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— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— In challenging times shaped by geopolitical tensions and increasing political and economic pressure, including funding cuts affecting the cultural sector in Berlin, it becomes all the more important to see how present and active the art scene still is. Events like Gallery Weekend make this especially visible. It is less about one single theme and more about openness and exchange.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— Thomas Demand is always worth seeing, so I would definitely recommend his new works on view at Sprüth Magers. He is an artist I have long admired for his distinctive approach to constructed images and his lasting contribution to contemporary photography.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— After a full day, I prefer somewhere a bit quieter. A walk along the Landwehrkanal always helps to slow things down, especially around Kreuzberg in the early evening. Or a short break at the C/O Berlin café right by Zoologischer Garten, where there is always something to watch.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— I would highly recommend the Peter Hujar exhibition at Gropius Bau. The presentation works beautifully in dialogue with the installations by Liz Deschenes and offers a great opportunity to experience his work in depth alongside the energy of the Gallery Weekend.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— A C/O Berlin tote bag! For me it is essential to carry things around during the day, especially when moving between gallery visits.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— Berlin’s Senator for Culture had to resign a few days ago due to the legally problematic allocation of funds from a special budget; that will likely be a topic this weekend. But otherwise, the scene is celebrating itself, and in these economically uncertain times, that represents a healthy and important sense of purpose-driven optimism.
Berlin is and remains a magnetic draw for artists and cultural practitioners from all over the world; this is especially true for Gallery Weekend in the spring, which has successfully replaced the former art fairs in Berlin—and for Berlin Art Week in the autumn. Thousands of collectors also flock to the city during these events, visiting the many Berlin galleries and purchasing art across all price ranges. The atmosphere in the city during these two occasions is truly incomparable.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— In addition to our own exhibition “Intermezzo. Revisiting Helmut Newton,” with which we reopened the Newton Foundation a few days ago—including a spectacular film room—I can always recommend a visit to the Neue Nationalgalerie. For this year’s Gallery Weekend, it features the witty installation “Regular Animals” by Beeple, the Brancusi solo show, and the beautiful fog sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya in the museum’s sculpture garden.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— Perhaps a drink at the cool Viktoria Bar on Potsdamer Strasse, or a leisurely dinner at the still incomparable Paris Bar on Kantstrasse in Berlin’s west—both places are surrounded by numerous galleries and art institutions.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— The main event is the gallery hopping itself—the meetings and reunions with so many like-minded people, as well as the intense exchange about what has been seen, for example in the courtyard on Potsdamer Strasse, where galleries such as Hetzler, Judin, Schulte, Schipper, and several others form a particularly special cluster.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— It’s best to wear comfortable sneakers.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— Unsurprisingly, given the times we are living through, many projects engage with uncertainty and questions about the future – not only of art itself, but of society as a whole. Artists are increasingly reflecting on our relationship with the non-human, whether through the environment or technology, while also revisiting where we come from through revisions of historical narratives and established canons.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— We are looking forward to seeing Berni Searle’s recent project Sugar Girls at PSM, in which she engages with overlooked histories of Cape Town’s harbor area. On the photography side, we will also definitely stop by Galerie Molitor to discover Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili’s newest body of work and the ways in which she experiments with the various facets of photographic materiality. We are also excited about the broad survey of Juan Pablo Echeverri's work at Klemm's.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— After a whole day on the ground, walking from gallery to gallery, there is nothing better than a shift of perspective on the city. We would most likely head to Fotografiska’s rooftop bar Clara, a perfect place to unwind and exchange about the day. And if you follow us, why not stop by and visit our exhibitions as well on your way down?
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— The conversation “From the Internet to Museum Walls” sounds very interesting. As an institution that focuses on photography and frequently engage with new media as well, the questions raised by recent technological developments are central to our daily reflections at Fotografiska.
On a related note, on Sunday, we will be attending Anna Ehrenstein’s talk at Fotografiska, which examines the impact of digital technologies (and particularly AI) on both humans and the planet. It is a discussion that resonates strongly with some of the themes explored throughout Gallery Weekend.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— After years of scattering (and often losing!) exhibition notes across countless notebooks, we can no longer do without the notes app on our phones. It’s the best way to keep both written and visual records of our visits and to return to them later.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— In times of social uncertainty, the significance and impact of art become particularly apparent and part of the discourse.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— Discover the show „occasional lovers“ by South African painter Brett Charles Seiler at Galerie EIGEN + ART (Auguststraße 26), and the work of young talent Nils Ben Brahim at EIGEN + ART Lab (Torstraße 220). Make sure to say hi and get a tour.
