YoCo Twist Blog
Art Is Made Here
York County has a burgeoning art scene that should not be missed. Galleries, shops, murals, and street art are all part of the area’s artistic landscape. Here are a few of the best places in York County to see beautiful works of art.
Galleries
Creative York
10 N Beaver St, York, PA 17401 -- Creative York is a non-profit visual arts center located in historic downtown York, PA, featuring two art galleries showcasing local, regional, and national artists. They frequently exhibit innovative new artists, local favorites, experimental installations, and diverse art forms to give art enthusiasts a uniquely inspiring experience with each visit.
Marketview Arts
37 W. Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401 -- Located in Downtown York's historic Market District, Marketview Arts is the hub for culture and creativity for York College in the community. Fine Art majors have the opportunity to hone their craft in the studios while finding inspiration in art galleries throughout the building. Spanning 2,000 square feet, the changing art exhibitions in Gallery Hall are the perfect backdrop for community gatherings or private events.
York Art Association
220 S Marshall St, York, PA 17402 -- The York Art Association, one of the oldest art associations in the country, proudly offers two admission-free galleries exhibiting local art plus year-round classes for adults and children. The Nancy M. Woodward Gallery hosts seven exhibitions a year, including members-only exhibitions, invitationals, and the annual Open Juried Exhibition. The Sally Little Danyo Members' Sales Gallery, located at the front of the Nancy M. Woodward Gallery, provides a venue for YAA members to display original artwork and prints for sale.
Due to I-83 expansion, the York Art Association will be relocating and renovations are now underway at their new location. You can learn more about the new location here.
Hanover Area Arts Guild
32 Carlise St, Hanover, PA 17331 -- The Hanover Area Arts Guild is the Hanover region's long-time hub for all things art, located in the heart of historic downtown Hanover, PA, within easy walking distance of various shops, galleries, restaurants, and other attractions. The 501(c)(3) non-profit guild, originated in 1968, is an organization of approximately 150 eclectic artists and craftsmen, offering new exhibits monthly. Customers may purchase items at very affordable prices.
Shops
Central Market House
34 W Philadelphia St, York, PA 17401 -- Locals know Central Market House is the place to go for lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. But you might not realize that it is also a prime place to visit for art! Vendors such as Inspired Imagez serve up amazing art for you to take home.
Candi J. Duda Stained Glass and Garden Art
43 N Main St, Red Lion, PA 17356 -- Candi J. Duda has been shaping glass into art for more than 20 years. Her breathtaking creations range from intricate windows to delicate ornaments and everything in between. Visit her quaint Red Lion shop for a unique gift or to take a class from the master herself.
Street Art and Murals
Royal Square Mural Park
Mural Park and Various Locations -- Royal Square has become a destination for its stunning larger-than-live murals, all within a one-block radius. Tour the area using a self-guided mural map or just enjoy a random journey of exploration.
Downtown York Public Art
Various Locations -- Take a stroll through downtown York and you might find yourself doing a double-take while passing stories-high murals, playful sculptures, and even industrial trash cans. Everywhere you look you’ll see evidence of the maker’s spirit alive and well in York. You could fill an entire day with wandering the streets and finding these hidden-in-plain-sight gems.
Ruins Hall
30 Enterprise Street, Glen Rock, PA 17327 -- Ruins Hall has a long history in manufacturing. It has served many purposes since being built in the 1870s, but now it serves as a haven for street artists. Walking into the Ruins, you can almost feel the history of the place in every crumbling bit of concrete. Owned by CrocodileDog Marketing today, Ruins Hall hosts events such as weddings, festivals, and pop-up markets.
Penn Street Art Bridge
200 block of North Penn St. -- The Penn Street Art Bridge was established in 2017 by the York Time Bank, transforming a “vandalism issue” into a creative community asset. The art bridge created a safe space for street artists to share their work with the community while raising awareness about the beauty of graffiti and street art in general. The art bridge is a footbridge connecting the 200 block of North Penn Street with Gay Avenue, right off Roosevelt Avenue between Philadelphia Street and Rt 30.
With its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, York County, PA, is the perfect destination for your next adventure. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of downtown York City or immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside, you'll find something to captivate your senses at every turn.
Request a York County Travel Guide to start planning your getaway today. For additional travel inspiration delivered to your inbox twice a month, sign up for Explore York’s twice-monthly Getaway Guide emails, where there is also a chance to win a prize in every issue. We hope you’ll visit soon!
