Many people use the terms ‘art gallery’ and ‘art exhibition’ interchangeably. While they’re both commonly used in the art world, they actually have two very different meanings.
But what exactly is an art gallery, and what is an art exhibition? And more importantly, what are the key differences between the two? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post.
Read on to learn more about exhibitions and galleries – and discover more about our very own Grove Gallery.
What is an Art Gallery?
At its core, an art gallery is a place that displays artwork. You can find art galleries of all sizes, from small one-room spaces to large, multi-storey venues. Likewise, they can come in a wide range of styles.
Tate Modern in Central London, for example, has a modern, open-plan style, whereas the Dulwich Picture Gallery has a more traditional aesthetic.
There are several reasons why people visit an art gallery:
- To learn more about the art world
- To view art from certain artists
- To browse art to invest in
- To get advice on art investment
- To gain inspiration
- To meet artists
- To view famous pieces (e.g. blue-chip art or Old Masters)
Galleries often serve multiple purposes: education, inspiration, preservation and investment. Some display artwork from the primary market (contemporary living artists), others from the secondary market (collectors or estates). Some galleries specialise in Old Masters, while others focus on modern or conceptual art.
For example, the Van Gogh Museum showcases over 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 letters by Vincent van Gogh alone.
Galleries can be public or private, free or ticketed. The terms art gallery and art museum are often used interchangeably – both refer to spaces that curate and showcase works of art.
Ultimately, art galleries connect collectors, artists, and art itself. They play an essential role in keeping artworks visible and accessible.
Types of Art Gallery
- Commercial galleries – Sell art directly to collectors
- Non-profit/public galleries – Focus on education and community access
- Artist-run spaces – Managed by artists, often showcasing emerging talent
- Private collections – Often by invitation or appointment only
- Online galleries – Host exhibitions and sell art digitally
What is an Art Exhibition?
Now that you understand what an art gallery is, let’s explore what an art exhibition means.
An exhibition is the public display of items of interest, including works of art. It’s usually held in a gallery or museum, but could also be hosted in public spaces like libraries, parks, or exhibition centres.
Exhibitions can include:
- Sculptures
- Antiques and artefacts
- Paintings and illustrations
- Interactive or digital art
- Live performances
- Immersive installations
Types of Art Exhibitions
- Solo exhibitions – Showcasing work by a single artist
- Group/collective exhibitions – Themed collections from multiple artists
- Thematic exhibitions – Focused around movements or genres (e.g. surrealism, contemporary street art)
- Digital/online exhibitions – Hosted exclusively online
- Pop-up exhibitions – Short-term, often in unconventional locations
You can view Grove Gallery’s major exhibitions online via virtual tours – making our art accessible to audiences worldwide. Many exhibitions run for only a limited time, from one night to several months.
The Key Differences Between Galleries and Exhibitions
In short:
- An art gallery is a physical space that displays and sells art.
- An art exhibition is an event – often temporary – that showcases selected pieces of art, usually around a theme or artist.
| Feature | Art Gallery | Art Exhibition |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | A place/venue | A temporary event |
| Duration | Ongoing/permanent | Temporary (days to months) |
| Purpose | View + buy art | View themed works |
| Can sell art? | Yes | Sometimes |
| Where is it held? | In a gallery or museum | In galleries, museums or public spaces |
So, when comparing exhibit vs gallery or exhibition vs gallery, remember: galleries are spaces, exhibitions are experiences.
Explore Grove Gallery and Our Exhibitions Today
Whether you're new to collecting or a seasoned art lover, Grove Gallery offers an ever-evolving collection of original artworks from world-renowned and emerging artists.
You can view or invest in iconic works of art created by prominent artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and many more.
Browse our Originals Collection to discover one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to your taste and style.
Need guidance? Our Advisory Division is here to help you navigate the art world with confidence – from understanding market trends to curating your personal collection.
Visit our London gallery or explore online to find the perfect piece for your space.
