The Top 5 Art Galleries in Houston
How We Chose:
1. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Services: Art-making process-focused Exhibits, Artist Viewing & Interaction, Hands-On Activities
Website: https://crafthouston.org/
Address: 4848 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-529-4848
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday & Monday: Closed
Google Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
TripAdvisor Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Broad Collections | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 5/5 |
Uniqueness | 4/5 |
Features | 4/5 |
Pros
- They have exhibits that change according to the resident artists
- They have a monthly hands-on activity
Cons
- They have smaller collections compared to other art galleries
- Location is far from other art galleries
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) is a nonprofit arts organization. They aim to inform the public about the entire art-making process and its history.
They provide exhibitions that are focused on art primarily made from craft materials like clay, woof, metal, glass, and other recycled materials.
This museum has a large space that has rooms where resident artists can work in. What’s really cool is that these rooms are open to the public so you can see artists in the middle of creating their pieces.
The artists’ schedules are posted at the door which allows you to observe or speak with an artist of your choice. This gives you a better chance at understanding the art pieces they’re creating.
What we really like about HCCC is that they have exhibitions that change every 3 to 4 months. Their exhibits change depending on the current resident artists whose works are on display at the gallery.
A really cool feature they have is their monthly hands-on activity. It’s a week-long event filled with activities that encourage visitors to explore craft and art making.
They allow kids ages 3 and up and the best part is that the activities offered are free of charge!
If you’re looking for a larger museum to spend a lot of time in, HCCC might not be a good fit for you. Despite the large artist spaces, the exhibit areas are comparatively smaller. This museum is more suitable for those looking for a quick activity.
Also, if you’re planning on doing a culture tour on foot, you might not be happy with the location of this art gallery as it is quite far from many other museums.
Overall, we’re pretty happy with Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. We like how they’re focused on the entire art process and how they share that with the public through their free activities.
2. Seismique
Services: Immersive art installations
Website: https://seismique.com/
Address: 2306 S Texas 6, Houston, TX 77077, United States
Contact Details: +1 346-202-6006
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 12 PM – 9 PM; Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM; Sunday: 10 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday: Closed
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
TripAdvisor Reviews Score | 4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Broad Collections | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 5/5 |
Uniqueness | 4/5 |
Features | 4/5 |
Pros
- You’re able to interact with the different installations
- They have an app that you can use to interact with the displays
Cons
- Entrance fee is pricey
- The place can get crowded
- Does not cater to all audiences
Seismique is an interactive installation that provides you with an immersive sensory experience. They have been open since December 2020 and have remained popular for their Instagrammable displays.
There are a total of 40 rooms that you can explore. Some of the art can be touched while some are simply meant to be observed. There’s a lot of stuff around that will assist you the entire time you’re there.
We really like how Seismique allows you to experience art in an entirely different way. If you’re not a fan of just looking through a room full of art, you might be able to enjoy it better with the use of your other senses!
They also have an app that you can use while you’re there which gives you a map of the place. In addition, you can also interact with the different exhibits – this is a great addition as it gives you a better idea of how to enjoy the art better.
A common concern among people is the price of the ticket. General admission tickets are $35 for those 13 years old and above and it’s a timed entry ticket.
VIP tickets, on the other hand, are priced at $45. It allows you to enter rooms a lot faster.
The place is known to get a bit crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to get a VIP ticket on these days.
Also, take note that Seismique might not cater to all audiences. A lot of adults say that this is better suited for younger kids, especially when you take the price of the ticket into consideration.
Overall, if you’re a fan of interactive exhibits and taking a lot of aesthetic photos to post online, Seismique is definitely not something you should miss out on!
3. Archway Gallery
Services: Art Exhibitions, Dance and Musical Performances, Artist Talks, Figure Drawing Sessions, Archway Readers
Website: https://www.archwaygallery.com/
Address: 2305 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-522-2409
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday: 1 PM to 5 PM; Monday: Closed
Google Reviews Score | 4.8/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 3.9/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4/5 |
Broad Collections | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 4/5 |
Uniqueness | 5/5 |
Features | 5/5 |
Pros
- They have a 30-day rotation of exhibits with multiple events within the month
- Multiple artists and art styles
Cons
- There is no parking space
- Only has one artist per art style
Archway Gallery is an artist-owned gallery operated by the 30 resident artists themselves. They’ve been around since 1976 with just 11 members. They finally moved to their present location in Dunvaly in October 2008.
