Went back a year later to see different artists and it was well worth the repeat visit! Because it was a holiday weekend, most locals were out of town so parking was easy in the lot. Also just happened to visit a gallery the day before the closing date of the three artists, so they invited us to the closing! So much personal attention, and they took the time to give background on all the artists. Stopped by the store and meandered around the new exhibits until my artist friend found the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday! Will make an effort to come visit more often because the artists and exhibitions change constantly and they're is always something to suit every taste. read more

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Was attending for over 2 decades. It was an amazing microcosm of art practice and humanity to hold deep cultural conversations. It would be a great loss if it were confirmed for redevelopment impacting gallery tenants. read more

The parking attendants harassed me. Most then half empty parking lot. Stopped to pick up a check. This property is trying to get upgraded and they are trying to show no one goes there to make that happen. This is not an improvement to the community. read more

Nice complex, a great example of huge industrial space turned artistic! I haven't been at Bergamot Station since before the pandemic so it was nice to check out again and explore all the nice exhibits within this complex of art galleries. There is parking and also a subway stop close by, very nice now, didn't have that before! The space is almost like a museum, vast, wide array of artwork, various styles. There is also a cafe if you get hangry or need a break in action! Nice artspace, great to be back! read more

We hadn't been here in many years. My hubby is good and remembered the place. Bergamot Station houses several art galleries. There are many galleries next to each other. There are a few more galleries across the parking lot. The location of the galleries make it easy for a visitor to walk to each. There are restrooms to use and you must ask staff for the door code to enter. The staff are happy to share the code. Large free outdoor parking area. Free WiFi in portions of the area. read more

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The Bert exhibit in particular was well presented, courteous staff, relax atmosphere that helped focus on the art.

Amazing free art gallery! Super easy parking. I did go when it was pretty empty but all the employees were nice. Incredible art on display. Loved the Peter Fetterman Photo Exhibit! read more

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Pretty cool place! I went for the Fall gallery open for one of the galleries. Supposedly the whole place was a huge family fun day but we were pretty busy that day and ended up showing up at 8:30 when everything was closing at 9. There was still a lot of people hanging out drinking and checking out the art. The art was cool, the gallery had some cool circular stairs leading to a second floor of art and they also had a gift shop at the bottom. Nice place to come hang with friends if you want a more mello vibe. They had some live music in one of the rooms with people watching but I was not allowed in because of the time I guess. I'm not 100% sure but it's fine, we were there a half hr before closing so I'm thinking it was that. Overall pretty cool place to hang out read more

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Fabulous selection of art galleries with incredibly friendly staff. They were knowledgeable of the artists, the art, the creation process, the materials or the location they were photographed etc. They knew the stories of the artist and their process. I love that. My husband and I had a fun date day meandering through the different galleries. The variety and selection is vast and there's definitely something for everyone. Even the opportunity to purchase gifts! While we were there visiting, at least 2 galleries invited us to openings that evening which we were unfortunately unable to attend but it was so lovely being invited. The staff were all very warm once you broached a topic with them, otherwise they gave you space. A huge plus of this place is the extremely ample - free- parking. How rare is that? Also, it's immediately across from a light rail stop. So convenient even if you are coming from downtown. Also, there's the little Bergamot Cafe within the compound which makes great coffee and has a great selection of salads and other goodies. I'll definitely be back if not for an opening, another Saturday date read more

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Awesome gallery! Lots of cool exhibits to see. Parking Free parking in the back - drive to Michigan Avenue past Headspace and Birdie G's. I entered Gallery Anais into my GPS to get to the parking lot and that worked perfectly. No Crowds It was pretty quiet around 11am on a Saturday. Security They had a couple cop cars in the parking lot. Covid-19 safety measures Some galleries required masks even with a vaccine while others did not. Final verdict Loved it! Cool exhibits and free parking is a win for me! read more

Love this area. Take your time walking around all the art exhibits. Some are actually pretty interesting ! Wide selection and types of art. Easy parking. read more

During my first visit I walked in to 4 different art galleries in Buildings A & B. Each art gallery was unique and mesmerizing, even the art directors were super welcoming and friendly! Also, lots of FREE parking and the security guard watching over the parking lot was a super dope dude. I definitely have to come back to check out the rest of the galleries since bergamot is huge, you definitely have to plan to be here for an entire afternoon to explore all of the art. I'm so glad this place exists! read more

Looooooove coming here and seeing all the galleries and studios. I wish it was closer to my house.

