AIGA

First off let me start off by saying that this is open to the public, so yes it’s FREE! lol. Everyone loves a free deal. However it is only open on weekdays. Yes the space is small, only one floor, but if you are into design: typography, packaging design, publication design, logos, etc. well come on by. The works are displayed by fellow members of the professional association for design, and yes if you’re a designer you can also become a member as well. Of course if you follow all the requirements, pay the fee, etc. If you want more details
. The floor like any other gallery changes so check their schedule, or you can call because the staff although quiet when you’re visiting are very helpful. I had the honor of visiting when the Estrada exhibit was on display and was I in awe. From the wall of his manyyyyy and I mean many sketchbooks (he was always known to carry one) to the other wall of all his different book cover designs, and in the cases displayed were forms of his thought process, or how he brainstormed ideas to get to the final product. As a designer myself you always love to see how the final product came to be. I will definitely be returning, and hopefully someday will be signing up to become a member myself.

AIGA is a gallery to the public public that features extremely talented designers.
AIGA has become one of my solaces during a work day. WIth my offices right above this gallery, it makes it easier to take 15 minutes out of the day to appreciate the finer things.
As someone who works in the art/​creative industry but is often limited by guidelines and rules, I absolutely appreciate artists who strives to push the boundaries. Every installation that AIGA features showcases each artist pushing and testing their limits.
If you have a moment, stop by and absorb the creativity AIGA offers.

Love the gallery! Free, interesting, creative! Saw the best book jackets of the year hear, along with binding, texture, etc. Fun & unique, this hidden gem is a must-​see for people interested in design and the graphic arts.

I never knew this place existed until I had to come here for an art assignment. The façade matches in so well with the rest of Fifth Ave. that you could walk by it and never know it was a gallery. The space is cozy with a exhibits scattered about. I only talked to the staff once to ask if I was in the right place and they pointed me in the right direction. Optical illusions rub me the wrong way so sitting on their couch which was a horrid black and white checkered pattern almost sent me over the edge. The gallery is free and has WiFi which is very useful when you’ve gotta critique the work and need to wikipedia the difference between pop style and bauhaus.

This graphic arts professional organization has a gallery/​exhibition space on Fifth Avenue, just below 23^rd Street. I don’t think many people outside of the graphic design or publishing world know about it (I was introduced by a friend who works in book publishing).
If you’re the kind of person who loves looking at book jacket designs and who shops Japanese markets to look at the cool packaging design, you’ll love this gallery.
An added bonus is the cool posters and postcards the AIGA print up for each exhibition.

I actually signed on as a student member in the Chicago chapter while I was attending school at UIC, but AIGA corporate hq is located in NY, NY. This national organization is a powerful resource for graphic design students as well as professionals. They are very well organized and offer conferences, lectures, and studio tours of world renowned (plus up and coming) designers. Each time I attended one of their events, I was able to learn at least one thing that enabled me to grow as a designer. There is a chapter in just about every major city in the country. If you’re a graphic designer, you don’t want to miss out on the AIGA.