Have you ever wondered what really separates an art gallery from a museum? Yes, they both show art. But their purpose (and the experience they offer) is actually quite different.
Museums are typically non-profit institutions. They focus on preservation, education, and public access, and feature historical, cultural, and contemporary works.
Art is not for sale in museums; they collect for public benefit.
While art galleries are usually commercial spaces representing living artists and focus on promoting/selling their work. Visitors can often meet the artist or attend openings.
Art is available for purchase at a gallery and it takes a commission.
Think of museums as archives of art history, and galleries as bridges between artists and collectors today.
When I first started painting professionally, I used to mix the two up all the time. But learning the difference helped me understand how art lives in the world today and how it reaches people.
Next time you step into an art space, notice the intention behind it. Is it preserving the past? Or inviting you to be part of the present moment in art?