You walk in for coffee and leave inspired. That’s what happens when you discover art that speaks to you while savoring a perfectly crafted latte.
Every month brings new local artists to our walls. You’ll see work from emerging Brooklyn talent alongside established names, all carefully curated to spark conversation and connection.
Your morning routine becomes something more meaningful. Instead of another generic coffee run, you’re supporting local artists, discovering new perspectives, and joining a community that values creativity as much as quality caffeine.
We opened The Café Galerie because Brooklyn Heights needed a space where art and coffee culture could thrive together. We’re not just another café with pictures on walls—we’re a curated gallery that happens to serve exceptional coffee.
Our rotating exhibitions change monthly, featuring Brooklyn artists who deserve wider recognition. Each show is carefully selected to offer something fresh, whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just beginning to appreciate local art.
Located in one of Brooklyn Heights’ most charming corners, we’ve created an environment where creativity flows as smoothly as our espresso. You’ll find laptop-wielding writers sharing space with art enthusiasts, all drawn together by our commitment to supporting local talent.
Walk in and order your drink first—our baristas know their craft and can recommend something perfect for your taste. While they prepare your coffee, take a moment to scan the current exhibition information posted near the entrance.
Grab your drink and start exploring. Each piece includes artist information and pricing if you’re interested in purchasing. Many of our regulars discover new favorites simply by spending time with the work over multiple visits.
If something catches your eye, ask any staff member about the artist or piece. We know the stories behind the work and can connect you directly with artists for commissions, studio visits, or simply to share your appreciation. Most of our artists are local and love meeting people who connect with their work.
Ready to get started?
Our monthly artist spotlights feature opening receptions where you can meet the creators behind the work. These events typically happen first Friday evenings and include wine, light bites, and the chance to purchase pieces directly from the artist.
Brooklyn Heights attracts art collectors and creative professionals who appreciate quality over quantity. Our curation reflects this sophisticated local taste—you won’t find mass-produced prints or amateur work cluttering our walls.
We also host intimate evening events including artist talks, creative workshops, and collaborative projects with other local cultural organizations. The neighborhood’s proximity to DUMBO’s gallery district and Manhattan’s art scene means our programming often features artists with serious gallery representation alongside emerging talent worth discovering early.
We rotate our main gallery wall monthly, typically installing new exhibitions during the last week of each month. This gives each artist roughly four weeks of prime exposure during their peak selling period.
Our smaller rotating spaces change more frequently—sometimes bi-weekly—featuring works from multiple artists or themed collections. We post upcoming exhibition schedules on our social media and website, so you can plan visits around artists or styles that interest you most.
If you’re following a particular local artist, we recommend checking our Instagram stories for behind-the-scenes installation content and artist takeovers during opening weeks.
You can purchase most pieces directly through us during your visit. We handle transactions for represented artists and transfer payment to them minus a small gallery commission that helps us continue supporting local talent.
For larger pieces or commissioned work, we facilitate introductions between buyers and artists. Many of our regulars have developed ongoing relationships with artists they discovered here, leading to studio visits and custom pieces.
Prices are clearly marked on wall labels, and we accept cash, card, and digital payments. If you’re interested in a piece but need time to decide, we can place a 48-hour hold while you consider your purchase.
Our monthly opening receptions happen first Friday evenings from 6-9 PM and are open to everyone. These events feature the exhibiting artist, wine service, and often include live acoustic music or spoken word performances.
For private events, we offer after-hours rentals for art-focused gatherings, corporate events with cultural components, or intimate celebrations. Our space accommodates up to 40 people comfortably for seated events or 60 for standing receptions.
We also partner with local art organizations, book clubs, and creative groups for ongoing programming. If you have an art-related event concept that aligns with our community focus, we’re often interested in collaboration rather than simple space rental.
We serve specialty coffee sourced from ethical roasters, focusing on single-origin beans and seasonal blends that reflect the same attention to quality we bring to our art curation. Our espresso-based drinks include classic preparations plus seasonal specials inspired by current exhibitions.
Food offerings include locally-sourced pastries, light breakfast items, and afternoon snacks designed not to compete with the art viewing experience. Everything is prepared to minimize mess and maximize your ability to move around the gallery space comfortably.
We also stock a selection of artisanal teas, fresh juices, and evening wine options during events. Our beverage program changes seasonally, much like our art exhibitions, keeping regular visitors interested in trying new combinations.
Artists can submit portfolio applications through our website contact form, including 5-8 high-quality images of recent work, an artist statement, and exhibition history. We review submissions monthly and typically book 3-6 months in advance.
We prioritize Brooklyn-based artists, especially those working in mediums that translate well to café display—paintings, photography, mixed media, and smaller sculptural works. We’re particularly interested in artists who engage with community and can participate in opening receptions.
Our selection process considers artistic merit, professional presentation, and how well the work might resonate with our Brooklyn Heights clientele. We provide feedback to applicants and maintain a database for future opportunities even if current timing doesn’t work out.
Absolutely. We designed our space with creative professionals in mind, offering reliable WiFi, comfortable seating options, and ambient noise levels conducive to focused work. Many regulars use us as their neighborhood office during morning and afternoon hours.
We have several seating configurations—individual tables perfect for laptop work, larger communal tables for collaborative projects, and cozy corner spots ideal for reading or sketching while surrounded by inspiring art. Power outlets are available throughout the space.
Our busiest periods are typically weekend mornings and early evenings during art events, so weekday afternoons offer the quietest environment for concentration. The rotating art exhibitions provide natural conversation starters for informal business meetings or creative collaborations.
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