Artspace

Artspace

A Downtown Arts Anchor Since 1986

Artspace opened in 1986 as part of an effort to bring new life to downtown Raleigh’s City Market area through the arts. Four decades later, the nonprofit is still at the corner of Davie and Blount streets, in a roughly 30,000 square foot building that once housed a Ford dealership and, before that, horse stables. The organization owns its building and celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026.

The idea is simple and still unusual: give working artists affordable studio space under one roof, open the doors to the public, and let visitors see art being made. Resident artists keep regular public studio hours each week, so a walk through the building often means watching a painter, printmaker or jeweler mid-project.

What to See and Do

Three galleries host rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists, and the shows change regularly enough that repeat visits pay off. Upstairs and down, more than 25 studios cover drawing and painting, mixed media, jewelry, printmaking, fibers and more. Many artists sell their work directly from their studios, which makes Artspace a good stop for original art and handmade gifts.

Beyond the galleries, Artspace runs classes, workshops and artist talks for youth and adults throughout the year, along with summer art programs and community outreach. Its artist residency program supports emerging artists, and those residents’ work is often on view in the building.

Tips for Visiting

Admission is free, with a suggested $5 donation. The building is open Thursday through Sunday, and on First Friday it stays open until 10 PM with extra programming, making it one of the most popular stops on the monthly downtown gallery walk. Individual studio visits outside public hours can be arranged by contacting artists directly.

Metered street parking surrounds the building, and the Moore Square and Blount Street city decks are a short walk away. Rates and free hours change, so check the posted signs or the City of Raleigh parking site before you go. An elevator serves the first and second floors.

Who It’s For

Artspace works well for art lovers, collectors looking for local work, and anyone curious about how artists actually spend their days. It is also an easy, free addition to a downtown afternoon: City Market’s restaurants and Moore Square are a short walk away, and Marbles Kids Museum is around the corner for families splitting up the day.