts Gallery
This is an art gallery unlike any other. Philadelphia Visionary Arts Gallery showcases the very best talent in visionary arts. The gallery features paintings, crafts, jewellery, and prints. Most of the artists are local, putting a spotlight on the incredible talent that exists in Philly.