The best arts & culture spots in Monroe County

“Empire Academy is home to 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Rochester and Empire Muay Thai, mixing no-gi grappling, wrestling, MMA, and conditioning into classes for beginners, competitors, and kids. Train for self-defense, fitness, or the thrill of learning something new... with warmups that keep things interesting.”

From the Rochester newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Part of the Mental Health Association of Rochester, Creative Wellness Opportunities is a peer-led space for creative arts, meditation, stretching, even guitar, paired with mutual support.”

From the Rochester newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Oxford Gallery has been a Rochester mainstay for 65 years, championing regional and national artists with a deep inventory of contemporary pieces plus American and European works from the 18th to 20th centuries. If you’re in Irondequoit and have a blank wall, this is your moment.”

From the Rochester newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Image City Photography Gallery keeps the walls lively with rotating exhibits from local photographers, so there’s always a new perspective to spark ideas and conversation. Catch the current show through September 6, 2026, or hop on their email list to hear when the next one drops.”

From the Brighton newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Housed in a renovated factory, ARTISANworks packs wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling eclectic work that feels like wandering your coolest friend's attic, times ten. Locals love it for offbeat exhibits, rentable event spaces, and even art you can buy or lease to own.”

From the Rochester newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Military History Society of Rochester is a 501(c)(3) museum preserving Greater Rochester’s military heritage from the War of 1812 to today, with a collection and library you can explore. It’s free to visit, inside the historic Anderson Arts Building... perfect for a quick, meaningful browse.”

From the Rochester newsletter, October 6, 2026

“If you love pieces that are handmade, modern, and you can actually live with, More Fire Glass Studio curates glass art that feels special without feeling precious. Great for gifting or finally upgrading that sunlit windowsill, everything skews local and thoughtfully made.”

From the Rochester newsletter, September 29, 2026

“Tucked into our backyard and run by The Landmark Society of Western New York, Stone-Tolan House is a small-but-mighty museum where the region’s stories feel close to home. If you love learning how our area was shaped, this is an easy, meaningful stop between errands.”

From the Irondequoit newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Step into the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, the National Historic Landmark that was her home, headquarters for the National American Woman Suffrage Association, and the site of her 1872 arrest for voting. Guided tours turn big history into personal motivation to keep pushing Rochester forward.”

From the Rochester newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Memorial Art Gallery is serving 5,000 years of art in one Rochester stroll, from the Centennial Sculpture Park out front to galleries featuring Fischli & Weiss: The Way Things Go and Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden. Clear a little brain space, then let your curiosity wander.”

From the Rochester newsletter, August 14, 2026

“From the National Toy Hall of Fame to the World Video Game Hall of Fame, The Strong National Museum of Play is basically Rochester’s cheat code for instant joy. Swing through this week, tinker in the Play Lab, conquer the Skyline Climb, then hit the carousel or Butterfly Garden for bonus vibes.”

From the Rochester newsletter, August 20, 2026