Lobby vs. Gallery

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 20, 2023
A "lobby" is an entrance hall or waiting area, while a "gallery" is a space for displaying art or a tier of seats in a theater.

Key Differences
From a grammatical perspective, both "lobby" and "gallery" function as nouns. While "lobby" can also be used as a verb in the context of political advocacy, "gallery" remains strictly a noun.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
The word "lobby" could refer to both a physical space and an activity (lobbying), while "gallery" pertains specifically to a venue for artistic or spectator display. "Lobby" as an activity refers to the act of trying to influence policymakers, which is not a function associated with a "gallery."

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
"Lobby" and "gallery" may sometimes intersect when a lobby area also serves as an exhibition space for art. However, the primary function of a lobby is as a waiting or reception area, whereas a gallery is designed primarily for public viewing of artwork or as spectator seating.

Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
The term "lobby" is widely used in various settings, including hotels, office buildings, and legislative bodies. "Gallery," on the other hand, is a term more commonly associated with art exhibitions, museums, or specific seating areas in theaters or legislative chambers.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
ParagraphA "lobby" primarily refers to an entrance hall or reception area in a building where people can gather or wait. A "gallery," on the other hand, is often a room or building dedicated to the exhibition of artwork or artifacts.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Entrance or waiting area
Exhibition space or spectator seating

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
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Common Settings
Hotels, offices, legislative chambers
Art museums, theaters, legislative chambers

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Lobby and Gallery Definitions
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Gallery
Balcony in a theater or courtroom
The gallery was full during the trial.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Gallery
A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
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Lobby
A hall, foyer, or waiting room at or near the entrance to a building, such as a hotel or theater.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A narrow balcony, usually having a railing or balustrade, along the outside of a building.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A projecting or recessed passageway along an upper story on the interior or exterior of a large building, generally marked by a colonnade or arcade.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
A group of persons engaged in trying to influence legislators or other public officials in favor of a specific cause
The banking lobby.
The labor lobby.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
Such a passageway situated over the aisle of a church and opening onto the nave. Also called tribune2.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
To try to influence the thinking of legislators or other public officials for or against a specific cause
Lobbying for stronger environmental safeguards.
Lobbied against the proliferation of nuclear arms.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
To try to influence public officials on behalf of or against (proposed legislation, for example)
Lobbied the bill through Congress.
Lobbied the bill to a negative vote.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
An upper section, often with a sloping floor, projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater or an auditorium to provide additional seating.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
The seats in such a section, usually cheaper than those on the main floor.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
An entryway or reception area; vestibule; passageway; corridor.
I had to wait in the lobby for hours before seeing the doctor.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
The cheapest seats in a theater, generally those of the uppermost gallery.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
(politics) A class or group of interested people who try to influence public officials; collectively, lobbyists.
The influence of the tobacco lobby has decreased considerably in the US.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A large audience or group of spectators, as at a tennis or golf match.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
(video games) A virtual area where players can chat and find opponents for a game.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
The general public, usually considered as exemplifying a lack of discrimination or sophistication
Accused the administration of playing to the gallery on the defense issue.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
(nautical) An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges, trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
A margin along either side of the playing field in the sport of kabaddi.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
(when preceded by "elevator") A waiting area in front of a bank of elevators.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A collection; an assortment
The trial featured a gallery of famous and flamboyant witnesses.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
An underground tunnel or passageway, as in a cave or one dug for military or mining purposes.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
To attempt to influence (a public official or decision-maker) in favor of a specific opinion or cause.
For years, pro-life groups have continued to lobby hard for restrictions on abortion.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
A passage or hall of communication, especially when large enough to serve also as a waiting room. It differs from an antechamber in that a lobby communicates between several rooms, an antechamber to one only; but this distinction is not carefully preserved.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
(Nautical) A platform or balcony at the stern or quarters of some early sailing ships.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
That part of a hall of legislation not appropriated to the official use of the assembly; hence, the persons, collectively, who frequent such a place to transact business with the legislators;

