As an art enthusiast, you likely appreciate the opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of an esteemed gallery. Galerie Max Hetzler, located in Berlin, Paris, and London, represents over 50 renowned contemporary artists and has hosted groundbreaking exhibitions for decades. Founded in Stuttgart in 1974, Galerie Max Hetzler played an important role in launching the artists who came to define movements like Neo-Expressionism and the Young British Artists.
The gallery’s enduring vision is to foster intellectual and visual conversations between artists, curators, and collectors. Representing a diverse, international range of artists at various career stages, Galerie Max Hetzler is renowned as a pioneer in the contemporary art market. Visiting Galerie Max Hetzler will inspire and challenge you whether you are an avid collector or appreciate esthetics. With locations in three of the world’s leading art centers, the gallery is conveniently positioned to share its vision on a grand scale.
In this exclusive inside look, you’ll discover what makes Galerie Max Hetzler an iconic institution that has shaped the contemporary art world for over 50 years through the eyes of its charismatic founder, Max Hetzler. Prepare to be captivated by the history, mission, and cutting-edge program of one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries.
The History and Founding of Galerie Max Hetzler
Galerie Max Hetzler was founded in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1971 by Max Hetzler. Over the decades, it has established itself as one of the world’s leading contemporary art galleries, representing influential artists and mounting critically acclaimed exhibitions.
Max Hetzler’s five decades of championing vanguard art and artists have established its reputation as a pioneer in the international contemporary art market. Hetzler’s galleries remain at the forefront of modern art by embracing new mediums and modes of expression.
Early Years in Stuttgart
In the gallery’s formative years, Hetzler focused on conceptual art and introduced Stuttgart audiences to pioneers like Joseph Beuys, Lawrence Weiner, and Reiner Ruthenbeck. The program later expanded to include minimalism and other contemporary practices.
Expansion Across Europe
Looking to broaden its reach, Galerie Max Hetzler opened a second space in Berlin in 1994. This expansion enabled the gallery to represent and exhibit a broader range of interdisciplinary artists. Galerie Max Hetzler cemented its status as an international force by opening galleries in Paris and London.
A Pioneer in the Art Market
Galerie Max Hetzler has been instrumental in fostering the careers of influential artists like Marlene Dumas, Mona Hatoum, Jeff Koons, Paul McCarthy, Raymond Pettibon, and Andro Wekua. It continues representing seminal contemporary artists and has mounted groundbreaking thematic group exhibitions. Under Hetzler’s leadership, the gallery has pushed the boundaries of the traditional art market model. It was an early proponent of art fairs, participating in the first edition of Art Basel in 1970 and all subsequent editions.
Galerie Max Hetzler’s Locations in Berlin, Paris, and London
Galerie Max Hetzler has three locations in Europe’s leading art hubs – Berlin, Paris, and London. Founded in Stuttgart in 1981, the gallery is renowned for exhibiting contemporary art.
Berlin
The Berlin space opened in 1990 and is located in a former brewery in Kreuzberg. It features two exhibition floors totalling over 900 square meters. Representing artists like John Baldessari, Marlene Dumas, and Thomas Ruff, the gallery annually holds 6-8 exhibitions showcasing contemporary painting, sculpture, photography, and video art.
Paris
In 2016, Galerie Max Hetzler expanded to Paris, taking over a 500-square-meter space in the Marais district. The Paris outpost focuses on solo shows by gallery artists in a variety of media as well as thematic group exhibitions exploring the current dialogue between artists. The gallery collaborates with institutions like the Center Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo.
London
The London gallery opened in 2020, occupying over 750 square meters in the heart of Mayfair. It aims to present museum-quality exhibitions of work by leading contemporary artists. The inaugural show featured new paintings by Albert Oehlen. Future shows will highlight other preeminent artists from the gallery’s international program.
Who is the Director of Galerie Max Hetzler?
Sarah Horner is the director of Galerie Max Hetzler.