Trying to impress a crush with a cultured and unique date but low on funds? By low, do you mean that you are actually more in the "free" realm of things? Don't fret! Luckily for you, there is Bergamot Station: the ideal way to impress and entertain without having to hold a celebrity hostage for reward money. Bergamot Station is a basically an art hub/compound in Santa Monica consisting of several art galleries sharing a parking lot. If familiar, one can compare it to an art walk meets the Brewery in downtown LA. It's bare skeleton consists of several galleries in a sort of window-shopping environment along with a cafe to satisfy hunger pangs. The great thing? It is all FREE! Parking is abundant and none of the galleries charge! Free art viewing? Can't beat that! The selection of galleries at Bergamot Station is extensive and varied. Don't worry that you will be bored with only a limited number of galleries or that all of the art will be the same. There is lots to see! The great thing is the style of art is completely different in each gallery displaying various forms such as photography, modern, sculpture, impressionism, etc. It's almost like visiting several museums in one compound. Plus, the artists featured include some well-known names and newbies so Bergamot Station is definitely the place to become inspired or start liking an artist before they hit the 'big-time'. Is your date into celeb spotting? Bergamot Station is the spot to catch famous celebs or athletes (our visit included running into a top name skateboarder from the Z Boys). It's a great way for those interested in name-dropping to see a few famous people without having to go to wretched Hollywood hot spots. Bergamot Station also holds various events and rents out spaces so it is one to consider if seeking a venue for your next event. My biggest complaint? None of the staff at any of the galleries made me feel comfortable (save one). All of the staff at the front desks have the "I'm too artsy and you probably shouldn't even be in here so why are you bothering me"- attitude. Definitely NOT a welcoming smile! On the other hand, this means that you are left alone to browse the art without being pestered by employees trying to sell pieces. Overall, Bergamot Station is a great, free way to browse art and impress a date or friend with some culture. Granted, they are only open until 6pm so it has to be a day activity! Now you can save your pennies for dinner! read more

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The art scene in LA. I was never really impressed. It always seemed so spread out and incohesive. Individualistic, and not in the good sense. Cold. Not much depth or passion. Every spot pretending to be its own celebrity, fighting for popularity and attention...but nothing ever really fitting together, no collective "thing" or vibe or theme or "community" like other cities I've been to. It's really hard for me to explain. There's just this lack of harmony. Aloof? Disconnected? My opinion. Of course art galleries are spread all over LA (which I'm not knocking)...Downtown, Mid-City, West Adams, Venice, Hancock Park, Culver City, Leimert Park, Silver Lake and MacArthur Park, soon to be additions to Boyle Heights...LACMA, both Getty museums...but something just feels missing. Damn you, Carmen SanDiego. Did you run off with the city's passion? But tonight at Bergamot station, I felt a bit of hope. A bit of life. A bit of...passion. Somebody came to "Pleasantville" and added some color. For the first time, I felt cohesiveness. I felt a vibe. The art community right here at Bergamot has some of the harmony that I've experienced in other cities. YES. Because I was beginning to lose hope in this artificial, superficial town. I had so much fun weaving in and out of one art gallery to the next. Experiencing the real and surreal. And not only was there art, but there was music and dance. Everything felt fun, edgy and full of life. The atmosphere was truly electrifying. Who knows...Maybe you can lead the way, Bergamot Station? Continue to bring some color to "Pleasantville" -VDC read more

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I totally loved this place. I've been living in LA (westside) for over 10 years now and am embarrassed to admit that I have never been here before. But now that I have been, I'm wondering why the heck I never made it here before! They have a ton of galleries within the station. One of the galleries holds Picasso, Dali and other famous artist's paintings. They also have a few of Marilyn Monroe's original photos. There are a lot of random sculptures as well. I do have to say that some of the galleries (only a couple) had some stuff that didn't seem like artwork at all. But everyone judges art differently. Next time I go back I will check out the museum they have. I will also hold off eating at the cafe as the food we had wasn't good at all. read more

