Art galleries are institutions or forums to promote art appreciation in art buyers and a platform for artists to display their work. The term art gallery initially denoted a particular area or gallery in a museum to display paintings, sculptures, and illustrations. The popularity and success of this concept encouraged reserving rooms and later, private and public independent buildings exclusively for exhibitions, seminars, art teaching, and research programs.

A wider demand for art and artists encouraged the establishment of online galleries to help source and purchase paintings or sculptures from galleries and art dealers in different cities or countries. Art collectors or novices find this a convenient way to browse through paintings of different artists, depending on taste and setting. But there is nothing to compete with the artistic ambience of an uptown gallery showcasing traditional and exclusive artists or a downtown one selling contemporary or kitschy works of new and emerging artists.

An art gallery is not a church although to many people it appears to be so. This is because people tend to move around quietly and speaking is usually done in whispers. This is part of art gallery etiquette. The point is that to truly appreciate art it must be more experienced than viewed. A true art lover will allow the work of art to impact them on many levels including emotional and visual. It is a bit difficult to experience art in a noisy and rowdy environment. People are quiet in an art gallery to minimize the distractions and allow others to concentrate on the art.

Some people act as if the buying and selling of art in a commercial gallery is something that is sacred and taboo. It is not bad etiquette to talk about the price of a work of art in an art show. The artist has exhibited them in the anticipation of selling them. Asking about price or carrying a printed price list with you during an art show is fine. On the other hand, one should not haggle over a work of art with a gallery employee or the artist in front of the other patrons. The work of art is not an old lamp at a garage sale. If there are questions about price or if you wish to make an offer, this should be done quietly and privately to respect the viewing experience of other patrons.