There are an impressive number of fine art galleries in the D.C. region. Some are hidden in plain sight, while others are bold and in your face. But whichever way they present themselves, each gallery offers a unique window into what can feel like a mysterious world of fine art.

Most galleries allow visitors to pop in during business hours, and while the art itself may cost a pretty penny, there’s nothing expensive about browsing your local art showroom after grabbing a glass of wine at a nearby restaurant (a perfect first date idea, anyone?)

Galleries can bring the world to your neighborhood — some specialize in showing global works, while others focus on creatives from the D.C. region. Some even host parties or receptions for new exhibits that are open to the public, complete with complimentary wine and snacks.

To help you dive into the region’s fine art scene, we’ve crafted a non-exhaustive list of some of the local galleries that regularly host new exhibits:

Amy Kaslow Gallery, 7920 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda

Amy Kaslow, a longtime journalist, photographer, and D.C. native, moved her Northwest D.C. gallery to Bethesda last year, expanding her space to bring in more art and connect with more visitors. Her shows and panel discussions often appear in this publication due to their wide ranging subject matter, such as a talk she held with Native artists about “the surging interest in Indigenous creativity.” The gallery is wrapping up its show “Folk Art is Fine Art: Heritage Alive!” on Feb. 25 and has two new exhibits on the way. (Tuesday-Sunday, 12 p.m.- 6 p.m., or by appointment)

Bethesda Fine Art, 4931 Cordell Ave., Bethesda

This gallery in downtown Bethesda specializes in the art of the Washington Color School, an abstractionist movement that took off in D.C. in the 1950s. The work created by some of these artists, including Kenneth Victor Young and Sam Gilliam, receives the spotlight in the gallery’s latest exhibit, “Celebrating Black History Month,” on view through March 9. (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., or by appointment)

DTR Modern, 2820 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

If you’re interested in big names from across modern and contemporary art, this two-room space in Georgetown should be on your D.C. itinerary. You’re just as likely to see a Matisse or Banksy on its walls as a work by D.C.-based artists like Clarence James or the self-taught Halim Flowers, who used art to change his life after a lengthy prison sentence. DTR is currently showcasing works by Nelson De La Nuez, who blends surrealism with iconic images from American pop culture. (Monday- Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or by appointment)

Gallery B, 7700 Wisconsin Ave., Suite E, Bethesda

This space is run by the Bethesda Urban Partnership, a non-profit organization created by Montgomery County that promotes downtown businesses. Its gallery features regular showcases of works by local and international artists. Its current exhibit, “Threads of Connection,” by the Art4Us co-op, is on view through March 3. An upcoming exhibit, “Celebrate the Feminine,” will highlight recent work by D.C. artist Deborah CC LaCroix from March 8-31. (Hours vary by exhibit, check website.)

Helen C. Frederick Gallery, 4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville

The gallery at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center is named after influential printmaker Helen C. Frederick, who founded the center. It’s no wonder, then, that the gallery’s current and upcoming shows present fine arts using unconventional materials and methods. On view through Feb. 18, Lynn Sures shows off her embossed pieces set in colored pulp, while in March and April, the gallery will exhibit national artists who work in screenprinting. (Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Friday- Saturday, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

Hemphill, 434 K St. NW

Art dealer George Hemphill has moved his acclaimed gallery around D.C. to change with the times, but settled in Mount Vernon Triangle in 2019. Hemphill boasts a diverse and impressive roster of artists in its portfolio and has exhibited the works of local greats like Sam Gilliam, a prolific D.C. artist associated with the Washington Color School who died in 2022. Its current show is dedicated to the work of the late Willem de Looper, another Washington Color School devotee. Indeed, Hemphill values historical work but also keeps an eye forward with daring contemporary exhibits. (Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment)