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Went there on a Saturday night when galleries were all open and the parking situation was a nightmare. Had to park half a mile away. Regarding art, I didn't love anything. read more

This is a pretty neat spot with a bunch of art galleries that each display very different types/mediums. This is a great date spot - after you're done talking through the galleries, you can grab a bite at the onsite cafe. Plus, it's conveniently located right next to a Metro train stop so you can avoid that L.A. traffic! read more

I almost missed the start of the play that I had paid $60 for because none of the approximately 5 merchants knew where are the City garage playhouse was on the premises. Even worse, nobody thought to put up a sign pointing to its location. read more

A really neat place whilst an art coop like the brewery in DTLA! They have events where they open their studios for the general public and it's always alot of fun! I suppose the biggest difference is that the spaces here are strictly business and studio space- they aren't live in studios like you would see at the brewery. It also is only a fraction of the size of brewery. These alcoves house independent artists as well as galleries that may house more artwork. It can be traveled through in an hour or two and the art reflected is more of a fine art in my opinion. The layout is very structured, clean, and organized unlike the organized chaos of an artist's life reflected in their studio like at the brewery. Definitely worth checking out if you like art galleries that are clustered together! Theres also a neat shop on the premise that feature artist pieces you can buy along with other fun trinkets! They also have a florist shop there and that's really cool. Parking is free and on the premises! **As of 2018, I believe they have changed the name of Bergamot station into '26th Street Art Center' and I believe they are still operating, but under new management. Not sure if there will be drastic changes in the future- so you better visit soon! read more

With nearly 40 galleries in all, Bergamot Station is a way to explore various forms of art. For sale, you'll find all types of forms, genres, media, and styles: sculptures, prints, photography, modern, visual, and painting. Best yet, it's FREE. On a Wednesday at 330pm, about 75% of the galleries were open. Generally, the galleries at 10a-6p Tues-Sat, but days/times are varied and some are by appointment only. Some were dark, and others were closed setting up for an upcoming Saturday event. Parking was easy and FREE in the shared/private Bergamot lot during this off-peak time. Hello. Smile. Welcome. Can I help you? You'll never find these words from any of the galleries. Looking up from behind their desk would be nice, and that's a start to acknowledge you. We, as customers do not exist. That's my experience at Bergamot Station (hence the 3.0 star rating). Not good, with two exceptions: The Café and the Store. I was shocked to be talked to, and they were very nice at that! Art, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. In all, I would say I enjoyed 6 of them...and they were very worthy. Budget friendly, for sure. Gallery friendly, no. read more

just, wunnerful . and great little shops as well. go often, support artists. BUY ART!!

If you're from Kansas, don't even bother....* This eclectic and wildly diverse assemblage of collections is at times beautiful, engaging, intelligent, warm, sexy, whimsical, wonderful, awesome, strange, bizarre, incredible, fascinating, thought-provoking, humorous, wacky, weird and wholesome. Other times, it was grotesque, mind-numbing, ugly, disturbed, apocalyptic, political, anarchistic, inhuman, rude, crude, lewd, stupid, sick, perverse, profane, devoid of any artistic value, or just plain wrong. Welcome to the LA art scene... *Auntie Em, the farm crew and Dorothy would all be dumbstruck...and her little dog too. read more

Bergamot Station - Dionysian Stage - Art Galleries Near Me - Santa Monica, California

