Travel on a budget and immerse yourself in vibrant art scene across the United States. These cities offer excitement and culture at rate that families can afford.
By Noël Russell, Chief Experience Officer & Founding Team member at Whimstay
Santa Fe, New Mexico: The Heart of Indigenous and Folk Art – Average Savings: 22%
Travel on a budget and immerse yourself in vibrant art scenes across the United States. These litotes offer excitement and culture that families can afford.
Santa Fe, known for its Pueblo-style architecture and rich tapestry of Native American art, is a haven for art lovers. Start your journey at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which houses a vast collection of O’Keeffe’s famous paintings. Here, you can immerse yourself in the works of the American modernist who found inspiration in the New Mexican landscape. Admission is free for children under 18, making it a budget-friendly stop for families.
Next, head to the Museum of International Folk Art, where you’ll find an expansive collection of traditional folk arts from around the world, including textiles, ceramics, and religious artifacts. This museum offers a deep dive into global folk traditions and provides an engaging experience for all ages.
The Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian focuses on Native American art, showcasing contemporary and historical works such as jewelry, textiles, and paintings. The museum’s mission to preserve and educate about Native American culture is evident in its carefully curated exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
For a contemporary twist, visit SITE Santa Fe. This venue features innovative exhibitions by emerging artists, including those from historically underrepresented groups such as LGBTQIA+ and indigenous communities. It also includes a café with locally sourced food, providing a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the art.
Baltimore, Maryland: Urban Art and Underground Talent – Average Savings: 20%
Baltimore’s vibrant art scene offers a mix of famous works and emerging talents. TheBaltimore Museum of Art is a must-visit, home to an extensive collection of 19th-century, modern, and contemporary art, including the world’s largest collection of Matisse works. Admission is free, making it accessible to all.
For a more unconventional experience, theAmerican Visionary Art Museum is dedicated to self-taught artists and showcases works by marginalized and outsider artists. This museum offers a unique perspective on art and creativity and provides discounts for seniors and students.
In the Station North Arts District, you’ll find a vibrant area filled with street art, galleries, and performance spaces. Check out the Parkway Theatre, which hosts art films and live events, and be sure to visit Graffiti Alley for some of the city’s most vibrant street art. This area is a hub for Baltimore’s creative community and a great place to discover new artists.
The Creative Alliance is a cultural hub that supports emerging artists, particularly from diverse backgrounds, through exhibitions, performances, and workshops. The venue includes a café that serves local fare, making it a great spot to enjoy some food while soaking in the artistic atmosphere.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Industrial Roots and Modern Creativity – Average Savings: 22%
Pittsburgh’s art scene is a fascinating blend of industrial roots and modern creativity. Begin your exploration at The Andy Warhol Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of Pittsburgh native Andy Warhol. This museum offers an extensive collection of his art and archives, with free admission for children under 3 and discounts for students and seniors.
The Carnegie Museum of Art is another gem, known as one of the oldest contemporary art museums in the United States. Here, you can explore a wide range of artworks from various periods. The museum offers free admission on the third Thursday of every month, making it an affordable destination for art enthusiasts.
For a unique and immersive experience, visit theMattress Factory, a contemporary art museum and experimental lab featuring site-specific installations by regional, national, and international artists. The museum offers discounts for students, seniors, and children, making it accessible for families.
The UnSmoke Systems Artspace, located in a former industrial building, supports emerging artists with exhibitions, performances, and studio space. This alternative art space occasionally hosts community art events and pop-ups, adding to Pittsburgh’s vibrant and eclectic art scene.
Richmond, Virginia: A Canvas of Diversity – Average Savings: 18%
Richmond, Virginia, offers a rich and diverse art scene with something for everyone. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts boasts an impressive collection of over 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years, including significant pieces by Black artists. Admission to the permanent collection is free, making it a great stop for budget-conscious travelers.
At the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, you can explore the history and culture of Black Americans in Virginia through art exhibitions that highlight the contributions of black artists. This museum provides an enriching and educational experience for all ages.
The Studio Two Three community arts organization offers studio space, workshops, and exhibitions, particularly for emerging artists and those from underrepresented groups. Visitors can also enjoy coffee at the on-site café, making it a welcoming space to engage with local art.
Don’t miss the First Fridays Art Walk, a monthly event in the city’s Arts District where galleries and studios open their doors to the public. This event showcases works by local and emerging artists, with street performers and vendors adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Tucson, Arizona: A Blend of Cultures – Average Savings: 24%
Tucson’s art scene is a vibrant blend of Native American and Mexican American influences. Start at the Tucson Museum of Art, which features American, European, and Latin American art, including works by local Native American artists. The museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month.
The DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun showcases the work of Ettore “Ted” DeGrazia, an Arizona artist known for his paintings of Native American children. The gallery is surrounded by beautiful desert landscapes, making it a serene place to explore.
At The Drawing Studio, a non-profit organization, you can participate in art classes and workshops for all ages, promoting the works of emerging and local artists. The gallery space showcases these talents through rotating exhibitions, providing a platform for new voices.
