The Key Differences Between Galleries and Exhibitions An art gallery is a place used to display works of art, whereas an exhibition refers to the display of certain pieces of art that typically takes place in the art gallery. Ultimately, a gallery is a place, whereas an exhibition is an event.

There are different kinds of art exhibitions, in particular there is a distinction between commercial and non-commercial exhibitions. A commercial exhibition or trade fair is often referred to as an art fair that shows the work of artists or art dealers where participants generally have to pay a fee.

A museum is a permanent structure devoted to the exhibition and usually, preservation of a defined kind of artistic, biological or historical artifacts. An exhibition is a display of something. An art exhibition displays art. It may be in a museum, or a gallery or any other place.

What Is Their Main Difference? Both of these words refer to showing something to an audience. However, an 'exhibit' refers to showing one or a few objects to a small group of people. An 'exhibition', contrariwise, refers to a kind of gallery, displaying different objects or artworks to the public.