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Truly a hidden gem. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamot_Station Kim Bell sums this place very well... "It has been alternately home to a celery-packing operation, an ice company, a lumber company, a paving company, and finally a manufacturer of hot water heaters. In 1989, the land was purchased by the City of Santa Monica with the aim of transforming the site once again into a rail stop, this time with an emphasis on light rail passenger transport. The project was delayed indefinitely, and the City, already involved in a rezoning effort that would encourage galleries to move into vacant buildings in former industrial areas, sought assistance in transforming the empty Bergamot Station into an arts destination." Kim Bell http://www.artltdmag.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1199473027&archive=&start_from=&ucat=41& So... Why have I not explored this wonderful, peaceful, serene and thought provoking establishment sooner? Inquiring minds want to know... Very detailed directory http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/awbXgwxMv70QgqK7LnNPag?select=aBj12TFVVYHsYfEpXn3Etw. One view http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/awbXgwxMv70QgqK7LnNPag?select=yGKgV2ZffSORypdFDrXLFg Starting from the Santa Monica Museum of Arts (SMMoA) and making our way to the various art gallerys and taking a break at the Bergamot Cafe it was a lovely and interesting way to spend the afternoon. For some reason, this review has been very difficult for me to write. The feelings that were brought to the surface have been great and quite draining from the various Art Gallerys we visited. From the start when I met Tess, I felt joy, warmth and sheer pleasure from meeting someone like her. From then, beautiful, sexy, strange, bizarre, wacky, disgust and mostly AWE! Art is such a personal "thing" and the feelings they sometimes evoke can be quite interesting... I suggest you come see for yourself! I will definitely be coming back over and over and over... read more

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This is one of my favorite art galleries in Los Angeles because there is such an eclectic variety. It's nice to walk through each building and warehouse because no two galleries are really the same. The people who work at the spaces are friendly as well and I love how some of the galleries even have some postcards that you can take home with you. I recently came back over the weekend to attend their annual Spring Fling event. It was my first time attending the event and it was pretty fun. They had food trucks and live music in the parking lot so you got to eat and listen to music while you walked through the whole venue. The parking lot got filled up quickly because of the event but on a normal weekend, there are enough spaces for cars. And you can't beat the fact that it's free. read more

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Wow, speechless at what an amazing time I had enjoying the grounds this past weekend for the premiere of the U.R.Art Festival that calls this place home for the summer. A total of four Sundays were chosen to host this event, the first one was this past Sunday and everything about it was amazing. Music by some of the best house music dj's around, excellent food for purchase, bar drinks provided by the Pattern Bar in dtla, fashion vendors and even a kids area set up for them to play and paint some art while parents shaved their buns a little. Also noticed that the event was dog friendly. It was my first time there and I fell in love. Lots of cool architectural features built into the buildings with simple, yet unique lighting for when the sun went down. They had art galleries open in the interior of the buildings for those that wanted to take a break from the dancing and walk around and check it out. The layout was easy to figure out. Not sure about the cafe because I believe it was closed for this special event. It is basically right off of the 10 freeway and we had no problem at all finding free parking on the side streets. Looking forward to going back for the rest of the U.R.Art Festivals and other art shows held there. read more

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This place is totally rad! From the outside it doesn't look like much but once you walk in it's a whole new world. There's a lot of art inside these walls. All kinds of fascinating things. If you're into art, whether buying or just appreciating this place is perfect. I loved the living succulent wall. It was darling. Also there was an old cop car that was converted into a planter for more succulents. It's a nice place to kill time. Free parking and free entry except for the museum but it's only 5 dollars to get in. read more

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WOW! What a fantastic evening!! Closing party for Social Media Week was a total success! 2 fab food trucks, super duper dunk tank, drinks, amazing people and the incred's Marques Wyatt at the turn table! Perfecto- Seriously. What a great event~ 10 outta 10. It's nights like these that I lurrrrrrve the West Side. Yeah baby! read more

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Of all the places that I suggest that EVERYONE should go to in the L.A. area, Bergamot Station is at the top of the list. Whoever came up with the idea for Bergamot Station is a genius. Bergamot Station is a conglomerate of some of the best art galleries on the planet. You will always find great art and nice people. Highly Recommended !!! read more

My son and I are huge #andywarhol fans! One of the greatest exhibits to date is at the #bergamotstation! Reservations are required and it's free admission with free parking. It's magical from the moment you walk in...they have a Andy Warhol Documentary video running (it's four hours) but you can catch it on PBS. I personally could have sat there the entire four hours! They have a fun alcove with a floor to ceiling background of Warhol's iconic Campbell Soup cans that you can don a Warhol wig and sunglasses to really get your Warhol on! The gift shop is also amazing and proceeds go to the New York arts foundation. (Regardless you'll feel like a winner with the coolest t-shirts, books, coffee mugs and more! Yes we bought them hahahah! The entire staff there are nice, friendly, informative which is always an added bonus! Check it out! It was so cool that we're definitely going back!!! read more

