The oldest private art gallery in New Brunswick was established in 1976 by James and Inge Pataki. James, a classical musician, and Inge a practicing visual artist, arrived in Fredericton from Europe in 1970 when James joined the Brunswick String Quartet at the University of New Brunswick.

Avid art lovers and collectors for many years, they quickly became an integral part of the province's cultural community and lamented the dearth of opportunities for artists to exhibit and sell their work. They decided, therefore, to open a gallery in their home at 78 Brunswick Street with a stable of artists/friends including Bruno Bobak, Molly Lamb Bobak, David Blackwood, Carol Fraser, Brigid Toole Grant, Joseph Plaskett, David Silverberg and others. By the late 1980's their home was no longer adequate to house this flourishing business and with foresight and considerable tenacity, they were able to acquire a lease from the New Brunswick Government for Crocket House, an historic home and the present location since 1989.

Situated in Fredericton's historic downtown, overlooking the scenic Saint John River, the gallery is just steps away from the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Legislative Building and Christ Church Cathedral. The building itself is a stately 19th century Queen Anne Revival mansion complete with conical roof, corner turret, decorative shingles, bay and stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork.

The gallery provides studio space to artists and an adjacent coach house is the rehearsal home base for a local outdoor theatre group, the Calithumpians. Gallery space is also available for rent for receptions, concerts and celebrations affording a higher profile for the art within.

Gallery 78 presents major solo and group exhibitions every month throughout the year in seven spacious exhibition areas. The Gallery has provided a national context by undertaking group exhibitions of art from other provinces.