Utrecht is bursting with artists and fantastic galleries and art dealers. It could hardly be otherwise with the largest art academy in the Netherlands in our city: the University of the Arts (HKU). Nowadays I regularly walk into a gallery to view the collection or an exhibition, but that used to be different. I found it exciting to cross the threshold, literally and figuratively. While I am a great art lover and often visit museums.
Until a few years ago I gathered my courage and simply walked into various galleries. Everywhere I was received in a very friendly and enthusiastic manner and since then I have easily walked into somewhere to admire art. You are welcome everywhere to come and see art without any obligation. So don’t hesitate to step in somewhere.
1. Art dealership Juffermans
In a beautiful, stately white building in the city center is the art dealership Juffermans. You must have driven past it regularly. They specialize in 20th-century graphics by great masters such as Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Van Dongen. They also made a beautiful book about the latter. The art dealership also presents work by the Utrecht artist Jeroen Hermkens, who is inspired by the cityscape.
Kunsthandel Juffermans Lange Jansstraat 10, Utrecht
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 – 17:00
2. Gallery Niek Waterbolk
As an artist, you can rent this open, light space to exhibit, and that is a great success. They are already fully booked for the whole of 2024. Due to the various registrations, there is a varied range of artists who show their work here. Every week there is something new to see, which makes it fun to drop in regularly. The artist(s) are often present themselves, which makes the visit even more special.
Galerie Niek Waterbolk Schoutenstraat 10, Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours vary.
3. Morren Galleries
In a beautiful corner building on the Oudegracht you will find Morren Galleries. This place will surprise you because it is so big, the wharf cellar is also in use. You will be amazed by what you see!
You can also have a portrait made by an artist in the portrait shop, which is part of the gallery. They work with many different artists and help you choose the right style.
Morren Galleries Oudegracht 338-340, Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: Friday & Saturday 11:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-17:00
4. Kunstliefde
The Utrecht artists’ association Kunstliefde has existed since 1807. Did you know that Dick Bruna, Piet Mondriaan and Gerrit Rietveld were members?
The society offers a platform to its members and once a year to students of the HKU. Every month you can visit a new exhibition here. They also organize the Utrecht Atelierroute and UtrechtDownUnder. Definitely worth taking a look here!
Art Love Nobelstraat 12A
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
5. Gallery SANAA
This gallery mainly shows contemporary art from Africa and the Middle East. Gallery owner Berthe Schoonman offers a platform to artists from continents that are rarely shown in our country. But you can also find work by Dutch artists here. The varied exhibitions, artist talks, music performances and film screenings are definitely worth a regular visit.
Galerie SANAA Jansdam 2, Utrecht
Opening hours: Wed to Sat 12:00 – 18:00
6. Gallery Rob Rademaker
Rob Rademaker has a beautiful historic building in the middle of Utrecht’s city centre where he regularly lets artists exhibit. Did you know that the composer Brahms stayed here in 1876? The gallery owner is one of the initiators of Art Utrecht where you can find everything about current exhibitions.
Galerie Rob Rademaker, Minrebroederstraat 9 Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: check website
7. Moving Gallery
This gallery would temporarily stay in an old garage and hence the name Moving Gallery. They have been in this place for 5 years now and are not planning to ‘move’ for the time being. They regularly have beautiful and interesting exhibitions. This gallery is located outside the city center but is definitely worth a visit. Don’t forget to look in the shop when you are there. There are beautiful works for sale there by, among others, the Utrecht artist Max Kisman.
Moving Gallery, Monseigneur van de Weteringstraat 69, Utrecht West
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday 12:00 – 17:00
8. AG – Acacemiegalerie
Right in the heart of the city, the University of the Arts (HKU) has its own exhibition space. Students can exhibit their work here. With eight to eleven presentations per year, AG provides a current picture of emerging talent in various art disciplines: graphic design, photography, illustration, media technology, visual arts, fashion, product design, and more.
AG/Academiegalerie, Minrebroederstraat 16, Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: check website
9. GrachtenGalerie
In the beautiful building on the Oudegracht you will find GrachtenGalerie. You can go here for contemporary art. Every 6 to 8 weeks they show a new collection of young and established artists. You can also find beautiful and affordable gifts here. In the basement you can follow workshops.
GrachtenGalerie, Oudegracht 185, Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 – 17:00
10. De Kunstsalon
On a quiet part of the Oudegracht lies the beautiful large building of De Kunstsalon. They have a wonderful collection of work by established artists such as Jenny Boot, Nichola Theakston, Sasja Wagenaar, Ans Zondag, Yvonne Michiels, René Smoorenburg and Anthony Theakston.
De Kunstsalon, Oudegracht 315, Utrecht Centrum
Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 – 17:00
This list wouldn’t be complete without also mentioning EXboot and EXbunker. Here, artists show their monthly art, installations and performances. Also Kunsthandel Meijer on the Domplein, specialising in pop art, minimal art and zero, is definitely worth a visit. And don’t forget Galerie Quintessens on the Nieuwegracht with contemporary paintings and sculptures.
Before you go out, always check whether they are setting up or taking down the gallery. It would be a shame to find the doors closed. On the website of ART Utrecht you can find all the latest information.
And of course the best thing is to be present at a festive opening (vernissage) of an exhibition or the closing of it (finissage). Then you can also get in touch with the artist and hear the stories behind the works of art. Have fun visiting.
Would you like to take a private tour of a number of galleries with your friends, colleagues, family or others and get an explanation from the gallery owners? Then contact contact for more information! Nice as a cozy and outing for art lovers in our beautiful Utrecht! And can be easily combined with a drink in one of the galleries.
