Why More Art Galleries Are Moving Away From Complicated Website Systems
A quick note: As a Squarespace designer, I naturally tend to hear from galleries that are already considering Squarespace. So these observations come from those conversations rather than the gallery sector as a whole.
Over the past few years, I've noticed a clear shift in the galleries (and artists) reaching out to me: a growing number are coming to me specifically to migrate their existing website, or launch a new one, on Squarespace — usually driven by the cost or complexity of the platform they were previously using (or considering).
What's driving the shift
Cost pressure: Running a gallery is expensive enough without a website platform adding a significant recurring bill. Specialist platforms (these often provide much more than just a website) can be a meaningful monthly cost, particularly for smaller or independent galleries where managing operating costs is a constant priority.
The need for creative freedom: Gallery owners want their website to reflect their own eye and curatorial voice, not restricted by a defined page layout. When every change has to go through a developer or a rigid system, that creative control gets diluted. Moving to a platform they can shape themselves means the website actually looks and feels the way they intended.
A desire for independence: Gallery owners are increasingly aware of how much time and money goes into being dependent on someone else for basic website tasks. Once they experience a platform they can run themselves, there's rarely a desire to go back.
(Why are galleries coming to me?) Squarespace's growing credibility: Squarespace has matured significantly as a platform — the design quality, flexibility, and reliability are now genuinely competitive with far more expensive, complex systems. It's no longer seen as a "basic" website builder; it's a serious option for professional galleries.
What galleries are choosing instead
Rather than fully custom builds or all-in-one gallery management platforms, many galleries are choosing Squarespace. Squarespace doesn’t have a template designed specifically for art galleries (which is why I made one, but more on that later), but using its collection and page features to structure exhibitions, artists, and works in a way that suits how a gallery actually operates. Without the overhead of a specialist system or the restriction of a managed website.
What this looks like in practice
Galleries making this move typically keep:
A clean, image-led design that puts the artwork first
Dedicated exhibition and artist page structures
Enquiry forms suited to collectors and buyers
Full independence to update content themselves
What they leave behind is the ongoing cost, the waiting, and the reliance on someone else to keep their website current.
Is this the right move for your gallery?
If you're spending more than you'd like on your website platform, or waiting longer than you should for changes, it may be worth exploring what a simpler setup could look like — without compromising on the professional standard your gallery needs.
Curious what a simpler setup looks like? Take a look at my Squarespace Art Gallery Template, built specifically for galleries making this exact move.
Built for the art world
When art galleries started asking me to build them Squarespace websites, I KNEW there should be an easier way; and thus the Studio Fresco Squarespace template was born.