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A decorative upright trimming or molding along the edge of a table top, tray, or shelf.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
An apartment or passageway in the fore part of an old-fashioned cabin under the quarter-deck.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
An institution, building, or room for the exhibition and conservation of works of art.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
A confined place for cattle, formed by hedges. trees, or other fencing, near the farmyard.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
To address or solicit members of a legislative body in the lobby or elsewhere, with the purpose to influence their votes; in an extended sense, to try to influence decision-makers in any circumstance.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
The uppermost seating area projecting from the rear or side walls of a theater, concert hall, or auditorium.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
To urge the adoption or passage of by soliciting members of a legislative body; as, to lobby a bill; - also used with the legislators as object; as, to lobby the state legislatuire for protection.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
(legal) The, often elevated and in the rear, part of a courtroom where seating for the public audience is facilitated during trial.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A roofed promenade, especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported by arches or columns on the outer side

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Lobby
Detain in conversation by or as if by holding on to the outer garments of; as for political or economic favors

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
(computing) A browsable collection of images, font styles, etc.
A gallery of image thumbnails
A clip-art gallery in a wordprocessor

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
(automotive) A channel that carries engine oil to parts of the engine that need lubrication, such as the main bearings.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A part of a monocle, a projection off the ring holding the lens, which helps secure the monocle in the eye socket.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
(entomology) The boring trails produced by an insector only beetles? in wood.
Beetle gallery

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Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A long and narrow corridor, or place for walking; a connecting passageway, as between one room and another; also, a long hole or passage excavated by a boring or burrowing animal.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A room for the exhibition of works of art; as, a picture gallery; hence, also, a large or important collection of paintings, sculptures, etc.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A long and narrow platform attached to one or more sides of public hall or the interior of a church, and supported by brackets or columns; - sometimes intended to be occupied by musicians or spectators, sometimes designed merely to increase the capacity of the hall.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A frame, like a balcony, projecting from the stern or quarter of a ship, and hence called stern gallery or quarter gallery, - seldom found in vessels built since 1850.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
Any communication which is covered overhead as well as at the sides. When prepared for defense, it is a defensive gallery.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A long usually narrow room used for some specific purpose;
Shooting gallery

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A covered corridor (especially one extending along the wall of a building and supported with arches or columns)

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
Narrow recessed balcony area along an upper floor on the interior of a building; usually marked by a colonnade

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
A horizontal (or nearly horizontal) passageway in a mine;
They dug a drift parallel with the vein

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 23, 2023
Gallery
Room for displaying artifacts
The gallery has a new exhibit on ancient Egypt.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
FAQs
What is a "lobby"?
A lobby is an entrance hall or waiting area in a building.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can "lobby" be a verb?
Yes, "lobby" can also refer to the act of political advocacy.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Where can you find a "lobby"?
In hotels, offices, and legislative chambers, among other places.

Janet White
Sep 20, 2023
What is a "gallery"?
A gallery is a space for displaying art or a tier of seats in a theater.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Can a "lobby" also be a "gallery"?
Sometimes, if artwork is displayed in a lobby.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Where can you find a "gallery"?
In art museums, theaters, and legislative chambers.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Is "lobby" used in a political context?
Yes, it can refer to political advocacy or an advocacy group.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
Can a "gallery" also be a "lobby"?
Unlikely, as a gallery is primarily for displaying art or spectator seating.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 20, 2023
Is "gallery" used in a political context?
Rarely, except as a spectator area in legislative chambers.

Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
What is the main function of a "lobby"?
To serve as an entrance or waiting area.

Harlon Moss
Sep 20, 2023
What are some synonyms for "gallery"?
Exhibition space, art museum, viewing area.

Samantha Walker
Sep 20, 2023
Can "lobby" have multiple meanings?
Yes, it can refer to a physical space, an advocacy group, or the act of lobbying.

Janet White
Sep 20, 2023
What is the main function of a "gallery"?
To exhibit art or provide spectator seating.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 20, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
