Chelsea According to: Lisa Spellman of 303 Gallery
The hugely important NYC gallerist loves her downtown neighbourhood for the river, its galleries and the place where Oreo cookies were invented
The hugely important NYC gallerist loves her downtown neighbourhood for the river, its galleries and the place where Oreo cookies were invented
Owner and director Lisa Spellman opened 303 Gallery in 1984, with the space taking its name from its then location at 303 Park Avenue South. She subsequently moved it, first to the East Village, then to SoHo and finally to Chelsea, becoming one of the first gallerists to establish a space in the area. A new purpose-built gallery designed by Norman Foster + Partners opened in 2016 with a solo show by Alicja Kwade. Over the years, 303 has also presented solo exhibitions by the likes of Vito Acconci, Doug Aitken, Hans-Peter Feldmann, Rodney Graham, Andreas Gursky, Karen Kilimnik, Collier Schorr and Rirkrit Tiravanija.
What’s your own history with Chelsea?
I started to visit West Chelsea in the late 1970s when I would walk through the abandoned piers along the river and photograph them. There were also performance spaces and music spots to visit in the 1980s and Empire Diner was open 24 hours. The gallery moved to Chelsea in 1996 when there were just a few galleries in the neighbourhood.
What’s special about it as a neighbourhood?
The access to the Hudson River along Chelsea Waterside Park, the amazing light, Dia Art Foundation, the new beach across from the Whitney, Joseph Beuys’s ‘7000 Oaks’ project, and great galleries and colleagues.
Tell us a secret about it.
Uranium was stored in Chelsea for the Manhattan Project.
What’s one thing in Chelsea that people shouldn’t miss?
The General Theological Seminary.
Can you tell us about the artist(s) you’re bringing to Frieze New York?
We’re bringing works by Doug Aitken, Sam Falls, Tim Gardner, Kim Gordon, Jeppe Hein, Esteban Jefferson, Matt Johnson, Alicja Kwade, Tanya Merrill, Nick Mauss, Rob Pruitt and Sue Williams.
What are your favourite galleries and museums in New York?
White Columns, the Whitney Museum, the Met and Dia.
What’s a memorable show you’ve seen in the city recently?
‘Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature’ at the Met.
What are your Chelsea eating and drinking recommendations?
The Chelsea Hotel and Chelsea Market (where Oreo cookies were invented).
What’s the best thing about Chelsea?
The High Line: it’s a linear time machine.
What’s the worst thing about Chelsea?
There’s nothing bad about Chelsea.
303 Gallery, 555 W 21st St, New York. The gallery is participating in Frieze New York 2025 (Stand A11).
Further Information
Frieze New York, The Shed, 7 – 11 May, 2025. Tickets are on sale – don’t miss out, buy yours now. Alternatively, become a member to enjoy premier access, exclusive guided tours and more.
Frieze New York is supported by global lead partner Deutsche Bank, continuing its legacy of celebrating artistic excellence on an international scale.
A dedicated online Frieze Viewing Room will open in the week before the fair, offering audiences a first look at the presentations and the opportunity to engage with the fair remotely.
Main / thumbnail image: Lisa Spellman. Photo: Ryan Plett
