Top 10 art galleries in Richmond

What is it?
A spacious art gallery hosting the work of emerging and established mid-Atlantic artists.

Why should you go?
In Richmond, VA, art galleries are abundant — and Crossroads is among the most established ones. A thriving cultural space and an important element of the Richmond art scene, this large gallery dates back to 2002 and represents more than 225 artists from the mid-Atlantic region who work in all sorts of media: oil paintings, pastels, glass, fabric — you name it. Whether you're into traditional, impressionist, or abstract art, you're very likely to come across a diverse range of works here.

The gallery organizes special events, classes, workshops, and receptions. Also, it's a great place to buy local art, whether you've got just a hundred bucks or a few thousand dollars to spare — we really fancy still lifes with fruits, which are quite affordable.

What is it?
One of the oldest artist-run galleries in the country featuring regional and national works.

Why should you go?
The 1708 Gallery dates back to 1978, when the gallery sprang up, as an initiative of budding contemporary artists from Virginia Commonwealth University, in a flood-damaged Richmond warehouse. An eclectic and thought-provoking mix of art that exploited alternative forms and large-scale pieces shaped the idea of the cultural space not driven by commercialism, comfortable art, and traditional outlines. The gallery moved to its current location in the heart of Richmond's historic retail district, a light and airy exhibition space, in 2001.

To date, 1708 remains a bold and edgy non-profit cultural venue that hosts exhibitions and events. Our favorite initiative is the annual November InLight exhibition: it is held in different locations each year and features light-based installations, performances, shows, and multimedia displays.

What is it?
One of the cutest art galleries in Richmond based in the historic Quirk Hotel.

Why should you go?
Quirky by definition, this sweet little gallery opened in 2005 just off the lobby of the upscale boutique Quirk Hotel built in 1916 in Italian Renaissance style. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by up-and-coming and established creators and also includes a shop where you can get stuff in every price range, from original artwork to relatively inexpensive decorative arts and various knick-knacks. The whole space has a clean and comfy vibe to it and features the signature pink color throughout.


Some of the rooms in the hotel are also decorated by local artists: check out the colorful murals if you choose to stay here.

What is it?
A photography gallery and independent photo book publisher.

Why should you go?
Candela Books was founded in 2010, and the Gallery followed shortly afterward, in 2011, to support the publication efforts. The establishment strives to support contemporary photography, promote exhibitions and publications, and facilitate dialogue in its accessible creative space. Photography is seen here both as an art form and as a means of transmitting ideas. Overall, this downtown gallery hosts eight to ten exhibitions per year. In addition, each summer, it organizes UnBound! — a juried and invitational exhibition of fine art photography.

Also, this is the place to buy some exquisite photography books and exhibition catalogs. For example, we have our eye on the gorgeous Dr. Falke's Oraculum by Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick.

What is it?
Contemporary art center at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Why should you go?
Located smack in the middle of Richmond's art scene, right between the city and the university, the ICA occupies a striking glass- and titanium-zinc-clad angular building designed by architecture firm Steven Holl Architects. The gallery opened to the public in this award-winning space in 2018.

The whole edifice points at the transformative potential of contemporary art housed inside, with a constantly shifting series of exhibitions, performances, films, and special programs. Check the schedule and choose an exhibition to your liking, but don't expect it to be representational, subtle, or comforting.

What is it?
A ceramics makers' gallery located in a hip riverside neighborhood.

Why should you go?
Richmond's Shockoe Bottom, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, is perfect for wandering around its cobbled streets, fancy dining, and high-end shopping. It is also home to this ceramics and pottery gallery with ten studios that feature works by over 30 local and regional ceramic artists. The space it occupies is a century-old hardware building that stood empty for over 20 years before it got renovated and housed the gallery.

If you're lucky, you'll get to meet the local artisans and learn about their craft. And, of course, the local shop is a great place to get one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted, and reasonably priced pottery.

What is it?
Single-artist bronze sculpture gallery located in Jackson Ward.

Why should you go?
Rubin Peacock is an established Richmond sculptor with a career spanning more than 50 years. His bronze sculptures have been represented in numerous museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design, and VCU art collections, as well as in numerous corporate and private collections.

Rubin Peacock's creativity stems from several sources of inspiration: nature, his own Native American ancestry, totemic traditions of old Europe, Central and North America, and geometric forms of early Modernists. The sculptor prefers bronze as a bold yet responsive material: the sculptures are cast in his own foundry and then hand-finished. Some works are available for purchase.

What is it?
Art center, museum, gallery, venue, and community space, located in a former fire station.

Why should you go?
Located in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, this dynamic art space is housed in the 1849 Steamer Company No. 5, Virginia's oldest firehouse and Richmond's oldest police station and jailhouse that was basically saved from demolition by the gallery's volunteers.

Since it opened in 2005, the Gallery5 has become one of the anchor cultural destinations in the area and has contributed to its revitalization. Jazz nights, burlesque events, comedy, contemporary dance, film, and, of course, art exhibitions — there's always something going on here, just check the calendar. Admission is free every first Friday of the month.

What is it?
Contemporary art center located in the Manchester district.

Why should you go?
On the southern bank of the James River, right across from downtown, sits another one of the notable art galleries in Richmond. Art Works is a free-admission contemporary art center, home to four galleries and 80 artists' studios. There are paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, photography, and prints — a bit of everything in a vast space that never feels cramped or stuffy.

Exhibits change every month, which means you can visit over and over again. Also, the river is just a few blocks away — why not have a lovely little stroll after you've bought some art or attended a drawing class?

What is it?
An artist-focused gallery and the oldest still-operating art gallery in Richmond.

Why should you go?
This gallery dates back to 1962 and is located in the historic neighborhood of Church Hill, just one block west of St John's Church, where the politician and orator Patrick Henry gave his 1775 'Give Me Liberty' speech.

This cozy family-run gallery features works by contemporary established and emerging artists, with its current owner and curator drawing upon decades of experience in the art world. Plus, there are monthly receptions and new art shows. Local residents love the space for being a real little gem of the neighborhood, so even if you cannot afford the fine art displayed here, drop by to have a look someday.