12 American Cities With a Unique Art Scene for Your Bucket List
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There is no better way to learn about a city and its community than exploring its art scene. Luckily, American cities have vibrant yet bold art scenes that let tourists take a deep dive into their communities’ creativity, diversity, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re into visual or performing arts, these American cities with unique art scenes have much in store.
1. New York City, New York
New York City is home to numerous iconic art institutions and some of the world’s largest museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The New York MoMA, and the Guggenheim. Visit the MoMA to experience Van Gogh’s most iconic work, The Starry Night.
There’s more to see at the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Brooklyn Art Museum, and several smaller venues, including the Frick Collection. While at it, explore some of the more than 500 galleries in the city. Finish off at Chelsea, a neighborhood that hosts galleries that showcase contemporary works from emerging and established artists.
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2. Chicago, Illinois
Famous for its one-of-a-kind architecture, Chicago is a top destination for art enthusiasts. Art can be found everywhere in this city, from top galleries to world-class museums like the Art Institute of Chicago. The city also stands out for famous places like Millennium Park, with many large art installations scattered throughout its 24.5 acres.
One of the things to see at Millenium Park is ‘The Bean,’ which has now become one of the most sought-after spots in Chicago. If you’re into street art, you will like strolling down Pilsen Street, which celebrates Mexican-American heritage through colorful murals.
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3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco seamlessly combines the history of several places worldwide in art. The San Francisco Art Museum has over 18,000 pieces in its permanent collection, some as old as 6,000 years. The San Francisco MoMA is home to one of the best photography collections in all of America.
The de Young Museum displays treasures from the Americas, Oceania, and Africa, while the Legion of Honor focuses on European art. There is also plenty of street art, especially the vibrant murals in the Mission District, and hundreds of artists’ studios and commercial galleries, many of which are open to the public during open studio weekends.
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4. Miami, Florida
Miami is a top creative destination in the US, thanks to its creative scene showcasing art worldwide. The Wynwood district is well-defined, with walls covered with vibrant art and colorful street murals by famous artists from around the globe.
Furthermore, the city hosts Art Basel, a renowned international art event that attracts tourists from diverse backgrounds. It is also home to global music shows like the Billboard Latin Music Awards and festivals like Ultra Music Fest, making it ideal for performing arts enthusiasts.
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5. Los Angeles, California
Despite being known for its successful film industry, Los Angeles also has an incredible non-cinema art scene. For tourists, exploring local and regional artworks starts at the Public Art and Exhibitions Program at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is located across Terminals 1, 3, 7, and Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Stepping out, some of the most famous New York art dealers, such as David Zwirner, Marian Goodman, Lisson, and Sean Kelly, now have spaces in Los Angeles, too. Besides, its streets and murals are booming with indie art. Ensure that you visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a 20-acre complex where you might lose yourself for days marveling at its artifacts and works that date back 3,000 years.
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6. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s art scene is known for its fusion of modern and classic art forms. Start strong in the High Museum of Art, where you can see over 19,000 art pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. Your trip to Atlanta can improve by exploring Midtown’s Arts District, home to rich art exhibitions such as the Fox Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Alliance Theatre.
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You should also visit the city’s galleries, typically in the Castleberry Hill and West Midtown neighborhoods. To wind up your trip, visit Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden, which host performing arts events throughout the year.
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7. Buffalo, New York
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Buffalo’s vibrant art scene offers an opportunity to connect with internationally and locally recognized artists. Start by exploring the city’s artistic venues, like the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, which features works of influential artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Frida Kahlo. Then, visit the Elmwood Village neighborhood and experience its vibrant arts scene.
The neighborhood hosts numerous galleries, boutiques, and creative spaces. You may want to plan your trip around the annual Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts, which showcases the work of local artists and artisans. Do not end your trip without experiencing public art programs and events like the Allentown Art Festival.
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8. Portland, Oregon
Portland has a thriving visual arts scene with numerous galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces. The Portland Art Museum is the city’s premier art institution, featuring diverse artworks from different historical periods. Another ideal stopover for art enthusiasts would be the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), which hosts works by various artists.
If you are into street art and murals, visit Portland’s artistic neighborhoods, such as Alberta Arts District, Mississippi Avenue, and Southeast Division Street. Wind up your evenings in Portland by getting a slice of the city’s performing arts at Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Opera, and Artists Repertory Theatre.
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9. Washington DC
Washington, DC, is the place to go for free access to stunning and thought-provoking art galleries. Begin at the National Gallery of Art, which features the creme de la creme of American and European artists, including Rembrandt, El Greco, Leonardo da Vinci, and Winslow Homer.
Your next stop should be the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, where you can explore Asian art. For a deeper exploration, delve into the National Museum of African Art, Hirshhorn Museum, and Sculpture Garden. Although not free, the Phillips collection is a great place to see magnificent pieces by Renoir, Rothko, Van Gogh, and other modern and Impressionist artists.
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10. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is home to several world-class museums and galleries that showcase various art forms. The most sought-after is the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which features a diverse collection of ancient and contemporary artworks. You may also like the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), which uses interactive exhibits and multimedia installations to celebrate the movers and shakers in pop culture.
Other must-visits for enthusiasts include the Frye Art Museum, Henry Art Gallery, and Bellevue Arts Museum. If you’re into performing arts, check for shows aired at the Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Seattle Opera.
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11. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans perfectly blends the history and cultures of the French, African, Spanish, Caribbean, and Creole heritages to create a perfectly unique yet booming art scene. Start your artistic trip in the French Quarter and the Arts District in Downtown New Orleans. These neighborhoods are known for having a concentration of galleries showcasing diverse visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Tourists can also explore the city’s galleries at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Contemporary Arts Center (CAC). If you are into performing arts, plan to attend the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Prospect New Orleans.
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12. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s art scene is deeply rooted in culture, diversity, and creativity. Start strong by visiting the Barnes Foundation for a breathtaking collection of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist artwork and paintings.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a paradise for art lovers. It hosts art and sculptures that span over 2,000 years. Here, you will also marvel at a rich collection of art and objects from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You should also stroll around the city and experience its iconic statues, murals, graffiti, and mosaic art.
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