Dumbo, an acronym for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” is a vibrant neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, known for its artistic flair and eclectic mix of galleries. The area’s transformation from a once-industrial district to an artistic hub began in the late 20th century, attracting artists and creatives drawn to its spacious lofts and scenic views of the Manhattan skyline. Today, Dumbo’s cobblestone streets and repurposed warehouses host a variety of art galleries, each offering unique exhibitions and contributing to the neighborhood’s dynamic cultural landscape. Notable galleries such as the Dumbo Arts Center and Klompching Gallery showcase contemporary art from both emerging and established artists, making the neighborhood a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
The art scene in Dumbo is characterized by its diversity and innovation, with galleries often featuring multimedia installations, photography, sculpture, and avant-garde pieces. Annual events like the Dumbo Arts Festival further highlight the neighborhood’s commitment to the arts, bringing together artists, performers, and visitors in a celebration of creativity. The proximity to other cultural institutions and the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park adds to Dumbo’s allure, making it not only a hotspot for art lovers but also a vibrant community space where creativity thrives. As a result, Dumbo continues to be a significant player in New York City’s ever-evolving art scene, reflecting the broader trends and movements within the contemporary art world.
A.I.R. Gallery Hours: Wed–Sun, 12–6pm Contact: (212) 255-6651 | info@airgallery.org Description: AIR Gallery (Artists in Residence) was established in 1972 as the first not-for-profit, artist-directed and maintained gallery for women artists in the United States. As an artist-run organization, the organization is an alternative to mainstream institutions, allowing for experimentation and risk not always possible in commercial venues. A.I.R. maintains a gallery space in Brooklyn, NY and exhibits the work of hundreds of women artists each year. In addition to public open calls, A.I.R. hosts many events, lectures and symposia on feminism, art, and much more. Its programs engage an audience across a broad spectrum of experiences while creating a lively discourse among artists. Website: https://www.airgallery.org/
ArtWise Hours: Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Contact: (718) 788-0791 Description: Established in 1992, ArtWise specializes in Modern, Contemporary, and Pop Art by artists such as Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse. Since its inception over thirty years ago, ArtWise has grown from a small selection of museum and exhibition posters to an expansive inventory of highly sought after artworks with an emphasis on signed and limited edition rare posters, limited edition prints signed and numbered, art books and 3D objects. Website: https://www.artsy.net/partner/artwise
Billie Elise Event specific Contact: (718) 989-1464 Description: Billie Elise is a space for artists, designers and makers to showcase their work in Dumbo. Visit by appointment. Website: https://www.billieelise.com/
Brackett Creek Exhibitions Hours: Fri-Sun, 12pm-6pm Contact: (214) 395-9652 Description: Brackett Creek Exhibitions was formally established in Bozeman, Montana in 2019 after several years of informal gatherings for artists, allowing artists to visit, work, and exhibit in rural Montana. The programming, projects, editions, and events that Brackett Creek produces serve as a bridge between the different communities where collaborators work and find inspiration. Website: https://brackettcreekexhibitions.com/
Janet Borden Hours: Tues–Sat, 11am–5pm Contact: (212) 431-0166 Description: Janet Borden, Inc. is an art gallery specializing in contemporary photography. Located in New York City since 1988, Janet Borden, Inc. maintains a reputation as one of the best photography galleries in the country. A member of the ADAA (Art Dealers Association of America) and AIPAD (Association of International Fine Art Photography Dealers), the gallery works closely with individuals, museums, and corporations on acquisitions, exhibitions, and special projects. Website: https://janetbordeninc.com/
Cuban Art Space Hours: Tues-Sat, 12pm-6pm Contact: (212) 242-0559 Description: The Cuban Art Space is incorporated within the Center for Cuban Studies to promote the work of Cuban artists, especially those living and working in Cuba, and to educate the U.S. public about Cuba’s cultural life. Its collection of more than 10,000 posters, photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, ceramics and other examples of the visual arts in Cuba, plus thousands of slides, catalogs and other information about Cuban artists, provides a unique look into the country’s evolution. Many of these works are available as exhibits that travel around the country. Website: https://centerforcubanstudies.org/cubanartspace/
