galeries

Galeries is the plural form of galerie, a term used in English and French with two main senses. In English, the standard plural is galleries; galeries is primarily seen in French usage or in proper names and historical references. The term can refer to art display spaces or architectural features in buildings.

Architectural use: In architectural terminology, a galerie (plural galeries in French) is a long passage, hallway, balcony, or mezzanine that is open to a lower floor or room. Galleries may run along the interior of a hall, enclose a courtyard, or connect wings of a building. In religious and ceremonial architecture, galleries may be used for choirs or spectators.

Art and exhibition use: The common English meaning gallery refers to a space for displaying and sometimes selling visual art. Art galleries can be independent, commercial venues or units within museums. They host temporary exhibitions, curate collections, and provide spaces for viewing, acquisition, and interpretation. Galleries vary in size, funding, and presentation style, from intimate project spaces to large contemporary venues.

Usage and examples: In francophone contexts, galeries also denote shopping arcades known as galeries commerciales. Some famous places use the spelling Galeries Lafayette. In English-language writing, "gallery" is more common, though "galerie" or "galeries" may appear in names or in translations.