galeria

Galería (galería, galeria) is a term used in several Romance-language contexts to denote a space or place related to display, passage, or vantage. The word derives from galleria or galerie, terms for a long covered arcade or passage, with roots in Latin and ultimately in Italian and French. In English, gallery is the common counterpart, while galería/galerija forms appear in Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages.

In art and museums, galería typically refers to a space where works of art are shown, such as an art gallery or the exhibition rooms within a museum. The term can also denote a collection of works owned by an institution. Architecturally, a galería can be a long arcade or covered passage, often with arches, and it may also describe a balcony or upper gallery inside a building.

In commerce, galería is used for shopping spaces, including indoor streets or malls known as galería comercial in Spanish-speaking regions. In performance venues, galería denotes the upper seating area or balcony, where tickets are usually less expensive and views are from above the main floor.

Other specialized uses include mining or construction contexts, where a galería is a tunnel or tunnel-like passage excavated for access or ventilation. The term is widespread in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America, with regional variations in meaning and emphasis, ranging from architectural features to exhibition spaces, retail passages, and audience seating.