Klompching Gallery Hours: Wed–Sat, 11am–5pm Contact: (212) 796-2070 Description: The Klompching Gallery was established in Dumbo, Brooklyn in September 2007. The gallery specializes in the exhibition and sale of contemporary photographs. It represents and international roster of artists, including emerging through established. Website: https://www.klompching.com/
Main Window Hours: 24 hours Description: Main Window, situated in the historic Clocktower Building at 1 Main Street, is a non-profit presentation space dedicated to public art since 1980. Since the late 90s, exhibitions have been curated by resident artists of 1 Main Street, fostering a rich tapestry of creativity. Main Window continues to champion artistic expression by showcasing the works of six artists annually across a spectrum of disciplines. Artists periodically collaborate with writers, dancers, and musicians, enriching the cultural landscape and inviting the community to experience the transformative power of art. Website: https://www.mainwindowdumbo.com/
NowHere (Studio Program in Dumbo) Event specific Contact: (917) 675-6944 Description: NowHere is a multipurpose hub for New York City-based Japanese creators from across all disciplines. We exist to help emerging talent explore their maximum potential by providing them with the means to showcase their practice and expand their network. Just like the artists we serve, we emigrated to New York because this city is endlessly inspiring. By facilitating new art from a Japanese perspective, we hope to offer inspiration back to New York in turn. As a part of our ongoing mission to support Japanese creators residing in New York and creatives with connections to Japan, our Studio Program in Dumbo offers selected artists a year-long, rent-free studio space to support the production process. (20 Jay Street #434, Brooklyn, 11201 United States) Website: https://www.nowhere-nyc.com/news/nowhere-studio-program
Platform Project Space Hours: Fri-Sat, 12pm-6pm Contact: (917) 426-8121 Description: Platform is a new exhibition space established by Elizabeth Hazan to showcase and support the work of fellow artists and develop curatorial projects. Website: https://www.platformprojectspace.com/
Smack Mellon Hours: Wed–Sun, 12–6pm Contact: (718) 834-8761 Description: Smack Mellon is a nonprofit arts organization located in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Smack Mellon was founded in 1995 by Andrea Reynosa and Kevin Vertrees in their loft at 135 Plymouth Street. In October 2005, Smack Mellon moved into its current home at 92 Plymouth Street, across from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Built by Robert Gair and designed by William Higginson, the 1880s structure is a converted boiler house that originally produced steam, providing heat to the neighborhood. Smack Mellon worked with Sage & Coombe Architects to transform the building and create a unique cultural space that provides free admission to museum-scale contemporary art exhibitions, studio workspaces, and educational and public programs. Website: https://www.smackmellon.org/
Springs Project Hours: Thur-Sat, 12pm-6pm Contact: (646) 389-9522 Description: SPRINGS is a not-for-profit exhibition space founded in 2023 by lifelong artist friends Cate Holt and Tommy White. Named as an homage to the life and work of Lee Krasner, SPRINGS hopes to build on the rich history of alternative/nonprofit spaces in New York City, with a special interest in providing exhibition opportunities for intergenerational and under-exhibited artists. Website: https://www.springsprojects.com/
Superfine Hours: Tues, 2–10pm; Wed–Sat, 12–10pm; Sun, 11am–10pm Contact: (718) 243-9005 Description: Superfine is a restaurant and bar that is committed to Dumbo’s art community. Their gallery wall displays a different artist each month, and Superfine’s stage features musicians from down the street and around the world. Website: https://www.superfine.nyc/event/current-art-show/
Usagi Hours: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm Contact: (718) 801-8037 Description: Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, Usagi NY is a hybrid space that combines art gallery, library, and café to showcase multi¬disciplinary culture, through exhibitions, performances and workshops. Website: https://www.usaginy.com/
Zarolat Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am-6pm Contact: hello@zarolat.com Description: Zarolat is an architecture studio and a design collective representing a community of artists and makers. It is a creative initiative that celebrates skillful design and artisanship. Zarolat Collective is a creative community of artists, designers and makers with a gallery space showcasing high-end art and design objects. Website: https://www.zarolat.com/
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