GALLERIES VS MUSEUMS – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
Posted on October 10, 2011, under Uncategorized.
The general difference between a museum and a gallery is the size of the building and the breadth of the collection it holds. Museums are large and all encompassing. They are public buildings that are typically created by renowned architects. A museum usually has several floors, and each floor is devoted to a different periods in art history. For example, a museum often has a collection of ancient Greek and Roman art on the bottom floor. The next floor might hold European paintings from the 17th and 18th century, and the top floor may be devoted to modern and contemporary art. In other words, a museum holds a vast collection of art.
An art gallery, on the other hand, is small and intimate. Galleries are privately owned and operated. The artwork in a gallery varies greatly. A gallery might be devoted to one particular contemporary artist, or it may be a representation of many local talents. The art gallery, however, is concerned with selling the art that is on display. This is obviously not the case at a National museum. A gallery, being privately owned, is a business. It is about showcasing new artists, as well as selling their work.