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Always love the events here! Spring Fling etc.... so much fun... Thank Goodness we have some great art by the beach!! hollygram read more

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I attended Social Media Week LA and this year they had it at the Bergamont Station. The turnout was amazing this year but that meant the venue was way too small for all the speeches. There was plenty of times when I'd arrive 20 minutes before a session and they had already cut off the line to get it. This venue is good for like a date night when you want to look at art or a really small school event (ex. field trip). Most of the events I've been to have been inside but there are a few where they utilize the outside space. Parking is very much an issue - even when it's not a huge event. It's right next to the I-10 and a gas station so there's no street parking. The venue has very limited parking. This will get better when the Expo Line opens up (one of the stops is at the Bergamont Station!). But in the meantime, I'd recommend taking an Uber. Aside from the chaotic venue, I did enjoy Social Media Week LA :) read more

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Came here for the Art+brunch event on a Saturday morning (10:30am-12:20pm). It was a really nice space with lots of parking and lots of different art galleries. Some features photographs, some features 3D pieces, and some features large scale pieces. Each gallery had a unique layout and feel so it was very fun to explore and see the different art pieces being displayed. For the event. Each gallery had small snack foods such as donuts, crackers, fruits, and drinks. It was more of light snack than brunch. It's a very modern and clean space and I would recommend people come here to check out the amazing pieces that are currently on right now! I believe they are open at their own hours outside of the event I went to. read more

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As has been said, if you like art..........well, this ought to be THE PLACE to go in Santa Monica. And my review in no way is meant to diminish the tenants or their art, for from what I was able to see, last week, both the tenants and the art are quitte interesting. My review instead focuses 100% on the VENUE - Bergamot Station. Now, don't just take my word on this.....go see for yourself, just don't expect a disabled person, or someone in a wheelchair, to have much access. And, expect to get lost, if you are using an in car nav system. Look at a map first, because as you turn onto Wisconsin, you will be told you have arrived, and NOTHING around you will look like you are there. You have to drive all the way down on Wisconsin, into a driveway, before you are there. I found it by accident, as I drove to the end of the street to turn around and go home, and lo and behold, there it was! NOT ONE sign, even little, on Wisconsin, to let you know you are close. Well, here you go.....my review based on my visit last week, with my 90 year old mother, who is in a wheelchair. So as a potential customer, And as a perspective tenant....I humbly submit this review. If uou find it useful, do indicate as such, for While I don't do a lot of reviews, when I do submit kne, I want it to be helpful. After YEARS of wanting to visit, last week, I was so excitied....I was finally able to check it out! YooHoo!!! But, man, was I was extremely disappointed. Hard to find, unless you have been there before. Terrible signage, especially odd, since the City owns part of this and could easily put up decent signage. Once inside, to be honest, it looks like a dump! And on top of that, very little is wheelchair accessible (or handicap accessible, in general), something, again, I would have not expected, given the City of Santa Monica's involvement. So, from the perspective of a potential customer, it's a very disappointing experience, and from speaking to others, much worse than in the past. Notwithstanding the above, the tenants are by and large very nice, with excellent work showcased. They are clearly not the problem here. And from a potential tenant (exhibitor/gallery owner), it's not much better. I was looking to consider leasing a space, and Based on my experience as a potential customer, i would not want to be there, even at $0.50/sg ft, until they brought it up to standard. A great concept, that the original fellow who I guess started it, who has been run out by the City, was more passionate about, than the City. Fix it up. Make it attractive. Put up good signage, inside and out. Make it disabled friendly (To be honest, I cannot believe they have not already been sued and citied). Give decent, long term leases so folks can really dive in and make their places great, knowing they will be there for enough time to benefit. City of Santa Monica.... start putting your money where your mouth is! As it stands, comparing inside Bergamot with Colorado Blvd outside, makes Bergamot look like an abandoned train station, without the cool old trains to explore. I have been wanting to visit for a few years and was incredibly excited to be going finally last week. What a HUGE disappointment! Shame on you, City of Santa Monica! This is a concept that could be GREAT! I hope the City gets on the ball and commits to making Bergamot Station the Preeminent place to go for art on the westside! As the movie so aptly noted: "If we build it they will come"...." Sadly, it's just not even close, so understand what's in store for you, before you go, and then, perhaps, with appropriate expectations, you will not find yourselves as disappointed as we were. I hope this review provided some value to you as the reader, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. Hope you all continue to find safe, fun educational things to see and do, in Santa Monica, and the Westside, in general. (My apologies for any missed typos or grammtical errors) read more