Homme, 2000 L St. NW

Run by curator and local tastemaker Amir Browder, Homme started as a pop-up boutique off North Capitol Street where Browder would host whiskey tastings, DJ sets, and sales of clothing from local designers. He now runs a gallery space downtown with regular exhibits, such as a recent retrospective of the Greek-American artist Constantine Abanavas and an upcoming show on Feb. 23 featuring the work of poet and painter Bennie Herron. Homme’s web presence may be sparse, but interested locals will find up-to-date info on the gallery’s Instagram page. (Hours vary by exhibit)

Honfleur Gallery, 1241 Marion Barry Ave. SE

This gallery space in Anacostia hosts near-weekly exhibits and events, including go-go performances, DJ sets, networking events, panels, and film screenings. The gallery just ended its most recent exhibit, a display of work by Terence Nicholson, whose multimedia pieces tackle subjects like childhood trauma and recovery from addiction. Honfleur regularly updates its website and social media pages with new offerings. (Thursday-Saturday, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m., or by appointment)

IA&A at Hillyer, 9 Hillyer Court NW

Nonprofit organization International Arts & Artists promotes cross-cultural understanding through the arts, and its current exhibits and upcoming ones tell stories of race, migration, life after the pandemic, and our relationship with nature, among other topics. The gallery also hosts regular events, such as artist talks, performances, and workshops. (Tuesday-Friday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.)

Long View Gallery, 1234 9th St. NW

When you walk into this open-concept gallery in a warehouse near Blagden Alley, it feels like the perfect place to host a big event. That’s probably because it regularly hosts wedding receptions, corporate events, and more in its 8,500-square-foot main room, where large contemporary art lines the walls. Walk in, inquire about the art, or just take a selfie to impress your friends and family. (Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., or by appointment)

Nepenthe Gallery, 7918 Fort Hunt Rd., Alexandria

Opened by husband-and-wife duo Carrie and Jim Garland in 2022 at the Hollin Hall Shopping Center, this gallery exhibits a long list of local and global artists. The Garlands have said in interviews they want the space to embody its name, “Nepenthe,” a Greek term that roughly translates to “something capable of causing oblivion of grief or suffering.” Attend one of their Thursday evening art, wine, and cheese nights, and you just might find your cure. (Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or by appointment)

Touchstone Gallery, 901 New York Ave. NW

The Touchstone Gallery has built quite a following over the years, as it was founded in 1976. Located in downtown D.C, Touchstone curates rotating exhibitions every month, presenting work in different mediums by more than 40 contemporary artists. Local high school and college students will present their work on Feb. 23-24 for “Growing Pains,” which explores the variety of experiences people have when transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. The gallery also offers internship opportunities. (Wednesday-Sunday, 12 p.m.- 5 p.m.)

Von Ammon Co., 3330 Cady’s Alley NW

Art dealer Todd von Ammon came to Georgetown by way of New York about five years ago — a move some art critics called a “gamble” — but he hasn’t shown any signs of wanting to leave. Von Ammon Co., a 3,500-square-foot former warehouse, has prioritized edgy shows that push the boundaries of art (even the gallery’s website is worth studying for its sleekness and minimalism). The current exhibit shows the haunting work of Botswana-based artist Thebe Phetogo. Not able to go in-person? Remote visitors can also access an “online viewing room” by providing an email address, an option for most exhibits at Von Ammon. (Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m.- 6 p.m., or by appointment)

Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris St. NW

This longtime purveyor of fine contemporary art represents nearly 100 artists, and was recognized by Mayor Muriel Bowser in April 2023 for its 45 years of “providing opportunities for emerging and established D.C.-area artists to work, live, and share” their creations. The gallery won Washington City Paper recognition as the “best commercial art gallery” the past two years in a row — differentiating itself from other galleries by providing an online shop for its collection. Its exhibits range from playful and hilarious to contemplative, as with its Black History Month exhibit, “Awareness: Through an African American Lens,” which includes artist talks on Saturdays at 2 p.m.. (Wednesday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-6 p.m., or by appointment)

This post has been updated with additional gallery information and photos. It also includes a corrected address for Amy Kaslow’s gallery.