Best Site Builders for Art Galleries

In today’s increasingly digital art world, having a compelling and functional website is essential for art galleries to attract collectors, artists, and enthusiasts. A beautiful online presence can reflect the gallery’s aesthetic, showcase artworks, promote exhibitions, and even facilitate e-commerce. Choosing the right site builder is key to achieving this, especially for gallery owners and curators who may not have a technical background.

TL;DR

There are many excellent website builders for art galleries, each catering to different needs such as visual customization, e-commerce integration, and ease of use. Squarespace stands out for its rich design templates tailored for artists. Wix offers flexibility with a drag-and-drop editor and a variety of gallery layouts. Other strong contenders include Shopify for galleries selling art online, and Format and Cargo for their artistic edge and minimalist templates.

What Makes a Good Site Builder for Art Galleries?

For art galleries, a website must do more than just look good — it needs to create a visual narrative, engage visitors, and provide an intuitive way to explore art collections. The ideal site builder should offer:

• High-quality visual templates suitable for showcasing art.
• User-friendly tools that allow for updates and exhibition changes easily.
• Mobile responsiveness so the site looks great on any device.
• E-commerce features for selling pieces online if desired.
• Customizable galleries and multimedia integration.

1. Squarespace: Elegance Meets Usability

Squarespace is a go-to recommendation for art gallery websites because of its aesthetically pleasing templates and intuitive interface. Designed with visual professionals in mind, its drag-and-drop builder and automatic image scaling make it easy to maintain a polished site.

Key advantages include:

• Art-focused, stylish templates such as Brine and Hawley.
• Excellent image rendering and slideshow options.
• Built-in blogging and scheduling capabilities for posting event updates.
• SSL security and SEO tools included.

Squarespace also supports commerce, allowing galleries to sell art directly through the site. Although it offers less flexibility in deep customization than some alternatives, it shines in its reliability and sleek appearance.

2. Wix: Versatile and Feature-Packed

Wix allows for more creative freedom than many other platforms thanks to its fully customizable drag-and-drop interface. Art galleries can create truly unique experiences by choosing from hundreds of professionally designed templates or starting from a blank canvas.

Its standout features include:

• Dozens of gallery layouts — grid, masonry, carousel, and more.
• Wix Art Store app for secure online selling and watermark protection.
• Video, audio, and animation support for immersive digital experiences.
• AI site assistant (Wix ADI) for rapid website generation.

While Wix can be overwhelming due to its vast options, it is ideal for those who want deep creative control without needing coding skills.

3. Shopify: Best for Online Art Sales

Shopify isn’t typically associated with art galleries, but for those looking to turn their platforms into online art shops, it’s an outstanding choice. While less art-focused in design, Shopify excels in transactional efficiency and scalability.

This builder provides:

• Secure and streamlined e-commerce functionality.
• A wide range of visual themes suitable for galleries and artists.
• Integration with shipping services and inventory tracking.
• Marketing tools including abandoned cart recovery and email campaigns.

Shopify is perfect for commercial galleries or online art dealers who prioritize sales capabilities and backend automation.

4. Format: Built Specifically for Creatives

Format is designed with visual artists and galleries in mind, emphasizing minimalist, image-first layouts. It’s ideal for curators who want a beautiful gallery-focused site without unnecessary clutter.

The platform is known for:

• Sleek and responsive templates focusing on portfolios and galleries.
• A strong mobile presence, optimized for viewing on all screen sizes.
• Built-in client proofing tools and project delivery.
• Easy onboarding process tailored for visual storytelling.

Format also offers hosting and domain services, which helps simplify the process for less tech-savvy users. Limited e-commerce features make it better suited for exhibition showcases rather than full-scale online selling.

5. Cargo: For the Bold and Contemporary

Cargo is a platform praised in the art world for delivering edgy, non-traditional website experiences. It’s favored by experimental galleries, design-focused curators, and visual artists who want their site itself to be a canvas.

Cargo features include:

• Highly customizable templates with creative layout options.
• Affordable pricing with generous design features.
• Animated transitions and custom HTML/CSS for advanced users.
• Support for mixed media: video, audio, and interactive art.

Although Cargo requires a bit more learning, its creative potential makes it a top contender for galleries that want to stand out.

Additional Mentions

Other notable platforms include:

• Weebly: Simple and affordable, ideal for smaller or community galleries.
• WordPress with Elementor or Divi: Great for complete customization, but requires some technical setup.
• Adobe Portfolio: Perfect for artists and galleries already using Adobe Creative Cloud.

Conclusion

The best site builder for an art gallery will depend on the gallery’s goals — whether promoting emerging artists, selling high-end pieces, or simply presenting curated collections with elegance. While Squarespace and Wix offer balanced versatility and beauty, platforms like Shopify and Cargo cater to more specialized needs. With the right tools, an art gallery can extend its walls into the digital space and create rich, immersive experiences for its audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest site builder for a beginner-run art gallery?

Squarespace and Format are both excellent choices for beginners thanks to their user-friendly interfaces and pre-designed templates focused on visual presentation.

Which builder is best for selling artwork online?

Shopify is the best platform for robust e-commerce needs, followed closely by Wix with its specialized Art Store app.

Can I update exhibitions and events regularly with these builders?

Yes. All the platforms listed allow for easy content updates. Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress particularly excel at event and content management.

Do I need coding skills to use these platforms?

No coding is needed for most tasks. However, Wix and Cargo offer options for advanced customization if users are comfortable with HTML or CSS.

Are these platforms mobile-friendly?

Yes. All the recommended builders offer responsive designs for optimal viewing across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.