By McMurray and Members of Royal Shell Real Estate
Fort Myers has one of the most active arts communities on Florida's Gulf Coast, and we think that surprises a lot of people who assume this area is only about beaches and waterfront living. From a 1933 neoclassical building that anchors the River District to cooperative galleries tucked along the McGregor corridor, the art galleries in Fort Myers are well worth building into any weekend. Whether you are a longtime resident or considering a move to Southwest Florida, here is where to start.
Key Takeaways
- Fort Myers has more than a dozen galleries concentrated within the River District's four-block walkable zone
- Art Walk — held the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. — is the easiest way to see multiple galleries in one evening
- The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is a landmark 1933 building that hosts monthly exhibitions, concerts, and performing arts
- Several galleries feature exclusively local and Southwest Florida artists, making them strong stops for collectors
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, located at 2301 First Street in the River District, is the most architecturally striking building in downtown Fort Myers. Constructed in 1933 as a federal post office, the 23,000-square-foot Neoclassical Revival structure was designed by Florida architect Nat Gaillard Walker, with columns made from Florida Keys limestone and walls embedded with coral and sea shells. It served as a federal courthouse from the 1960s until 1998, when the City of Fort Myers purchased it and transformed it into a full-service arts center.
What to Expect at SBDAC
- Monthly curated art exhibitions that rotate on the first Friday of each month during Art Walk
- Concerts, theatrical performances, independent film screenings, and dance events throughout the year
- Rooftop gallery space offering one of the more unique evening settings in Southwest Florida
- Regular gallery hours Monday through Friday, with extended hours most Fridays for exhibitions and special events
Arts for ACT Gallery
Arts for ACT Gallery, at 2265 First Street in the historic Arcade Building, has been a River District fixture since 2001. The non-profit gallery is owned by Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. and directs all proceeds toward supporting survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties. The space itself — approximately 2,100 square feet with ceilings up to 18 feet, distressed brick walls, and hardwood floors — is one of the more atmospheric gallery settings in Fort Myers. Over 50 local artists are represented, and the featured exhibition changes every month.
What to Know Before You Visit Arts for ACT
- Located just steps from the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, making both easy to visit on the same trip
- The gallery participates in Art Walk and hosts regular opening receptions
- Every purchase directly supports the ACT mission serving survivors in Southwest Florida
- Two exhibition spaces that change monthly in season and each month during the off-season
DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts
DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts is the only cooperative art gallery in Fort Myers. Located on the Alliance for the Arts campus at 10051 McGregor Boulevard, the gallery has been recognized as one of the best in Southwest Florida by Gulfshore Life Magazine multiple years running since 2018. The cooperative model means working artists staff the venue directly, which makes for a more personal visit. More than 25 member artists are represented across painting, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and mixed media — all produced by Southwest Florida artists.
Highlights of DAAS CO-OP
- Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the McGregor Boulevard and Colonial Boulevard intersection
- Monthly featured artist exhibitions with first-Friday opening receptions
- Purchases go directly to the artists who created the work — no gallery middleman
- Located on the Alliance for the Arts campus, which also hosts a weekend Green Market
Fort Myers Art Walk
No guide to art galleries in Fort Myers is complete without covering Art Walk. Running on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m., rain or shine, Art Walk brings more than 50 artists and performers to the closed historic streets of the River District — Broadway, First, Hendry, and Jackson streets. The event launched in 2008 and has grown into one of the most attended monthly events on the Gulf Coast.
Making the Most of Art Walk
- Start at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, where new exhibitions typically open that evening
- Walk to Arts for ACT Gallery in the Arcade Building, one block over on First Street
- Look for live demonstrations, meet-the-artist receptions, and pop-up vendors along the street
- Most River District restaurants fill up on Art Walk evenings — reservations are worth making in advance
FAQs
When is the Fort Myers Art Walk and where does it take place?
Art Walk is held the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 p.m. in the downtown Fort Myers River District, along Broadway, First, Hendry, and Jackson streets. The event is free, open to the public, and runs year-round regardless of weather.
Are the art galleries in Fort Myers free to enter?
Most galleries in the River District, including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and Arts for ACT Gallery, are free to enter during regular gallery hours and Art Walk evenings. DAAS CO-OP is also free to browse, and all purchases support the member artists directly.
Is Fort Myers a good market for art collectors?
We find that Fort Myers attracts collectors who appreciate a strong local artist community combined with genuinely accessible price points. The cooperative model at DAAS CO-OP in particular gives collectors direct access to the artists themselves, which is a distinct advantage you do not find in most markets.
Connect with McMurray and Members of Royal Shell Real Estate
Fort Myers has more going on than most people expect, and the arts scene is a meaningful part of what makes this community a place people want to stay long-term. If you are exploring homes in Fort Myers, FL, and want to find a neighborhood close to the River District or the McGregor corridor, we are glad to help.
