In 2003, Berlin’s then-mayor declared the financially struggling city “poor but sexy” in an attempt to attract young creatives with its attractively low rents. The following year the German capital inaugurated its first Berlin Gallery Weekend, a three-day event when the city’s galleries opened their doors to showcase both emerging and established artists.
In the years since, Berlin’s cultural landscape has grown exponentially to become home to an international set of artists and a world-class gallery scene. Now in its 15th year, Berlin Gallery Weekend returns with 45 participants, including both newcomers and many of the city’s longest-standing participants. We’ve picked nine of our favorites from both on and off the official roster that are not to miss.
Ernst Wilhelm Nay, Redfiguration (1968). Courtesy of Aurel Scheibler.
Exhibition: “Ernst Wilhelm Nay: Late Paintings”
When: April 27–June 29, 2019
Where: Aurel Scheibler, Schöneberger Ufer 71, Berlin
Matthias Weischer, Untitled (2019). Courtesy of König Galerie.
Exhibition: “Matthias Weischer”
When: April 27–May 26, 2019
Where: König Galerie at St. Agnes, Alexandrinenstraße 118–121, Berlin
Michael Krebber, Wirklichkeit erschlägt Kunst (2019).
Exhibition: “Wirklichkeit Erschlägt Kunst”
When: April 26–June 15, 2019
Where: Galerie Buchholz, Fasanenstraße 30, Berlin
Hertha Günthers, Zwischen den Stühlen (1979). Courtesy of Galerie Helle Coppi.
Exhibition: “Hertha Günthers: Frauen”
When: Through May 17, 2019
Where: Galerie Helle Coppi, Auguststraße 83, Berlin
Peter Fischli / David Weiss, Haus (1987). Courtesy of Sprüth Magers.
Exhibition: “Haus”
When: April 27–July 27, 2019
Where: Sprüth Magers, Oranienburger Straße 18, Berlin
Adam Pendleton, Who We Are (2019). Courtesy of Galerie Max Hetzler.
Exhibition: “Adam Pendleton: Who We Are”
When: April 25–June 29, 2019
Where: Galerie Max Hetzler, Goethestraße 2-3, Berlin and Bleibtreustraße 45, Berlin
Nigel Cooke, Spring Bathers (2019). Courtesy of Buchmann Galerie.
Exhibition: “Nigel Cooke: Spring in Fialta”
When: April 26–July 29, 2019
Where: Buchmann Galerie, Charlottenstraße 13, Berlin
Guillaume Sebag, No more Hot Dog (2010). Courtesy of Galerie aKonzept.
Exhibition: “Guillaume Sebag: Howling Exhibition”
When: April 27–May 24, 2019
Where: Galerie aKonzept, Schröderstraße 7, Berlin
Installation view of “Humboldt Ist Niemals Da Gewesen,” 2019. Courtesy of Circle Culture.
Exhibition: “Humboldt Ist Niemals Da Gewesen”
When: Through May 4, 2019
Where: Circle Culture, Gipsstraße 11, Berlin
Berlin Gallery Weekend hours: Friday, April 26, 2019 6 p.m–9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, April 27–28, 2019