Free Domestic Shipping over $150. Free International Shipping over $400+.

Artsy’s Mark Rosen Guide to the World’s Lesser Known Art Destinations

Artsy is a website at the forefront of culture. Not only does it provide incredible information about the contemporary art scene, it does so with the intention of bringing that content to a mass audience, breaking down the barriers between a traditionally exclusionary art world and the general public. Artsy’s able to do that so well thanks to staff like Mark Rosen, the websites social media marketing manager, who has the enviable job of traveling the world to check out art to share with others. With that kind of experience, we knew Rosen was the perfect person to ask about the current global art scene and some of its lesser known venues.

Mark Rosen of Artsy wearing ONS Clothing

When most people travel, they always visit the same big art museums, like the Louvre in Paris, the Met in New York, or the Tate in London. What are some great, lesser known spots for checking out art around the world?

New York, London, and Paris are all art world hubs for a reason, but most people don’t realize that all major cities have phenomenal art destinations within a couple of hours of travel. Rent a car or jump on a train from any hub and you’ll find yourself transported to impressive collections in unexpected locations. Here are some of my favorites:

From New York City: Dia:Beacon, Beacon, New York—masterpieces of the 20th century housed in a former Nabisco factory steps from the Hudson River

From New York City: Magazzino, Cold Spring, New York—a new warehouse space dedicated to modern and contemporary Italian art across the river from Dia:Beacon

From New York City: Storm King Art Center, New Windsor, New York—a sculpture park a few hours north of NYC with roving hills and massive works by Alexander Calder, Mark Di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, and more

From London: Hauser & Wirth Somerset, Bruton, Somerset, England—an art center affiliated with the blue chip gallery Hauser & Wirth with exceptional shows and one of my favorite restaurants

From Milan: Flavin Cathedral, (Outskirts) Milan, Italy—the last artwork of conceptual artist Dan Flavin, which fills the church of Santa Maria Annunciata in Chiesa Rossa with blue, pink, and yellow light

From Copenhagen: Louisiana Museum, Humlebæk, Denmark—a stunning museum of modern and contemporary art 20 miles north of Copenhagen

From Basel: Vitra Design Museum,Weil am Rhein, Germany—heaven on earth for 20th-century design buffs, this complex features multiple gallery spaces and shops exploring Vitra’s impact on modern design

Mark Rosen of Artsy wearing ONS Clothing

So often, some of the most interesting contemporary art takes place in galleries that your average person doesn’t really know about. Do you have any tips for how the casual art fan can be more in touch with the contemporary art scene?

I’m biased because I work at Artsy, but it really is one of the greatest resources for anyone interested in learning more about the contemporary art world, particularly as far as the editorial content on the site. Beyond Artsy, Instagram has really become the best way to gain instant access to what’s happening and where. Some of the best accounts actually belong to some friends of mine, so, in a shameless plug, I’d urge you to check out: @vajiajia, @museummammy, @elenasoboleva, @karenrobinovits, @michaelxufuhuang, @eehavens, @rcembalest. There are so many more, too.

When people think about destinations for seeing art, so many of them are in Western Europe, the coastal United States, Japan, and even China. What are some countries that most people don’t think of as “art destinations,” that actually have great art scenes travelers might enjoy?

The art and design centers of Central and South America are vastly underrated. I spent some time in São Paulo last year and left so inspired by the depth and breadth of creativity in the city. From Lina Bo Bardi’s Glass House to the MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo), to Mendes Wood DM’s expansive gallery complex, there’s such richness there and word hasn’t quite made it to most American or European audiences. I have the contemporary art complex Inhotim, which is an hour outside of Rio de Janeiro, on my list next.

Mark Rosen of Artsy wearing ONS Clothing

In your opinion, what’s the smallest, most-obscure world class art gallery or museum?

It’s impossible to pick, but, I found myself in Torino for work a couple of months ago and was blown away by Castello di Rivoli. The museum juxtaposes the former Royal House of Savoy—a castle dating as far back as the 12th century—with some of today’s most cutting-edge contemporary art. We’ve become so accustomed to seeing art in a traditional context and it’s so refreshing to see it in conversation with unexpected spaces and histories.

Art is truly a luxury good, but in some sense Artsy is about giving your average person access to items that would once have been out of their reach. To you, what’s the perfect mix of luxury and access in art?

Art will always be a luxury commodity, but the industry is becoming more and more democratized every day. If you live in or have access to a major city, realize that the vast majority of galleries are free to visit and full of museum-quality work. Yes, they can be intimidating and yes, they’re often hard to find but the door is open and you’re more than allowed to visit, so take advantage. Platforms like Artsy are really at the forefront of this democratization globally, as well. I was first drawn to Artsy because of its dedication to dismantling the dichotomy that exists between commerce and education in the art world. It puts galleries, museum, fairs, auction houses, and more on an even playing field and acknowledges that they all play a role in making the art wheel go round.

Mark Rosen of Artsy wearing ONS Clothing

What’s your favorite place to view art anywhere in the world?

My neighborhood. I moved to New York six years ago and chose to plant roots on the Upper East Side because of the museums and galleries. The Met will always have a special place in my heart as I’ve spent years now wandering its galleries and digging for the untold stories in its collection. Neue Galerie is high on my list as well, and you’d be surprised by how many of the galleries you know from hopping around Chelsea have outposts in gorgeous mansions uptown.

Be sure to follow Mark on IG here.

If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.


More from this issue

Want to See More?

View All Issues
New to O.N.S? Well, welcome.
Ollie's been waiting for you!

Sign up to our list and get 15% off plus lots of cool perks:

VIP Online Sales
In-store Parties & Events
Exclusive Capsule Launches
Art & Music Showcases
O.N.S Manual Features