SOHO is getting some new art galleries. But this is by no means a return to those heady days when important galleries hugged every curbside, critics sniff, as newcomers are merely purveying “commercial” works towards tourists.

Lumas, a German-based chain of photographic galleries, just signed a lease for 700 feet at 77 Wooster Street between Spring and Broome Streets. The ground level store has a grand entryway and soaring ceilings.

In its string of eight German galleries, it sells more than 1,000 prints a month and is dedicated to making collecting more affordable.

The gallery was represented by Faith Hope Consolo, Chairman, and Joseph A.

Aquino, Executive Vice President, of Prudential Douglas Elliman’s Retail Leasing and Sales Division.

The duo also represented the Jamali NYC Gallery in its recent deal at 413 West Broadway and De Lorenzo for the space at 399 West Broadway. Consolo is quick to note that the return of galleries is occurring on less pricey streets along Wooster and West Broadway.

Still, the signing of three such leases argues that Soho has not lost its perception by tourists of being the center of city art. Certainly, while the art world and well-heeled buyers have essentially packed off to Chelsea, the visiting feet have not followed.

For now, Chelsea’s spotlight shimmers at night, when hoards of night crawlers take over W. 27th Street and make it the Big Apple’s answer to the Big Easy’s Bourbon Street, albeit without the beads rewarding flashers.

The upcoming opening of the New Museum of Contemporary Art at 235 Bowery between Rivington and Stanton Streets, right across from Prince Street, will certainly keep art in SoHo’s bullseye.

“It was always in SoHo and will be an important architectural statement,” said Susan Penzner of Susan Penzner Real Estate.

“I’m getting a lot of calls from younger galleries because of the New Museum, and who can’t afford Chelsea or want to be on the ground floor.” Nevertheless, Penzner says, there are only one or two old timer art galleries left, as most storefronts have turned into furniture, design and fashion haunts.

The lack of a coordinated marketing effort in Chelsea has also not raised its global art awareness, although a jaunt through the Meatpacking District seems to be high on every tourist’s list.

In a few years, the recent decision by the Whitney Museum to take over the Dia space on Ganesvoort Street at the end of the High Line Park may even move the art center further towards the Meatpacking area.