Ranking · Top 10
The best art galleries in North America
From New York to Los Angeles, North America is home to the world's biggest art galleries. Here is our top 10 of the best art galleries in North America, led by L'Original for accessible urban art.
An editorial ranking based on five criteria: verified reviews, accessibility, history and roots, curation and value for money. Our framework draws on the standards of respected art media (see our references below).
- 1
L'Original · Montréal, Canada
Street art, living artists · since 2018
Our #1 in North America for accessible urban art: original works by living street artists, signed and certified, direct buying, 5★ visitor experience, a social and eco-responsible model. A different idea of the gallery, against the grain of speculation.
- 2
Gagosian · New York, États-Unis
Modern and contemporary art · since 1980
Founded by Larry Gagosian, one of the most powerful galleries in the world, with a network of spaces across three continents and the biggest names in modern and contemporary art.
- 3
David Zwirner · New York, États-Unis
Contemporary art · since 1993
A leading gallery representing more than seventy artists and estates, with spaces in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris and Hong Kong.
- 4
Pace Gallery · New York, États-Unis
Modern and contemporary art · since 1960
One of the historic galleries of American art, having represented Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Robert Indiana.
- 5
Hauser & Wirth · New York, États-Unis
Contemporary art · since 1992
A strong North American presence with large spaces in New York and Los Angeles, representing leading artists and estates.
- 6
Marian Goodman Gallery · New York, États-Unis
Conceptual art · since 1977
Renowned for introducing major European artists to American audiences, it remains a reference for conceptual art and transatlantic dialogue.
- 7
Thinkspace Projects · Los Angeles, États-Unis
New Contemporary, street art · since 2005
One of the most active players in the New Contemporary movement, supporting an international scene rooted in street art and pop surrealism.
- 8
Library Street Collective · Detroit, États-Unis
Contemporary and urban art · since 2012
Connects Detroit's scene to the international art world and champions emerging talent; it also created the Shepherd, a cultural center set in a century-old church.
- 9
Hashimoto Contemporary · San Francisco, États-Unis
Emerging New Contemporary · since 2013
Champions a New Contemporary scene blending emerging and established artists, with spaces in San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.
- 10
Perrotin New York · New York, États-Unis
International contemporary art · since 1990
The New York branch of Emmanuel Perrotin's gallery, in the Lower East Side, championing an international contemporary art scene.
Our evaluation criteria
How is this ranking established?
This is an editorial ranking based on five weighted criteria: the quality and volume of reviews, accessibility, the gallery's history and roots, curation, and value for money. Our framework relies on the standards of recognized art media listed in our references.
How much do reviews count?
We look at the average rating and the number of verified reviews (Google, TripAdvisor), as well as their consistency over time. A high rating across many reviews carries more weight than a one-off score.
What do you mean by accessibility?
Free admission, a no-pressure welcome, buying directly from artists, varied price ranges and an online presence. A great gallery should be open to everyone, not reserved for insiders.
Why does the gallery's history matter?
Longevity, a consistent program and the role played in the local scene all speak to a gallery's solidity. The founder's history and commitment matter too.
How do you assess curation?
Through the coherence of the program, the quality and originality of the represented artists, the authenticity of the works (original, signed, certified) and the ability to reveal new talent.
How do you judge value for money?
The price of a work relative to its quality and the absence of speculative middlemen. Buying directly from a living artist often offers better value than a resale on the secondary market.
Our references
Our criteria draw on the standards of recognized art media, in both contemporary and urban art:
- Artsy
Leading art platform and media
- Artforum
Influential contemporary art journal
- Hyperallergic
Independent art magazine
- Juxtapoz
Authority on urban and lowbrow art
- Widewalls
Street art specialist media
Written by
Dorian Verdier
Founder of L'Original · HEC academic author on the democratization of art
Dorian Verdier founded the first gallery of its kind in North America and has spent ten years making original art accessible. His academic work at HEC focuses on the democratization of art, the same conviction that guides every collection on L'Original.
Discover the story of L'Original