This is a larger studio filled with amazing exhibits of various genres. Each month, they have a new exhibit that’s presented with an open reception which allows you to hear from the artists themselves.
What’s amazing is that throughout the month they have scattered activities that give you a much more immersive experience. They usually have free dance performances and music ensembles – you may opt to donate during these events as well!
We also love how they offer figure-drawing sessions to aspiring artists for $20 a session. This is a very unique experience and you even get to choose your own art style. This is open to those ages 18 and above.
Their gallery is run by the artists themselves, so you can always expect to see them around. This allows you to have a conversation with them and learn more about their thoughts and art process.
They only try to have one artist per art style. This allows for a more diverse exhibit, but it’s quite a disadvantage to those looking to be part of this collective.
Also, take note that there’s no parking space in the area. However, they do offer valet service during their exhibit opening nights.
Overall, if you’re looking for an environment filled with diverse art where you can have a personal interaction with the artists themselves, Archway Gallery is a wonderful choice.
4. Reeves Art and Design
Services: Art Exhibitions, Art Consulting, Custom Furniture Design
Website: https://reevesartgalleryhouston.com/
Address: 2415 Taft St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-523-5577
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.2/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Broad Collections | 5/5 |
Accessibility | 4/5 |
Uniqueness | 5/5 |
Features | 5/5 |
Pros
- They buy and sell art pieces and furniture
- They offer spaces that can be rented out
Cons
- Art pieces and antique furniture sold are pricey
Reeves Art and Design is a family-owned art gallery founded in 1766. It’s the largest art gallery in the area and is now operated by second-generation owner Matt Reeves.
This art gallery has an entirely unique exhibition each month. We love this because you can keep coming back and expect something entirely new.
Not only do they have monthly exhibits but they’re also known for selling art pieces and antique furniture. They’re also looking into buying new art from different artists so you can send yours in if you’re interested.
If you’re interested in buying art, you can also get in touch with them as they’re known for their art consultation. You can let them know what you’re looking for and they’ll assist you in the entire buying process.
You can purchase their upholstered furniture but keep in mind that these come at a steep price. Their pieces are like-new, reupholstered, and refreshed so some would say that these are worth the price.
If you’re part of an art collective and you’re looking for a space for your events, they also have some rooms to rent out. The entire ambiance and nature of the place can allow your art to get more exposure while also having the opportunity to network with other art collectors and artists.
5. The Jung Center
Services: Art Exhibit, Bookstore, Movie Screening, Classes, Library
Website: https://junghouston.org/
Address: 5200 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact Details: +1 713-524-8253
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM; Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM; Saturday: 12 PM to 4 PM
Google Reviews Score | 4.5/5 |
Facebook Reviews Score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Broad Collections | 4/5 |
Accessibility | 4/5 |
Uniqueness | 5/5 |
Features | 5/5 |
Pros
- They offer unique workshops and classes
- They have a mix of permanent and monthly exhibits
- They offer online classes
Cons
- Very difficult to find parking space
- It’s a small art gallery
The Jung Center is a nonprofit gallery that’s been around for more than 50 years. The gallery focuses on art covering psychological and spiritual topics. This is perfect for those who are all about integrating art and personal growth.
The center offers a wide array of services. From their permanent exhibits to monthly exhibits, workshops, classes, movie screenings, and more. They’ve also got a library and bookstore where you can find unique Jungian works.
What we love the most about this art gallery is that they offer really unique classes and workshops at an affordable price. You can almost expect at least one event that they’re having every day so you’ll never run out of activities to do.
For those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their homes, you may choose to do so as they offer online classes. You can also choose hybrid classes that require you to come in every once in a while. There are really a lot of options for everyone!
The Jung Center may be a smaller art gallery compared to others in the museum district so keep that in mind if you’re only keen on looking around.
Since they’re located in the Museum District, it’s very difficult to find parking so keep that in mind if you plan on going there by car. You might want to avoid peak hours especially.
Despite that, The Jung Center really stands out for its unique classes and monthly exhibits. This place is perfect, especially for those interested in personal and spiritual growth.