Contemporary Art Galleries, Artist-Run Spaces and Open Studios in New York This October (2026)

Where to see contemporary art in New York this October: Lower East Side galleries, artist-run spaces in Ridgewood and Brooklyn, a new gallery opening on Madison Street, and Gowanus Open Studios on October 17 and 18.

By The Antre team · · 4 min read

Antre blog card: New York, galleries, artist-run spaces and open studios, October 2026

Short answer: The best weekend in New York for small-scale contemporary art is October 17 and 18. Arts Gowanus Open Studios runs both days from 12 to 6 PM, and 440 Gallery in Park Slope opens its new show on October 17 from 4 to 6 PM. Earlier in the month, PS122 Gallery opens a group show in the East Village on October 8, and several Lower East Side galleries stay on view until October 24 and 31.

Where can you see contemporary art galleries in New York this October?

  • PS122 Gallery, East Village. “Added Values + / a generous landscape,” a group exhibition by the29.art. On view October 8 to 31, 2026, at 150 1st Avenue (entrance on 9th Street). Opening reception Thursday, October 8, 6 to 8 PM.
  • Mina Nomi Contemporary, 108 Madison Street. A new gallery that opens its first exhibition, “Pinch Me,” on October 9. A first look at a brand new space.
  • Marc Straus, 299 Grand Street, Lower East Side. “The Prime of Your Life: Women Artists Over 75 Years of Age,” on view until October 31.
  • Massey Klein Gallery, 124 Forsyth Street. Kate McQuillen, until October 24.
  • McKenzie Fine Art, 55 Orchard Street. Pete Schulte, until October 25.
  • Martos Gallery, 41 Elizabeth Street. Dan Asher, on view into October.

Which artist-run and independent spaces are worth the trip?

  • 440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn. “Certainty of Repetition” with Sophie Pickering and Hyunju Kim, October 15 to November 15. Opening reception Saturday, October 17, 4 to 6 PM. Open Thursday and Friday 4 to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 12 to 6 PM.
  • cia (center for information alternatives), 1108 Cypress Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens. Travis Egedy’s “SACRED PUNKS,” runs until October 11. The gallery is open Thursdays, Sundays and by appointment, so plan the visit.
  • A.I.R. Gallery, Brooklyn. A.I.R. was founded in 1972 as an artist-run space. “Inevitable, inveterate,” a group show by 14 members, closes October 4, so this is the last weekend.
  • Mrs. Gallery, Queens. “DECENNIUM: Ten Years at Mrs.,” a show marking the gallery’s ten years, on view until October 31.

Where are the open studios in New York this October?

  • Gowanus Open Studios (Arts Gowanus), Brooklyn. Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 12 to 6 PM. Free and open to the public. Artists open their studios in the neighborhood. One participating artist, Triada Samaras, is at #5 2nd Street. Check the official Arts Gowanus listing for the full map.

Key facts

  • City: New York. Month: October 2026.
  • Open studios: Gowanus, October 17 and 18, 12 to 6 PM, free.
  • Openings to catch: PS122 on October 8 (6 to 8 PM), Mina Nomi on October 9, 440 Gallery on October 17 (4 to 6 PM).
  • Closing soon: A.I.R. (October 4), cia (October 11), Massey Klein (October 24), McKenzie (October 25), Marc Straus and Mrs. (October 31).
  • Hours vary by gallery. Many small galleries close on Monday, so check before you go.

How do you plan a gallery day without getting overwhelmed?

Pick one neighborhood and keep it to four or five stops. The Lower East Side works on foot, since most galleries sit within a few blocks of Orchard, Eldridge and Forsyth Streets. For artist-run spaces, check the opening days first. Many are open only a few days a week. At each stop, choose one work and stay with it for a few minutes. Write down what you notice before you read the wall text. Small galleries and open studios are where you can ask the artist or director a question and get a real answer.

FAQ

Are these galleries and open studios free?

Gallery visits and Gowanus Open Studios are free to enter. Confirm with each venue.

What is the best weekend for open studios in New York this month?

October 17 and 18, when Gowanus Open Studios runs from 12 to 6 PM both days.

Which spaces are artist-run?

440 Gallery, cia and A.I.R. Gallery are run by artists or artist members. Check each venue for how it is run.

Do I need to book?

Not for the open studios. Spaces with limited hours, like cia, are worth a message first.

Sources

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