Notable Contemporary Artists Represented by Galerie Max Hetzler
Galerie Max Hetzler represents many famous contemporary artists, including:
Albert Oehlen
Albert Oehlen is a German artist known for abstract paintings incorporating collage, gestural brushstrokes, and digital elements. His work explores the relationship between virtual and physical space. Oehlen has had major solo exhibitions at institutions such as:
- New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York
- Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago
- Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofía in Madrid
Christopher Wool
Christopher Wool is an American artist recognized for his word paintings, abstract paintings incorporating letters and words, and large-scale black and white paintings. His text-based works explore the visual and literal meanings of words and language. Wool’s art is held in the collections of:
- Museum of Modern Art
- Guggenheim Museum in New York
- Tate Modern in London
Julie Mehretu
Julie Mehretu is an abstract painter known for her large-scale paintings composed of layers of marks, gestures, and lines. Her works reference social and political issues relating to geography, architecture, and urbanism. Mehretu has had solo exhibitions at institutions such as:
- Guggenheim Museum
- Walker Art Center in Minneapolis
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Marian Goodman Gallery
Her work is included in the collections of:
- Museum of Modern Art
- Art Institute of Chicago
- SFMOMA
Other prominent artists represented by Galerie Max Hetzler include Peter Doig, Wade Guyton, Charline von Heyl, Callum Innes, Mark Leckey, Richard Prince, and Wilhelm Sasnal. The gallery’s diverse yet carefully curated roster of artists has established it as an influential platform for contemporary art.
Significant Exhibitions and Art Fairs Participated in by Galerie Max Hetzler
As one of Germany’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries, Galerie Max Hetzler has participated in major art fairs and exhibitions worldwide.
| Art Basel | Galerie Max Hetzler has exhibited at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland every year since 1974. The gallery presents a curated selection of works from its international program, showcasing leading contemporary artists. |
| Frieze Art Fair | Galerie Max Hetzler has participated in Frieze London and Frieze Masters every year since their inception. Frieze London, launched in 2003, focuses on contemporary art, while Frieze Masters, launched in 2012, focuses on art from ancient to modern. The fairs feature a carefully curated presentation of the gallery’s contemporary and historical artists. |
| Art Cologne | As Germany’s leading fair for modern and contemporary art, Art Cologne is an important platform for Galerie Max Hetzler to connect with arts professionals and collectors. The gallery has exhibited at Art Cologne every year since its founding in 1967. |
| Venice Biennale | The Venice Biennale is one of the most prestigious international art exhibitions, established in 1895. Galerie Max Hetzler has presented works by its represented artists in the main exhibition of the Venice Biennale, on multiple occasions since 1982. The gallery aims to give leading contemporary artists an international platform to showcase their work. |
| Art Basel Miami Beach | Since 2002, Galerie Max Hetzler has participated annually in Art Basel Miami Beach, a premier art fair in the Americas. The gallery’s presentation provides an overview of its internationally acclaimed contemporary art program, allowing collectors to discover and acquire works by leading artists. |
The Legacy and Influence of Galerie Max Hetzler on the Contemporary Art World
For over 40 years, Galerie Max Hetzler has established itself as an influential gallery, instrumental in shaping contemporary art. Under the leadership of Max Hetzler, the gallery has focused on exhibiting and promoting innovative contemporary art, giving many now-renowned artists their first solo shows.
The gallery was founded in Stuttgart, later expanding to Berlin and London. Galerie Max Hetzler has worked with diverse, groundbreaking artists across multiple generations, from legendary figures like Martin Kippenberger, Albert Oehlen, and Günther Förg to influential contemporary artists such as Glenn Ligon, Marlene Dumas, and Neo Rauch.
Through the years, Galerie Max Hetzler has built a reputation for identifying and fostering emerging talents. The gallery has mounted the first solo exhibitions of artists who went on to achieve international recognition, including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Rosemarie Trockel, and Christopher Wool. Galerie Max Hetzler’s enduring impact on the contemporary art scene is demonstrated through their promotion of conceptual and post-conceptual art across various mediums.
Quick Facts About Galerie Max Hetzler
Name: Galerie Max Hetzler
Location: Berlin
Country: Germany
Founded: 1974
Address: Bleibtreustraße 45
10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg
Zipcode: 10623
Telephone: +49 30 346 497 850
Web: www.maxhetzler.com