Tucson’s vibrant street art scene can be explored through a self-guided mural walk, featuring works that reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage and history. This outdoor gallery offers a dynamic and accessible way to experience Tucson’s artistic spirit.
Memphis, Tennessee: Where Music and Art Converge – Average Savings: 20%
Memphis is known for its rich musical heritage, and its art scene is equally vibrant. Begin at The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, known for its collection of Impressionist paintings and decorative arts. The museum’s beautiful outdoor sculptures are set in lush gardens, with free admission on Saturdays.
The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery is dedicated to the work of Ernest Withers, a prominent Black photojournalist who documented the Civil Rights Movement and Memphis’s music scene. This gallery offers a unique insight into Memphis’s cultural history.
Visit the Metal Museum, the only institution in the United States devoted exclusively to the art and craft of fine metalwork. Visitors can see exhibitions, watch live metalworking demonstrations, and even try their hand at blacksmithing.
The South Main Arts District is home to numerous galleries, murals, and performance spaces. Check out Trolley Night, held on the last Friday of each month, where galleries and shops stay open late and feature local artists, making it a lively cultural event.
Cleveland, Ohio: A Revitalized Art Scene – Average Savings: 20%
Cleveland’s art scene has experienced a revitalization, offering a mix of famous works and emerging talents. The Cleveland Museum of Artis one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States, with free general admission. The museum features works from around the world, spanning centuries, making it a must-visit.
For contemporary art, head to the Transformer Station, a museum in a renovated railway substation that showcases modern and emerging artists. Admission is free, making it an accessible venue for all.
At Zygote Press, a non-profit printmaking studio, you can explore exhibitions, workshops, and community events that support local and emerging artists. The gallery space features innovative print work, providing a platform for new talent.
The Waterloo Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood with galleries, studios, and performance spaces. The annual Waterloo Arts Fest celebrates local artists, musicians, and food vendors, creating a lively community event.
Charleston, South Carolina: Historic Charm and Modern Expression – Average Savings: 24%
Charleston’s art scene is a blend of historic charm and modern expression. Start at the Gibbes Museum of Art, which showcases American art with a focus on the South. The museum features works from the colonial era to contemporary pieces and offers free admission to children under 6.
The Rebekah Jacob Gallery specializes in contemporary art of the American South, highlighting works by emerging and mid-career artists, including Black and LGBTQIA+ artists. This gallery provides a platform for diverse voices in the art world.
The Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit organization that supports emerging artists through exhibitions, studio space, and educational programs. The center hosts community events and workshops for all ages, making it an inclusive space for artistic exploration.
Explore Charleston’s vibrant street art scene through the Charleston Outdoor Mural Project, a self-guided tour of the city’s murals that depict its rich history and cultural diversity. This outdoor gallery adds a dynamic element to Charleston’s art scene.
Columbus, Ohio: A City of Innovation – Average Savings: 20%
Columbus boasts a dynamic and innovative art scene. The Columbus Museum of Art is known for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art and offers free admission on Sundays. The museum’s sculpture garden is a must-see, providing an outdoor art experience.
The Wexner Center for the Arts at Ohio State University is a multidisciplinary arts center that features exhibitions by contemporary artists, film screenings, and performances. The center also supports experimental and innovative works, making it a hub for cutting-edge art.
The Cultural Arts Center offers classes, workshops, and exhibitions focusing on local and emerging artists. The center’s gallery space showcases diverse works in various mediums, providing a platform for new talent.
The Short North Arts District is known for its galleries, murals, and vibrant street art. The monthly Gallery Hop event features local talent, making it a lively and engaging community event.
San Antonio, Texas: A Cultural Mosaic – Average Savings: 23%
San Antonio’s art scene is a rich mosaic of cultures and traditions. The San Antonio Museum of Art houses an extensive collection of Latin American, Asian, and contemporary art. The museum offers free admission on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings, making it accessible to all.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting Latino, Chicano, and Native American arts. The center features visual arts exhibitions, performances, and festivals, providing a platform for underrepresented artists.
At Blue Star Contemporary, located in the Blue Star Arts Complex, you can explore exhibitions by emerging and mid-career artists. The complex also includes restaurants and bars, making it a lively cultural hub.
Explore San Antonio’s vibrant street art scene through the San Antonio Street Art Initiative, which features murals celebrating the area’s cultural diversity and history. This initiative supports local artists and beautifies the city.
About Whimstay
Whimstay is emerging as a fresh and exciting leader in the vacation rental market, focused on offering the best deals on last-minute bookings. Whimstay offers the best deals on bookings made less than 30 days prior to arrival and great deals anytime throughout the year versus other online travel agencies. The company achieves this by partnering with professional property managers to offer exclusive discounts on properties that might otherwise remain unrented. On average, guests save nearly 25%, and over $200 per booking, with Whimstay. Featuring a diverse portfolio of vacation rental homes, condos, cabins, villas, and resorts across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Whimstay is the go-to choice for savvy travelers. Learn more at www.whimstay.com or by downloading the Whimstay app.
