Art lovers need to pay a visit to the Night Gallery in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is known for the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and its booming art scene. If you’re looking for a quirky gallery off the beaten track, then the Night Gallery needs to be on your radar!
The Night Gallery represents everything that makes LA so amazing. It’s dynamic, expressive and of course, rebellious.
Here you’ll discover contemporary art which has been making serious waves in the art world. The gallery has been described by The New York Times as, “the epicenter of the underground art world in Los Angeles,” so it’s the perfect spot to discover and support emerging artists.
If you’re staying with us at Freehand Los Angeles, be sure to check out the Night Gallery and experience the real vibes of the city!
Everything you need to know about the Night Gallery
Founded in 2010 by visionary artist Davida Nemeroff, Night Gallery has evolved into a platform for emerging artists in Los Angeles. The gallery’s name originates from the original operating hours of 10 pm to 2 am when it was housed in a strip mall storefront in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.
Three years later, the Night Gallery moved to its current location near Los Angeles’ Downtown arts district. This is where it truly began to thrive, surrounded by the creative minds of the district. Showcasing underground art created by artists from diverse backgrounds, Night Gallery is truly one-of-a-kind.
What can you expect to see?
What sets the Night Gallery apart from other art spaces is its commitment to pushing boundaries. Constantly challenging the way we view and interact with art, this gallery is like no other!
Art has the power to spark conversations and challenge our preconceived notions. The Night Gallery fully embraces this, often featuring artwork that delves into complex social, political and cultural issues.
Its ever-evolving nature means that each visit is unique, with new voices and perspectives put under the spotlight. Make sure to check the website for the newest exhibitions.
Exhibitions
The Night Gallery has a diverse roster of some of Los Angeles’ best artists. Here are some of our favorite exhibitions:
High Stakes – Sarah Miska
This exhibition uses equestrian themes to navigate the feeling of control. Her paintings use horse racing as a metaphor for the volatility of capitalism and the art world and how risk becomes a necessity for success.
Stranger – Yooyun Yang
Yang’s exhibition uses anonymous faces and mysterious gestures in distorted paintings which explore complex emotions. Light is a common theme throughout Yang’s artwork, alongside Korean history and culture.
Series Collapsed – MPA
This collection of sculpture, photography and performance questions the impact of sociopolitical forces on the human body. A broken infinity symbol is a key motif throughout the exhibition, which serves as an economic commentary on the art industry.
A New Flood – Sterling Wells
A New Flood is a watercolor exhibition by Sterling Wells. He uses the plein-air technique to paint in the natural environments he bases his work on. His paintings document the blurred lines between nature and man-made objects.
If you’re wanting to buy art or find out more about the artists, Night Gallery also puts on art fairs and events throughout the year.
How much is admission?
Admission is free, making the Night Gallery one of the best free things to do in LA.
What are the opening hours?
Although the original Night Gallery operated after sunset, you’ll be pleased to know that they are now open during much more sociable hours.
Night Gallery is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm.
Where is it?
Night Gallery South is located at:
2276 E 16th Street, Los Angeles, 90021.
Night Gallery North is located at:
2050 Imperial Street, Los Angeles, 90021.
How can you get there from Freehand Los Angeles?
If you’re staying at Freehand Hotel in downtown LA, you’re not far at all from this unique gallery. By car, it is just a 10-minute drive. To travel by bus, you can catch the 60 from 6th / Hill to Santa Fe / 15th and then it’s just a 4-minute walk from there.