Bergamont Station is the proverbial diamond in the rough of eastside Santa Monica, located right off the 405 freeway in between Olympic and Cloverfield, you'll definitely need to mapquest it if you're driving there. But once you get there, you'll be treated to some very non-West Coast looking people because the place seems like it was transplanted from the East. The veggie burger as well as a lot of their Specials of the Day are delish, and the service is impeccable. You'll have to be careful to go at certain times because it can be a madhouse, what with all the tourists and art gallery whores walking around. I highly recommend a lunch during a beautiful day, and walk around to check out the over priced artwork. read more

Bergamot Station - Art Galleries Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Amazing place! Such a gem, only took a few photos but every gallery I was in, although most small, yet very memorable. Plenty free parking spaces and no entry fees, everyone should visit! read more

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Such an awesome space to see and admire art. My friend recently curated and put together amazing art pieces together inside one of the galleries, Behind the Lines. Plenty of parking and it's next to the expo line station for those who want to take plastic transportation. I wish I arrived a bit earlier to check out the other galleries, they were already closed when I came. I will definitely have to come back. read more

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I was forced to go for a school assignment and I didn't really have much fun. There were only photos shot with film and I got tired of viewing them pretty fast. However there were a few exhibits/galleries worth while and I had a friend with me. I would like to return to see a wider variety of art being displayed :) read more

Bergamot Station - Art Galleries Near Me - Santa Monica, California

This is a great place to see a variety of art. BUT It is really not handicapped accessible to a startling degree for people who cannot climb stairs. The galleries ringing the parking lot are mainly at ground level. While the lot is very uneven, the sidewalk is ok. The galleries along one side of the complex are all raised about 4 feet up, mainly with stairs only for entry/exit. I'm disappointed in such poor planning and accessibility. read more

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines "culture" to be the act of developing the intellectual and moral faculties especially by education (definition 2); enlightenment and excellence of taste acquired by intellectual and aesthetic training (4a); acquaintance with and taste in fine arts, humanities, and broad aspects of science as distinguished from vocational and technical skills (4b). And my point? Is that I was a literature major in college, and therefore I'm really good at quoting sources and filling up space on a page. Just kidding. But really, to be serious, exposure to the arts is a truly cultural experience, and one that should be experienced by all in order to increase the overall social intelligence quotient. What the hell is he talking about? I know that's what you're asking yourself as you read this nonsensical review. I'm talking about Bergamot Station, jerky. That's right, you're jerky. Unless you've been to Bergamot Station, in which case you're cool. See? If a definition won't inspire you, perhaps social pressure will ;) Anyways, my point, do I have one? Of course not. Wait, yes I do, but I almost forgot it (ah short-term memory loss, damn you!). Bergamot Station is a wonderful place, because it offers free exhibits from various artists, some of whom you might know, most of whom you definitely won't know. Whether or not you know the artist, and whether or not you like the artists' art, looking at the art and artistically decomposing it (just trying to see how many times I can use the word "art"... FAIL) will help to give you increased perspective into the world that surrounds you. Or maybe you just think it stinks. Or maybe you're just going for the free booze. Doesn't matter, because this place is unique and cool. And yeah, you get a lot of yuppies coming through and thumbing their noses at everything and everyone while they drink their glasses of Franzia... but just ignore them, and appreciate the fact that someone without a name has been able to post his/her paintings/photographs/whatever on a wall and people can see it, buy it, or just look at it and learn something new. Did any of that review make sense? Probably not. But you know what does make sense? 5 stars. read more