Galison Puzzle Review: Artfully Sublime
Galison Puzzles, a New York-based publisher, excels at merging fine art with puzzling, offering sturdy pieces, unique designs, and collector-friendly square boxes, printed on 90% recycled material.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com — June 1, 2023*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Galison is a New York-based publishing company, operating since 1979 with a mission to bring art into everyday life. Puzzles are just one of their many thoughtful products. Known for their unique and eclectic catalog, Galison consistently puts out a quality puzzle with sturdy pieces, low dust, and artwork that ranges from classic and modern to unique flora, fauna, and pop culture designs.
Just The Deets!
• Collector Feature: Square boxes (great for storage)
• Piece Cut: Grid/Ribbon Cut (Systematic, pieces are very similar in shape)
• Piece Fit: Snug
• False Fits: Possible
• Piece Gauge: 2.0 mm
• Puzzle Finish: Glossy
• Reference Poster: Yes
• Dust Level: Low
• Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 20″ × 27″
• Made in China
Image Quality & Themes
Galison’s core appeal is its curated art collection. The brand’s catalog is unique and eclectic, spanning a wide range of styles to suit almost every taste:
Fine Art: Classic and Modern art collaborations.
Photography: Landscapes, Underwater Worlds, Travel.
Specialty Art: Pop Culture, Flora and Fauna.
Specialty Puzzles: Foil, Greeting Card Puzzles, Mini Puzzles, Panoramic, Shaped, and Wooden Puzzles.
A Look at the Variety
With Galison’s core focus on art, their catalog spans decades of styles and themes, ensuring there is a beautiful design for every collector. Here is a small gallery showcasing the artistic range and unique formats (like foil or shaped puzzles) that make Galison so sublime:
✋ Hands On Experience
Galison puts out a quality puzzle with sturdy feeling pieces, low dust, and unique artwork... I heartily recommend you do at least one Galison puzzle.
Galison pieces feel sturdy at 2.0 mm thick, and the quality of manufacturing is noted as higher than some other brands coming out of China. The assembly is aided by low dust and a generally snug fit.
Because the puzzles use a ribbon (grid) cut with very similar piece shapes, false fits are possible. This can slightly increase the challenge, but it’s important to be vigilant when placing pieces in areas of uniform color.
A major benefit for collectors is the above-average packaging: most boxes are square, which is excellent for efficient storage. While some puzzles are labeled matte, the reviewer notes a degree of reflectivity, so lighting is still important during assembly.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Unique Artwork: Vast, curated catalog of fine art and eclectic designs.
Sturdy Pieces: Thick 2.0 mm pieces with a good feel.
Excellent Packaging: Collector-friendly square boxes that stack well.
Environmental Focus: Puzzles are made with 90% recycled material and non-toxic inks.
Low Dust: Clean assembly experience.
Bonus Items: A reference poster is included.
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
Potential Glare: Even in “matte” puzzles, the finish can be reflective in certain lighting.
False Fits: The systematic ribbon cut and similar piece shapes can lead to false fits.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
I heartily recommend doing at least one Galison puzzle!
Galison is a high-quality, art-forward brand that offers a uniquely stylish and engaging puzzling experience. If you appreciate beautiful art, sturdy pieces, and the convenience of easy-to-store square boxes, Galison is a brand you should check out.
🧩 Ready for an artfully sublime challenge?
Explore the selection of Galison puzzles on Amazon by clicking below.