Gallery vs. Exhibition — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 4, 2024
Gallery typically refers to a dedicated space for displaying art, while an exhibition is a specific event where artworks are displayed temporarily.
Difference Between Gallery and Exhibition
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gallery is a space designed specifically for the display of art, often featuring a rotating collection of works. Whereas an exhibition is a temporary presentation of artworks, which can be hosted in various locations, including galleries.
Galleries often represent multiple artists and might sell the artworks on display. On the other hand, exhibitions can be focused on a single artist or theme and may or may not involve sales.
Many galleries have a permanent location and operate continuously. Conversely, exhibitions are usually held for a limited time, ranging from a few days to several months.
Galleries often have a commercial aspect, aiming to sell artworks to collectors and the public. Exhibitions, however, might be more educational or retrospective, without a primary focus on sales.
While galleries may charge an admission fee or operate by invitation only, exhibitions are frequently open to the public, sometimes free of charge, to attract a broader audience.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A space dedicated to displaying art permanently.
A temporary event showcasing artworks.
Duration
Typically permanent with rotating displays.
Temporary, lasting from days to several months.
Focus
May represent multiple artists or themes.
Can be focused on a single artist or theme.
Commercial Aspect
Often aims to sell artworks.
May not focus primarily on sales.
Accessibility
May have admission fees or be invitation-only.
Often more accessible to the public.
Compare with Definitions
Gallery
A website or section of a website where collections of images are displayed.
Check out the photo gallery for images of the new exhibit.
Exhibition
An event where skills or qualities are displayed.
The chef's exhibition of cooking was broadcast live.
Gallery
A balcony, usually in a theater or auditorium.
The audience in the gallery gave a standing ovation.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting, showing, or presenting to view.
His exhibition of rare coins was a surprise to many.
Gallery
A room or building for the display or sale of works of art.
The local gallery features contemporary paintings.
Exhibition
An organized presentation or show for the purposes of art, science, or trade.
The annual flower exhibition attracts thousands of visitors.
Gallery
A narrow passageway or corridor.
The gallery connected the two wings of the old mansion.
Exhibition
A temporary event to display artistic, cultural, or educational materials.
They went to the exhibition on Renaissance art.
Gallery
An institution that buys, sells, and displays artworks.
She visited the gallery to find a new piece for her collection.
Exhibition
A public display of works of art or items of interest.
The museum hosted an exhibition of medieval artifacts.
Gallery
A room or building for the display or sale of works of art
The National Gallery
An art gallery
Exhibition
An exhibition, in the most general sense, is an organized presentation and display of a selection of items. In practice, exhibitions usually occur within a cultural or educational setting such as a museum, art gallery, park, library, exhibition hall, or World's fairs.
Gallery
A balcony or upper floor projecting from an interior back or side wall of a hall or church, providing space for an audience or musicians
In the minstrels' gallery, a string orchestra plays themes from film soundtracks
Exhibition
The act or an instance of exhibiting.
Gallery
A long room or passage, typically one that is partly open at the side to form a portico or colonnade.
Exhibition
Something exhibited; an exhibit.
Gallery
A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side.
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing, as of art objects or industrial or agricultural products.
Gallery
A long enclosed passage, such as a hallway or corridor.
Exhibition
Chiefly British A grant given to a scholar by a school or university.
Gallery
A narrow balcony, usually having a railing or balustrade, along the outside of a building.
Exhibition
An instance of exhibiting, or something exhibited.
Gallery
A projecting or recessed passageway along an upper story on the interior or exterior of a large building, generally marked by a colonnade or arcade.
Exhibition
A large-scale public showing of objects or products.
There was an art exhibition on in the town hall.
A boat exhibition
Gallery
Such a passageway situated over the aisle of a church and opening onto the nave. Also called tribune2.
Exhibition
A public display, intentional or otherwise, generally characterised as negative, a shameful exhibition or a disgusting exhibition
Gallery
Southwestern Gulf States See veranda.
Exhibition
A demonstration of personal skill or feelings.
Gallery
An upper section, often with a sloping floor, projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater or an auditorium to provide additional seating.
Exhibition
(UK) A financial award or prize given to a student (who becomes an exhibitioner) by a school or university, usually on the basis of academic merit.
Gallery
The seats in such a section, usually cheaper than those on the main floor.
Exhibition
(sports) A game which does not impact the standings for any major cup or competition.
Gallery
The cheapest seats in a theater, generally those of the uppermost gallery.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting for inspection, or of holding forth to view; manifestation; display.
Gallery
The audience occupying a gallery or cheap section of a theater.
Exhibition
That which is exhibited, held forth, or displayed; also, any public show; a display of works of art, or of feats of skill, or of oratorical or dramatic ability; as, an exhibition of animals; an exhibition of pictures, statues, etc.; an industrial exhibition.
