Zurich is a major hub for contemporary and modern art, with a rich cultural history and a vibrant art scene. The city is home to a number of prestigious galleries that play a significant role in the international art market. Here are some of the most notable art galleries in Zurich:
1. Galerie Hauser & Wirth
- Overview: Originally founded in Zurich in 1992, Hauser & Wirth is now one of the most influential galleries in the world, with locations in Zurich and many other cities. The Zurich gallery continues to showcase exhibitions by some of the most important contemporary and modern artists. It features a wide range of works from sculpture to painting and performance art.
- Notable Artists: Louise Bourgeois, Philip Guston, Paul McCarthy, Mark Bradford.
- Location: Limmatstrasse, Zurich.
2. Galerie Peter Kilchmann
- Overview: Founded in 1992, Galerie Peter Kilchmann is known for its strong focus on both emerging and established international artists. The gallery has a commitment to representing artists whose work addresses social and political issues, often featuring conceptual and experimental pieces.
- Notable Artists: Francis Alÿs, Teresa Margolles, Erik van Lieshout, Jitish Kallat.
- Location: Zahnradstrasse, Zurich.
3. Galerie Eva Presenhuber
- Overview: Eva Presenhuber is a major name in the Zurich art scene, representing an impressive roster of international contemporary artists. The gallery focuses on ambitious, large-scale exhibitions and installations, with a diverse portfolio of media and styles.
- Notable Artists: Ugo Rondinone, Doug Aitken, John Giorno, Oscar Tuazon.
- Location: Löwenbräu Areal, Zurich.
4. Galerie Nicola von Senger
- Overview: Galerie Nicola von Senger has a reputation for its dedication to contemporary art across various media, including painting, photography, and installation. The gallery often highlights emerging artists alongside more established figures.
- Notable Artists: Claudio Moser, Alicja Kwade, Jenny Rova.
- Location: Limmatstrasse, Zurich.
5. Mai 36 Galerie
- Overview: Established in 1987, Mai 36 Galerie is one of Zurich’s most prominent contemporary art galleries. It represents a combination of internationally renowned and emerging artists, focusing on conceptual art, minimalism, and photography.
- Notable Artists: John Baldessari, Lawrence Weiner, Thomas Ruff, Matt Mullican.
- Location: Rämistrasse, Zurich.
6. Kunsthalle Zürich
- Overview: While technically a museum and not a commercial gallery, Kunsthalle Zürich plays a key role in Zurich’s contemporary art scene. The Kunsthalle is known for its experimental exhibitions and avant-garde programming, often featuring young and cutting-edge artists. It offers a critical platform for new artistic expressions and trends.
- Location: Löwenbräu Areal, Zurich.
7. Galerie Gmurzynska
- Overview: A globally recognized gallery with a focus on 20th-century modern art and Russian avant-garde, Galerie Gmurzynska also features contemporary artists. The gallery is noted for its deep historical ties to significant art movements and often mounts museum-quality exhibitions.
- Notable Artists: Yves Klein, Wifredo Lam, Fernando Botero, Robert Indiana.
- Location: Paradeplatz, Zurich.
8. Galerie Roehrs & Boetsch
- Overview: This gallery specializes in contemporary art that pushes boundaries, particularly in the fields of design and new media. Galerie Roehrs & Boetsch is known for challenging conventional approaches to art and design and often features interactive and technology-based works.
- Notable Artists: Glithero, Aristide Antonas, Guto Requena.
- Location: Zurich.
9. Galerie Susanna Kulli
- Overview: A key player in Zurich’s contemporary art scene, Galerie Susanna Kulli represents a range of emerging and established artists. The gallery is known for its focus on conceptual art and its dedication to fostering artist development through critical exhibitions.
- Notable Artists: Valentin Carron, Silvia Bächli, and Manfred Pernice.
- Location: Brauerstrasse, Zurich.
10. Galerie Bernhard
- Overview: This relatively young gallery, founded in 2016, is focused on emerging artists with experimental and conceptual practices. Galerie Bernhard has quickly built a reputation for showcasing fresh talent and hosting innovative exhibitions.
- Location: Hardstrasse, Zurich.
11. Luma Westbau / Schwarzescafé
- Overview: Luma Westbau is part of the international Luma Foundation and offers a contemporary, interdisciplinary approach to exhibitions. Schwarzescafé, curated by Heimo Zobernig, is located in the same space, combining art, architecture, and public programming.
- Location: Löwenbräu Areal, Zurich.
12. Galerie Karma International
- Overview: Founded in 2008, Karma International has become known for showcasing bold, contemporary work that spans a variety of media. The gallery focuses on emerging artists and provides a platform for avant-garde and progressive art.
- Notable Artists: Pamela Rosenkranz, Sylvie Fleury, Nicolas Party.
- Location: Weststrasse, Zurich.
13. BolteLang
- Overview: Established in 2008, BolteLang has gained attention for its innovative and exploratory exhibitions featuring both Swiss and international artists. The gallery places an emphasis on critical, intellectual engagement and often hosts conceptually driven shows.
- Location: Zurich.
14. Galerie Bob van Orsouw
- Overview: An established player in the Zurich art scene, Galerie Bob van Orsouw represents a wide range of contemporary artists working in various media. The gallery is known for its commitment to both young talent and established names.
- Location: Zurich.
Zurich’s art galleries reflect the city’s dynamic and diverse contemporary art scene. With both internationally recognized galleries and spaces that champion emerging talent, Zurich continues to be a major destination for art lovers and collectors worldwide.