Betti Ono is a colorful, popular art gallery located in Downtown Oakland. The space is always showing exhibitions of contemporary art from local, emerging artists. During Oakland's massive First Friday Art Murmur, the gallery often hosts the openings of its shows, which are always a huge hit with art lovers. The gallery is also available for rent for private events.

Pro Arts is a popular gallery in Downtown Oakland dedicated to promoting regional contemporary art and artists. In addition to regular curated exhibitions, Pro Arts hosts all kinds of other events like open studios and art education. The gallery hosts 22 different exhibitions every year and gives a space and opportunity for showing to hundreds of artists.

Oakland Museum of California is an architectural work of art and is filled with a variety of educational exhibits, both permanent and temporary, that chronicles many aspects of California history. The permanent displays include a gallery of California art, a simulated journey through California's diverse ecosystems, and exhibits on the history of the state's multicultural populations. Many people visit the museum just to stroll through its amazing sculpture garden. With artworks and historical heritage of the past, the museum wants to motivate visitors to create an equally brilliant cultural heritage for the future. This museum is a must-visit especially for those who love exploring historical developments peculiar to an area.

Johannson Projects is one of the most popular galleries located in Oakland's Arts District, next to Uptown. Johansson Projects presents contemporary exhibitions that mix established and popular artists with emerging ones, making for interesting, innovative and dynamic exhibitions. During Oakland's First Friday Art Murmur, Johansson Projects is always a staple and a must-visit.

Mercury 20, founded in 2006, is a gallery located in Uptown Oakland's vibrant Arts District. This gallery was established and is still run and supported by various East Bay artists, giving them a space to exhibit their works. Exhibits are on a monthly rotation, each of which opens on the first Friday of the month during Oakland's Art Murmur.