Gallery
A large audience or group of spectators, as at a tennis or golf match.
Exhibition
Sustenance; maintenance; allowance, esp. for meat and drink; pension.
What maintenance he from his friends receives,Like exhibition thou shalt have from me.
I have given more exhibitions to scholars, in my days, than to the priests.
Gallery
The general public, usually considered as exemplifying a lack of discrimination or sophistication
Accused the administration of playing to the gallery on the defense issue.
Exhibition
The act of administering a remedy.
Gallery
A building, room, or website for the exhibition of artistic work.
Exhibition
The act of exhibiting;
A remarkable exhibition of musicianship
Gallery
An establishment that displays and sells works of art.
Exhibition
A collection of things (goods or works of art etc.) for public display
Gallery
A photographer's studio.
Gallery
A collection; an assortment
The trial featured a gallery of famous and flamboyant witnesses.
Gallery
An underground tunnel or passageway, as in a cave or one dug for military or mining purposes.
Gallery
A tunnel or series of tunnels made by an animal.
Gallery
(Nautical) A platform or balcony at the stern or quarters of some early sailing ships.
Gallery
A decorative upright trimming or molding along the edge of a table top, tray, or shelf.
Gallery
An institution, building, or room for the exhibition and conservation of works of art.
Gallery
An establishment that buys, sells, and displays works of art.
Gallery
The uppermost seating area projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater, concert hall, or auditorium.
Gallery
The spectators of an event, collectively.
Gallery
(legal) The, often elevated and in the rear, part of a courtroom where seating for the public audience is facilitated during trial.
Gallery
A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side
Gallery
(computing) A browsable collection of images, font styles, etc.
A gallery of image thumbnails
A clip-art gallery in a wordprocessor
Gallery
(fortification) A covered passage cut through the earth or masonry.
Gallery
(mining) A level or drive in a mine.
Gallery
(automotive) A channel that carries engine oil to parts of the engine that need lubrication, such as the main bearings.
Gallery
(television) The production control room.
Gallery
A part of a monocle, a projection off the ring holding the lens, which helps secure the monocle in the eye socket.
Gallery
(entomology) The boring trails produced by an insector only beetles? in wood.
Beetle gallery
Gallery
(Trinidad and Tobago) To show off.
Gallery
A long and narrow corridor, or place for walking; a connecting passageway, as between one room and another; also, a long hole or passage excavated by a boring or burrowing animal.
Gallery
A room for the exhibition of works of art; as, a picture gallery; hence, also, a large or important collection of paintings, sculptures, etc.
Gallery
A long and narrow platform attached to one or more sides of public hall or the interior of a church, and supported by brackets or columns; - sometimes intended to be occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed merely to increase the capacity of the hall.
Gallery
A frame, like a balcony, projecting from the stern or quarter of a ship, and hence called stern gallery or quarter gallery, - seldom found in vessels built since 1850.
Gallery
Any communication which is covered overhead as well as at the sides. When prepared for defense, it is a defensive gallery.
Gallery
A working drift or level.
Gallery
Spectators at a golf or tennis match
Gallery
A porch along the outside of a building (sometimes partly enclosed)
Gallery
A room or series of rooms where works of art are exhibited
Gallery
A long usually narrow room used for some specific purpose;
Shooting gallery
Gallery
A covered corridor (especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported with arches or columns)
Gallery
Narrow recessed balcony area along an upper floor on the interior of a building; usually marked by a colonnade
Gallery
A horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine;
They dug a drift parallel with the vein
Common Curiosities
Can exhibitions be held in places other than galleries?
Yes, exhibitions can be held in various venues including museums, halls, or open spaces.
What is a permanent gallery?
A permanent gallery is a dedicated space that continuously operates and displays artworks.
How can someone find out about upcoming exhibitions?
Information about upcoming exhibitions can typically be found on websites of galleries, museums, or cultural institutions.
Are all galleries open to the public?
Not all galleries are open to the public; some operate by appointment or invitation only.
Can exhibitions sell the displayed items?
Yes, some exhibitions may sell the displayed items, though not all focus on sales.
Are there virtual exhibitions?
Yes, virtual exhibitions are increasingly popular, allowing digital access to art and other displays.
What is the main purpose of a gallery?
The main purpose of a gallery is to display and often sell artworks.
Do exhibitions always involve art?
While many exhibitions involve art, they can also focus on other themes like history, science, or trade.
How often do exhibitions occur?
Exhibitions are temporary and can occur periodically, depending on the hosting venue or event.
What differentiates a gallery from an art museum?
A gallery is usually a smaller, commercial space focused more on sales, whereas an art museum is larger, focusing on preservation and education.
Can galleries host non-artistic events?
While primarily for art, some galleries may host non-artistic events like lectures or receptions.
How does an exhibition end?
An exhibition ends after its scheduled duration is over, and the displayed items are removed.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
