Chicago art galleries in the West Loop and River North

Most gallery visits center on two districts a short ride apart.

• The West Loop, around Fulton Market and the Peoria and Washington area, is where many contemporary galleries operate today, often in converted industrial buildings with several galleries under one roof.
• River North, just north of the Loop, is Chicago's historic gallery district, with galleries in loft buildings and storefronts, including dealers in established artists and works on paper.
• Galleries and artist run spaces also appear in neighborhoods to the west and north of downtown, often with irregular hours, so check before you go.

Both main districts are compact enough to walk once you are there. Chicago is also a museum city, and many collectors pair a gallery afternoon with a museum visit downtown, which is close to both districts.

A comfortable plan is the West Loop in one half of the day and River North in the other, with lunch in between. Each district can be covered in two to three hours.

• Most Chicago galleries welcome visitors Tuesday through Saturday and stay closed on Sunday and Monday.
• Saturday afternoons are the most social time, weekdays are quieter.
• Several galleries in the West Loop share buildings. Check lobby directories and upper floors.
• Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable seasons for walking between buildings, and many galleries open new shows in September.
• Winter weather is a real factor. Dress for wind and cold and plan short walks between buildings.
• Summer hours are often shorter, and some galleries close for part of August.

Openings are evening receptions, typically on Fridays or Saturdays, and galleries in the same building or district often open on the same night, which makes it easy to see several new shows at once. They are generally open to the public. In the West Loop, shared buildings mean you can move between galleries without going outside. As in any city, openings are best for the atmosphere and meeting people, and a weekday return visit is best for looking and talking.

EXPO CHICAGO takes place in April at Navy Pier and brings galleries from across the country and abroad to the city. The week around it is the busiest of the year for Chicago galleries, with openings and events across both districts. Read our expo chicago guide to plan the week, and see the national calendar on our art fairs page.

Prices are rarely on the wall. Ask at the front desk for the checklist, which lists titles, media, dimensions and prices.

• Ask about specific works by title, and note size and medium.
• Chicago galleries are often relaxed about a short hold while you think, so ask before you leave. Holds are usually short, often a few days.
• If a work is sold, ask about related work in storage or upcoming work by the same artist.
• Chicago galleries often represent artists from the city alongside national and international names. Ask about local artists in the program if you want to see more.
• Confirm what the price includes. Sales tax, shipping and installation are usually listed separately on the invoice.

Illinois and city sales tax can apply to a local purchase, and our guide to buying from a gallery covers the invoice step by step.

The West Loop is close to the Morgan station on the elevated lines, and River North is a short ride or walk from the Loop. Taxis and rideshare connect the districts in minutes. In the galleries, greet the front desk, ask before taking photographs and keep clear of work in tight upper floor rooms. Take the exhibition text, which usually lists every work.

Send a short email the next day. Name the exhibition and the work by title, and ask one clear question: price, availability, more images or related work. If you are visiting from another city, say so, so the gallery can include shipping in its answer. If a West Loop or River North gallery sent you a list of available works, answer it while the visit is still fresh. A clear first follow up often leads to an invitation to the next opening. If you plan to return for the April fair week, say so, because many galleries prepare special presentations for that time.