Santa Monica isn’t just about the surf and sunsets—it’s one of Los Angeles’s most dynamic art hubs, with a creative scene that rivals anything in Culver City or Downtown. The city’s mix of beach-town charm and highbrow sensibility has made it a magnet for emerging artists, contemporary masters, and collectors looking for something authentic, experimental, and a little bit West Coast.
Whether you’re into cutting-edge installations, fine photography, or thought-provoking sculpture, these are the best art galleries and exhibitions in Santa Monica (2025) that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
1. Bergamot Station Arts Center
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: bergamotstation.com
This is Santa Monica’s crown jewel—a sprawling complex of over 30 galleries and creative studios housed in converted rail buildings. You can easily spend an entire afternoon wandering through its mix of established and experimental spaces.
Must-See Galleries Inside:
- Craig Krull Gallery: Contemporary and West Coast artists with museum-caliber exhibitions.
- William Turner Gallery: Large-scale abstract and conceptual works, often with environmental themes.
- Diane Rosenstein Gallery: Cutting-edge contemporary art from emerging international voices.
Pro Tip: Visit during the Bergamot Art Walks (quarterly, free admission) for live music, open studios, and wine tastings.
2. Santa Monica Art Museum (SMAM)
Address: 3000 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: santamonicaartmuseum.com
Opened in 2023, this modern art museum quickly became a Westside institution. Its rotating exhibitions feature digital art, sustainability-driven design, and immersive installations. The 2025 program includes:
- “Ocean Memory” (March–June 2025): A multimedia exploration of the climate crisis through sculpture and sound.
- “AI x Humanity” (Fall 2025): A collaboration between tech artists and neuroscientists examining emotion in artificial intelligence.
Admission: $15 (free on the first Sunday of each month).
3. Peter Fetterman Gallery
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, Suite A1, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: peterfetterman.com
A cornerstone of Bergamot Station and one of the premier fine art photography galleries in the country. Representing icons like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastião Salgado, and Ansel Adams, this gallery is pure visual poetry.
Vibe: Quiet, reverent, timeless.
Current Exhibit: “Human Landscapes”—a stunning collection of global documentary photography (through February 2026).
4. bG Gallery
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, Suite G8A, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: bgartdealings.com
A standout at Bergamot for its focus on “borderless” creativity—bridging fine art and pop culture. Expect everything from surrealist oil paintings to neon installations. Their themed group shows often feel like curated chaos in the best way.
Upcoming Exhibit: “New Realities” (January 2026), featuring emerging LA artists experimenting with mixed media and digital augmentation.
5. L.A. Louver
Address: 45 N Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 (bordering Santa Monica)
Website: lalouver.com
Just south of Santa Monica, this Venice institution is a must-visit for serious art lovers. Founded in the 1970s, it’s home to an elite roster of artists including David Hockney, Alison Saar, and Ed Moses. Exhibits are world-class, yet the space maintains a coastal calm that reflects the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit.
Exhibit Highlight (2025): “Hockney & the Coast”—new works inspired by California’s shifting light (Summer 2025).
6. Lois Lambert Gallery + Gallery of Functional Art
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, E3A, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: loislambertgallery.com
This two-in-one space blends visual art with design innovation. The Gallery of Functional Art (GOFA) showcases handmade furniture, lighting, and sculpture that blur the line between utility and imagination. Perfect for anyone who wants to take home a conversation piece.
Current Exhibit: “Crafted Futures”—eco-design and recycled material installations (through April 2026).
7. ROSEGALLERY
Address: 2525 Michigan Ave, G5, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: rosegallery.net
Known for its striking photography and contemporary works on paper, ROSEGALLERY is where fine art meets storytelling. Exhibits often explore memory, history, and identity through powerful visual narratives.
Exhibit Highlight: “Women Seen / Women Seeing”—photography exploring female perspectives from the 20th century to today (Jan–May 2026).
8. Copro Gallery
Address: Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: coprogallery.com
For lovers of surrealism, pop art, and lowbrow culture, Copro is a hidden gem. Its exhibitions are a mix of whimsy and darkness—fantasy art, tattoo culture, and gothic illustration meet high craftsmanship.
Upcoming: “Psychedelic Pop” (March 2026), featuring international artists in the new surrealist wave.
9. 18th Street Arts Center
Address: 1639 18th St & 3026 Airport Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Website: 18thstreet.org
Santa Monica’s oldest artist residency and a cornerstone of community creativity. This nonprofit hosts over 50 artists in residence annually and runs exhibitions that tackle social justice, cultural identity, and sustainability.
Don’t Miss: “Voices of the Westside” (February–May 2026), featuring works by local artists exploring LA’s evolving neighborhoods.
Bonus: They offer open studio tours—great for meeting artists in person.
10. TAG Gallery (The Artists Gallery)
Address: 5458 Wilshire Blvd (recently relocated from Bergamot)
Website: taggallery.net
A cooperative gallery founded by local artists themselves, TAG is an accessible, community-driven exhibition space that gives Westside creators full creative control. Each show feels intimate and personal—an antidote to the corporate gallery vibe.
Upcoming: “Westside Visions” (April 2026), showcasing new Santa Monica-based painters and sculptors.
Noteworthy Annual Art Events
| Event | When | Where | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergamot Art Walk | Quarterly | Bergamot Station | Live music, food trucks, and gallery openings |
| Main Street Summer SOULstice | June 2026 | Main St, Santa Monica | Street art, local bands, pop-up galleries |
| Santa Monica Open Studios | May 2026 | 18th Street Arts Center | Free artist studio tours |
| Venice Art Crawl | Quarterly | Venice Beach | Outdoor installations and live murals |
| LA Art Show (Downtown) | February 2026 | LA Convention Center | Westside galleries always participate |
The Westside Art Scene in 2025: What’s Trending
- Sustainability as Medium: Recycled materials and eco-design are dominating installations.
- Digital Art & AR Exhibits: Many galleries now integrate augmented reality or NFT showcases.
- Community-Centered Collectives: Smaller cooperatives like 18th Street and TAG Gallery are giving space to underrepresented voices.
- Hybrid Events: Gallery openings are doubling as performance art nights or live music pop-ups.
- Local Meets Global: Westside galleries are bringing international artists to LA audiences without losing the city’s laid-back flair.
FAQs:
Are Santa Monica galleries free to visit?
Yes—most galleries at Bergamot Station and 18th Street Arts Center are free and open to the public.
What’s the best time to visit?
Afternoons on weekdays are quietest, but Art Walk nights (seasonal) offer the most energy and access to artists.
Can I buy art directly from the galleries?
Absolutely. Most Santa Monica galleries sell pieces directly and ship internationally.
