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Ethereal Tattoo Gallery

Durham’s Premier Tattoo Studio for Black and Grey Realism

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery is proud to be recognized as one of the best tattoo shops in North Carolina for black and grey realism tattoos. Located at 730 Rigsbee Ave, our studio offers a luxury tattoo experience, combining artistic mastery with a welcoming and professional environment. Specializing in black and grey realism tattoos, fine line tattoos, and microrealism tattoos, we deliver stunning designs with meticulous attention to detail.

Our talented team of tattoo artists specializes in custom black and grey realism designs, delivering detailed, lifelike tattoos that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking for a portrait, animal, or other custom artwork, we bring your vision to life with precision and creativity.

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery, tattoo shop and art gallery in Durham, NC. Ethereal Tattoo Gallery displays original fine art pieces by Brian Parrillo, Salvador Dalí, Johnny Donnels, Käthe Kollwitz, and more.

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery displays original fine art and lithographs by Brian Parrillo, Salvador Dalí, Johnny Donnels, Käthe Kollwitz, and more.

Our Story

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery is located at 730 Rigsbee Ave (across from Motorco Music Hall, next to Fullsteam Brewery) in Durham, NC, in the heart of the Foster and West Geer Streets Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013, the district features buildings primarily dating between 1927 and 1963.

The building that houses Ethereal Tattoo Gallery was originally part of the Royal Crown and Seven-Up Bottling Plant, built in 1939. This plant served as a bottling facility for RC Cola, 7-Up, Tru-Ade, and water until 1963. The rear wing, where Ethereal Tattoo Gallery and Fullsteam are now located, was used for bottle storage.

After decades of vacancy, the building was purchased and renovated in 2012. Ethereal Tattoo Gallery officially moved in in November 2018. The renovation preserved the building's historical charm, including concrete floors, steel frame windows, exposed wood joist ceilings, and brick walls, while incorporating modern amenities like new mechanical, electrical, and sprinkler systems.

Ethereal Tattoo Gallery stands as a testament to this blend of historical preservation and modern functionality, contributing to the district's unique character by providing a luxury-industrial setting for custom tattoos and fine art.