Visit these BARTable art galleries
Photo courtesy of Martin Lawrence Gallery.
Art galleries in the Bay Area are as diverse as its population. From world-famous artists to emerging talent, expect everything from glass art to sculptures, 20th-century paintings and much more. Luckily, BART is close to several of the Bay Area's best art galleries. We’ve compiled a list of art galleries that are sure to spark inspiration and offer unique opportunities to learn about different mediums and techniques. Who knows? Your new favorite artist might be just a BART ride away.
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San Francisco
Glass sculptures fill the space of Montague Gallery. Photo courtesy of Montague Gallery.
Montague Gallery | Powell St
Looking to add something truly unique to your art collection? Montague Gallery near Union Square specializes in contemporary fine art glass and their pieces are stunning. Glass art is versatile, adds dimension to spaces and can change drastically as light moves during the day. While Montague Gallery showcases a number of local and international artists, art connoisseurs will appreciate pieces by Lino Tagliapietra, arguably the best glass-blower in the world. Take BART to Powell St to peruse the city’s best glass art 0.5 miles away at 445A Sutter St.
See fine art from different mediums at this 30-year-old gallery in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Martin Lawrence Galleries.
Martin Lawrence Galleries | Powell St
A premier fine art gallery near BART, Martin Lawrence Galleries specializes in paintings, sculptures and graphics. For over 30 years, they’ve presented great works by emerging artists as well as famous ones, like Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, to name a few. Whether you’re adding to your collection or simply want to witness gorgeous 20th-century artwork in a beautiful 9,000-square-foot space, Martin Lawrence Galleries is an excellent stop in San Francisco. Take BART to Powell St and stroll 0.3 miles away to 366 Geary St.
Enjoy beautiful canvases from comfy seats at 111 Minna Gallery. Photo courtesy of 111 Minna Gallery.
111 Minna Gallery | Montgomery St
This eclectic Bay Area art gallery showcases multiple mediums from various artists. They host diverse events, like art openings, book readings, film screenings, live music performances and corporate events inside their 4,700-square-foot space. Stop by for happy hour and enjoy beautiful art and tasty cocktails after a hard day of work. Take BART to Montgomery St to meet friends 0.3 miles away at 111 Minna St.
Find a mix of post-war and contemporary art at Berggruen Gallery. Photo courtesy of Yelp.
Berggruen Gallery | Montgomery St
Established in 1970, Berggruen Gallery specializes in 20th-century American and European art, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and limited edition prints. This art gallery near BART exhibits pieces from major American post-war artists in addition to emerging contemporary artists. Take BART to Montgomery to see beautiful artwork 0.5 miles away at 10 Hawthorne St.
Support local artists at Creativity Explored. Photo courtesy of Yelp.
Creativity Explored | 16th St Mission
Art changes lives, and there is creative potential in all of us. Creativity Explored is a studio and art gallery near BART that provides opportunities for artists with developmental disabilities to create artwork and then sell their pieces. SFMOMA and OMCA recently purchased multiple pieces from various Creativity Explored artists. Take BART to 16th St Mission and spot the inspiring pieces for yourself 0.3 miles away at 3245 16th St.
East Bay
Joyce Gordon Art Gallery | 12th St/Oakland City Center
Conveniently located in downtown Oakland, the Joyce Gordon Art Gallery exhibits fine art that reflects the cultural and social diversity of its local and international artists. The gallery aims to make beautiful, unique pieces available to a broad audience. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and travel only 200 feet away to 406 14th St.
Attendees engage with a performance art piece. Photo courtesy of Mercury 20.
Mercury 20 | 19th St/Oakland
San Francisco Bay Area artists run this contemporary Bay Area art gallery near BART, giving visitors unique direct contact with the artists. Who better to explain each piece than the artist themselves? Take BART to 19th St/Oakland to chat with and support local artists 0.5 miles away at 475 25th St.
Find pieces that will awe you at the Gray Loft Gallery. Photo courtesy of Visit Oakland.
Gray Loft Gallery | Fruitvale
A truly unique venue in Oakland, the Gray Loft Gallery is an alternative gallery and hidden gem in Jingletown. The space integrates established artists with up-and-coming and mid-career artists in a non-traditional setting — the 3rd-floor loft of one of the city’s oldest artists’ work/live warehouses. This award-winning art gallery near BART believes that art is for everyone and belongs in our communities, not just in traditional galleries and museums. Take BART to Fruitvale to visit this unique, non-traditional gallery 0.8 miles away at 2889 Ford St.
Find the sun filled space just steps from Rockridge Station. Photo courtesy of Thelma Harris.
Thelma Harris Art Gallery | Rockridge
Specializing in artwork by contemporary African American painters, sculptors and mixed media artists, the Thelma Harris Art Gallery showcases gorgeous works by emerging, mid-career and established artists. You'll find features by contemporary artists like Claude Clark, Jonathan Green and Artis Lane, as well as Harlem Renaissance masters such as Palmer Hayden and Aaron Douglas. Take BART to Rockridge to find cool, contemporary pieces 0.2 miles away at 5940 College Ave.
Exhibits rotate throughout the year at this quaint gallery at Hayward''s City Hall building. Photo courtesy of Heller Manus Architects.
John O'Lague Galleria | Hayward
Hayward Art Council’s John O’Lague Galleria is named after the accomplished graphic artist and great supporter of arts in Hayward, John O’Lague. The gallery greatly enriches the Hayward community with six exhibits and artists’ receptions annually, all lasting approximately eight weeks. Take BART to Hayward to attend a fantastic exhibit 0.1 miles away at 777 B St.
What is Your Favorite BARTable Art Gallery?
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