The Proletariat

The Proletariat Gallery & Public House is a unique and vibrant establishment that combines art, culture, and community. Located in the heart of Galveston, Texas, we are a collaborative exhibition and community space dedicated to enhancing the arts in our beautiful city. Our mission is to provide a platform for local and visiting artists to showcase their work, while also offering a welcoming and inclusive environment for our community to gather, socialize, and enjoy a wide range of activities.

Our Story

The idea of The Proletariat Gallery & Public House was born out of a grassroots, volunteer effort by members of the National Hotel Artist Lofts (NHAL) community, who came together to create pop-up art exhibitions during Galveston's reoccurring ArtWalk events. As the events grew in popularity, the need for a permanent space became apparent, and in 2015, The Proletariat Gallery was established. Today, our venue features an array of performing and visual arts, from traditional to experimental, in a casual, yet engaging, atmosphere that allows the artwork to co-exist with the community.

Our Services

At The Proletariat Gallery & Public House, we offer a wide range of services and activities for our customers to enjoy. Our art gallery features a new exhibition of local and visiting artists every 6-8 weeks, with art openings coinciding with Galveston's ArtWalk. We also have a selection of local and craft beer, wine, sake, hot or iced tea, espresso, and coffee, as well as a menu of fresh sandwiches, salads, and pizza from local establishments. If you're looking for something to do, we have board games, cards, coloring books, and even Open Mic Poetry every 3rd Thursday of the month. And, to make your experience even more enjoyable, we offer Happy Hour and Drink Specials from 4-7 pm daily.

Our Building

Our building, located at 2221 Market Street, has a rich history dating back to 1869, when it was the site of Texas' first opera house. Over the years, the building has undergone several renovations, including a major renovation in 2000 by ArtSpace, a non-profit organization dedicated to building community through the arts, into 28 live/work artist units. Today, our building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a proud part of Galveston's Cultural Arts District.

Join Us

We invite you to join us at The Proletariat Gallery & Public House, where art, culture, and community come together in a unique and vibrant way. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for a new experience, we have something for everyone.