a raised area, often having a stepped or sloping floor, in a theater, church, or other public building to accommodate spectators, exhibits, etc.

the uppermost of such areas in a theater, usually containing the cheapest seats.

the occupants of such an area in a theater.

the general public, esp. when regarded as having popular or uncultivated tastes.

any group of spectators or observers, as at a golf match, a Congressional session, etc.

a room, series of rooms, or building devoted to the exhibition and often the sale of works of art.

a long covered area, narrow and open at one or both sides, used esp. as a walk or corridor.

Chiefly South Atlantic States . a long porch or portico; veranda.

a long, relatively narrow room, esp. one for public use.

a corridor, esp. one having architectural importance through its scale or decorative treatment.

a raised, balconylike platform or passageway running along the exterior wall of a building inside or outside.

a large room or building used for photography, target practice, or other special purposes

a shooting gallery.

a collection of art for exhibition.

Theater . a narrow, raised platform located beyond the acting area, used by stagehands or technicians to stand on when working.

Nautical . a projecting balcony or structure on the quarter or stern of a vessel.

Furniture . an ornamental railing or cresting surrounding the top of a table, stand, desk, etc.

Mining . a level or drift.

a small tunnel in a dam, mine, or rock, for various purposes, as inspection or drainage.

a passageway made by an animal.

Fortification Obsolete . an underground or covered passage to another part of a fortified position. ?

play to the gallery, to attempt to appeal to the popular taste

as opposed to a more refined or esoteric taste

Movies, though still playing mainly to the gallery, have taken their place as a significant art form.

noun

arcade , loggia , mezzanine , patio , porch , upstairs , veranda , exhibit , exhibition room , hall , museum , salon , showroom , studio , wing , attendance , onlookers , peanut gallery , public , spectators , assortment , audience , balcony , collection , corridor , grandstand , passage , passageway , piazza , portico , promenade