Neutral atom arrays have been established as a leading platform in the quantum information science landscape, due in large part to their scalability and reconfigurable, any-to-any connectivity. Similarly, neutral atoms coupled to optical cavities have shown promise for quantum networking due to the inherent indistinguishability of individual atoms. In this work, we aim to combine these strengths by developing a platform that integrates a free-space atom array with a scalable photonic interface in the form of a nanophotonic chip. This platform relies on three key innovations. First, we present a semi-open chip geometry featuring cantilevered nanophotonic crystal cavities, facilitating the operation of a free-space atom array in close proximity to the chip. Second, we develop a background-free imaging technique that suppresses scattering of the imaging beams from the nearby solid surface, enabling parallel, single-shot, site-resolved readout of the atom array near the nanophotonic devices. Third, we demonstrate free-space coupling to the on-chip cavities, paving a path toward spatial multiplexing utilizing the array of over 100 cavities fabricated on the chip. Leveraging our background-free imaging method, we implement standard atom array protocols such as rearrangement. We further demonstrate the ability to load atoms into standing wave traps formed by partial retroreflection of our optical tweezers from the cavities. In these traps, the atoms are positioned hundreds of nanometers from the cavity surfaces, an essential step on the path toward realizing strong atom-cavity interactions. Together, these capabilities represent an important milestone towards scalable, integrated quantum systems of individually controlled atoms in engineered photonic environments.