New York galleries navigate post-lockdown reopening with safety protocols and digital expansion

As New York enters Phase 3 of reopening, galleries are cautiously resuming physical operations while maintaining robust online platforms. David Zwirner reopened on July 6 at its two Chelsea locations with exhibitions of Leo Amino, Al Taylor, Mamma Andersson, and Doug Wheeler. The gallery reported a 500% increase in online traffic since March 16 and record sales, including Jeff Koons' 'Balloon Venus Lespugue (Red)' for $8 million. Kasmin will reopen soon with William N Copley's show and a new photography exhibition, while installing plexiglass barriers and requiring symptom declarations. Mucciaccia reopened in late June with Frank Holliday's 'See/Saw' and is developing an immersive online platform. Gagosian remains closed until fall, focusing on digital initiatives like 'Artist Spotlight' and 'Gagosian Quarterly'. Safety measures include mandatory masks, limited visitors, QR codes instead of paper, and temperature checks. Online sales have compensated for losses, with David Zwirner selling Josef Albers' 'Homage to the Square' for $1.8 million and Marlene Dumas' painting for $2.6 million. Art fairs, which account for 46% of global art sales ($16.5 billion), have moved online but face uncertain futures. Galleries emphasize that digital tools complement rather than replace physical viewing.