# The History Behind Your Favorite Gallery Walls by Framebridge Editorial · August 22, 2018 · 5 min read François Joseph Heim, “Charles X Distributing Awards to Artists Exhibiting at the Salon of 1824 at the Louvre”, 1827 ### Where did our obsession with gallery walls begin? The short answer is 17th century France. The long answer is rooted in artistic, political, and cultural history which we now impart to you. Here follows a brief history of the gallery wall. Gallery walls are also commonly called salon walls, after the French salons that first displayed walls filled floor to ceiling with art. In 1670, the first salon was held at Palace of the Louvre (thanks to being royally sanctioned), launching the Louvre’s international reputation in the art world. These first exhibitions featured works from graduates of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris. Because space was limited, artworks filled each wall from floor to ceiling in an amalgamation of styles and subject matter. This layout is the basis for the modern gallery wall. "Exposition au Salon de 1787" by Pietro Antonio Martini In the original salons, there was fierce competition for prime spots on the wall. The most coveted spot? In the main room, art hung centrally on the wall and “on the line,” meaning at eye level for optimal viewing. Only very successful and celebrated pieces received such placement. Works deemed less important were hung toward the very top and bottom of the walls. Remember, these salons were popular long before Netflix or your local library -- this is a time when painting and art were a massive cultural touchstone and source of entertainment. When salons were opened to the public in 1737, people flocked to the exhibitions to witness the height of artistic achievement. As salon style exhibits spread throughout Europe, the [full-wall arrangement](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-floor-to-ceiling-grid?_pos=1&_psq=floor&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=46564315562299 "floor to ceiling gallery wall grid") gained popularity. Those with immense means mimicked the style in private homes, a precursor to the styles we use in our homes today. [The Half Wall Grid](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-half-wall-grid?_pos=1&_psq=half+g&_ss=e&_v=1.0&variant=46564316315963) These days, gallery walls are less politically charged, but they still offer an opportunity to show off a unique collection of art and photos. When presented together, these pieces strengthen one another, telling a narrative about the curator. It’s easier than ever to [create a gallery wall](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls) you love. Use our design tool to pick your arrangement, choose your color, and drag and drop your photos into place. We’ll custom build each frame in our Kentucky factory and send the whole wall to you ready to hang. Open Photo Gallery[The Floor to Ceiling Grid](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-floor-to-ceiling-grid) Open Photo Gallery[The Stack](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-stack) Open Photo Gallery[The Organic](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-organic) Open Photo Gallery[The Mini Tall](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-mini-tall) [**Zoom Gallery for Article Image Gallery - 38484050235**\\ \\ Close](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-mini-tall) [Looking to channel the classic salon style? Opt for a dramatic look with our aptly named](https://www.framebridge.com/products/the-mini-tall) [Floor to Ceiling Gallery Wall](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls/the-floor-to-ceiling-grid?gclid=CjwKCAjw8O7bBRB0EiwAfbrTh7P76IupiPsu_BPeHBYXU_PyS4Pl4Wv1XlwIi5cCS7QS5qoyCzvsYhoCxPMQAvD_BwE). For smaller spaces, [The Stack](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls/the-stack) is perfect for narrow nooks and corners. [The Mini Tall](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls/the-mini-tall) is specially designed to hang at the end of a hallway or on a thin vertical strip of wall. For a less structured look, we recommend stacking [The Organic](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls/the-organic) horizontally or vertically. (It looks amazing going up a staircase.) All you have to do is pick your photos, and [we can help you there too](https://www.framebridge.com/blog/how-to-choose-photos-for-your-gallery-wall). [Shop All Gallery Walls](https://www.framebridge.com/gallery-walls) We also offer gallery wall consultation service. We’ll work with you to design a gallery wall specifically for your space. This is a great option if you want a gallery wall featuring original art and objects. [Learn More](http://%20https//www.framebridge.com/services/gallery-wall) We’ve got lots more gallery wall inspiration on our blog and on our [Instagram.](https://www.instagram.com/framebridge/?hl=en) Check out some of our favorite gallery walls in our customer’s homes below. Open Photo Gallery@nothingdownaboutit Open Photo Gallery@amandapahls Open Photo Gallery@mindfullygray Open Photo Gallery@tradergal1 Open Photo Gallery@melissalenoxde Open Photo Gallery@tracytractractrac Open Photo Gallery@kimscodrointeriors Open Photo Gallery@sunnycirclestudio ## Zoom Gallery for Article Image Gallery - 38484148539 Close Have an incredible photo you want to share with us? Tag us @framebridge. [Start Framing](https://www.framebridge.com/build#odc=true;s=artTypeSelection) close [View Cart](https://www.framebridge.com/cart) [Buy Now](https://www.framebridge.com/checkout) Continue Shopping close www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension www.framebridge.com # www.framebridge.com is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension shop.app # shop.app is blocked This page has been blocked by an extension - Try disabling your extensions. ERR\_BLOCKED\_BY\_CLIENT Reload This page has been blocked by an extension Live chat