Gallery Crawls at DTLA ArtNight

Downtown Los Angeles is constantly reinventing itself, and nowhere is that more visible than in its arts scene. One of the most exciting recurring events is DTLA ArtNight — a monthly rendezvous where galleries, artists, vendors, and curious Angelenos converge to transform downtown into a walking showcase of contemporary creativity.

Introducing Gallery Row: The Heart of Los Angeles’ Art Scene

At the core of this arts revival is Gallery Row, an arts and culture district centrally located in Downtown L.A. Laid out along Main and Spring Streets (roughly from 2nd to 9th Streets), Gallery Row was designated in 2003 to concentrate and promote art galleries in what was then a dormant and underutilized stretch of the city.

Today, Gallery Row is a walking gallery district — more than 50 galleries, museums, theatres, and public art installations all within short walking distances. It abuts multiple important downtown neighborhoods: the Historic Core, the Fashion District, Little Tokyo, and the Civic Center. The Gallery Row Organization also organizes a Downtown Art Walk every second Thursday (6–10 PM), where galleries open their doors in coordination for a self-guided stroll.

Gallery Row has become an anchor for culture in DTLA: breathing life into historic buildings, activating storefronts, and drawing locals and tourists alike into a more walkable, creative downtown corridor.

What Is DTLA ArtNight?

DTLA ArtNight is a monthly event (held on the first Thursday of each month) that amplifies the energy of Gallery Row and its neighboring galleries. Over 25 galleries (and counting) host new exhibition openings, interactive installations, and special activations, often with extended opening hours, artist talks, or performances. The official hours typically run from 6 PM to 10 PM.

But ArtNight is more than gallery hopping. It also includes:

• Vendor Night Market: Before (or alongside) the official gallery hours, local artisans, designers, and makers set up pop-up stalls or booths.
• Food and street activations: Food trucks or street vendors often line key corridors, encouraging attendees to meander, eat, and socialize as much as view.
• Live music or performance art: The ambient soundscape is often enhanced by live sets or curated performances at partner venues.
• After-party / late nights: In some months, organizers arrange post-event gatherings at bars or cultural spaces to keep the party going.

The goal? To stimulate connection between the public and the art world, to open doors (literal and metaphorical) in downtown spaces, and to reinforce DTLA as a cultural destination.

Tips for Enjoying DTLA ArtNight

• Get the gallery map ahead of time: DTLA ArtNight publishes a gallery map each month so you can plan your route and not miss favorite or new spots.
• Dress for walking: You’ll cover blocks between galleries. Comfortable but stylish shoes are a must.
• Arrive early to the vendor market: If you want to see the vendors, they often set up before the main gallery hours.
• Stay flexible: Some exhibitions, pop-ups, and performances may only be active for brief windows.
• Extend the experience: Many nearby restaurants, bars, and cafés also participate or stay open late to accommodate gallery-goers.

To get to Gallery Row from Larchmont Village, you’re probably best off taking an Uber or public transit to save yourself the hassle of parking. The 37 bus will take you straight there, or you can walk to the Western and Wilshire train station and take the Metro D Line.

Whether you’re a seasoned art fan or a curious newcomer, DTLA ArtNight is an invitation to explore what makes downtown Los Angeles pulse: its artists, its bold creative voices, and its evolving urban canvas. Come for the galleries, stay for the surprises — you may discover a new favorite space, artist, or corner of the city you never knew.