In Los Angeles, where art galleries tend to be spread out across streets and neighborhoods, the Bergamot Station Arts Center in Santa Monica provides an excellent opportunity for fans of the arts to visit multiple galleries and performance spaces at a single destination. Individually operated galleries such as the Craig Krull Gallery, Copro Gallery, Gallerie XII, Nüart Gallery, SPARC (Social and Public Art Resource Center), and William Turner Gallery occupy parts of five buildings, largely but not exclusively featuring contemporary art or modern photography exhibitions. Dining, music, and spoken word performance spaces are scattered across the Center, as well, offering visitors plenty to see and experience.
Admission to the galleries is free, and many (perhaps most) are selling art as well as exhibiting. Budget a couple of hours to really explore the spaces, but check gallery hours before visiting – you may luck out and find most open on a Saturday afternoon, though most everything might be closed a day later. Parking is free and ample in a central parking lot, and the Center is immediately next to Bergamot Station for easy metro and bus access. The Sawtelle neighborhood (with Giant Robot) is roughly 5 minutes away by car.