And of course, Berlin is full of great art and interesting conversations. For example, "Brancusi" at the Neue Nationalgalerie is an impressive collaboration with the Centre Pompidou that combines organic and minimalist styles. "Marina Abramovic: Balkan Erotic Epic" The Exhibition" at the Gropius Bau is a complete package. The 30th anniversary of the Hamburger Bahnhof — Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart is a hot topic, as are the upcoming 6th Kiev Biennale at Kunstwerke Berlin and the Venice Biennale, which starts the week after Gallery Weekend Berlin. To just name a few.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— Take a walk along the Spree. Or, you can just sit down and look over the water.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— Take the 9:54 a.m. ICE train to Leipzig. Have breakfast in the dining car, and you'll arrive at 11:02 a.m. Then, head to the Spinnerei (Spinnereistraße 7, 04179 Leipzig), the former cotton mill factory, where you can see the great show by Czech artist Igor Hosnedl at our gallery, as well as other shows at the SpinnereiGalleries. Take the 1:16 p.m. train back to Berlin, and you'll arrive by 2:30 p.m., having learned more than anyone else at Gallery Weekend Berlin.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— My team at the gallery.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— I don’t think there is one single theme that defines this weekend and perhaps that’s the point. At the same time, I feel that the current moment calls for a more conscious engagement with the conditions under which art exists. We are witnessing a broader political and social shift, where openness, complexity and cultural freedom are increasingly being questioned. In that context, I would hope that the art world uses moments like this not only to present works, but also to create space for reflection and dialogue. Not in a reductive way, but by insisting on nuance and plurality. For me, one of the most important conversations right now is how to protect and sustain spaces in which artistic and cultural expression can remain free, open and independent especially at a time when these values can no longer be taken for granted.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— A must-see for me during BGW is the exhibition of Constantin Brâncuși at the Neue Nationalgalerie. What continues to fascinate me about Brâncuși is his radical reduction, not in the sense of minimalism as a style, but as a search for essence. His works appear quiet, yet carry an immense presence. There is a connection between hand, material and idea that often feels lost today. For me this is not a nostalgic reflection but something timeless.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— I find great peace in Tiergarten, a true oasis in the middle of the city. Not far from there, the SO/ Berlin Das Stue offers a spa I sometimes visit to restore my energy. I also love the Grunewald, a beautiful forest just a short distance from City West, as well as the Wannsee. And then there are the small, family-run cafés like Café 1900 at Savignyplatz, where I enjoy spending quiet hours.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— I think what makes this weekend special is the 1st of May itself. It is historically a day shaped by labour movements, by questions of visibility, participation and access. It is interesting to see how this now coincides with Gallery Weekend. For me, that tension is important. It raises the question of who art is for and how it can move beyond the white cube and connect to broader communities. At the same time, the 1st of May in Berlin has its own spirit. Places like Club der Visionaere are legendary on that day. For me, this overlap between different contexts, including art, music and public space, is what makes the weekend feel alive.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— A must-have for me during BGW is my Zojirushi thermos, always within reach and filled with tea or hot water.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of escapism in contemporary art, which is understandable, given that the world seems more on the brink of falling apart than ever before. But I’m curious to see whether, during the BGW, artists will engage more with current issues and examine them closely—not only political and social conflicts but also the rapid changes brought about by AI. I’m eager to see if these observations will be reflected in the art.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— It’s hard to name just one exhibition, since I often just go with the flow during BGW. Still, there are a few that are high on my list: I’m really looking forward to the new exhibition “occasional lovers” by Brett Charles Seiler at Galerie Eigen+Art. I also definitely want to see Petrit Halilaj at Chert Lüdde: “who does the world belong to while painting the wind?!” ” The first exhibition by artist Emma Rose Schwartz, “Giant Skeleton,” at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler has also piqued my curiosity. I’d also definitely like to see the exhibition featuring works by Max Liebermann at Galerie Bastian.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— During the BGW, the art world naturally gathers at the Paris Bar and the Grill Royal, but for those looking for a classy yet relaxed atmosphere, we recommend the Chateau Royal for a fantastic dinner followed by a cocktail at the Rheingold Bar.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— I would recommend the Ruinart Champagne Bar at the Palais Populaire, designed exclusively this year by Tadashi Kawamata. A glass of champagne is always a welcome break between exhibitions.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— You’ll definitely need a power bank for your phone, since it has to last well into the night, and I’d also recommend wearing sneakers instead of high heels, because you’ll easily walk ten kilometers a day during Gallery Weekend. It’s also a good idea to keep a few aspirin within reach. An absolute must: I always have a ginger shot in my pocket; it perks me right up—better than coffee.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— I think overall, there’s a growing attention to how images are constructed and circulate today, particularly in relation to media and digital culture.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— There’s so much to see during Gallery Weekend, it’s almost impossible to point to just one must-see. I usually spend the weekend moving through the entire city, visiting as much as I can. I’m especially looking forward to seeing James Richards at Fluentum, as well as Thomas Demand and Martine Syms at Sprüth Magers.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— After a long day, it can feel calming to step away from the immediate art context. A walk around Grunewaldsee is a great way to reset—it’s quiet, a bit removed from the city and gives you the space to reflect before the next event.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— I highly recommend stopping by the Julia Stoschek Foundation for James Massiah’s concert on 30 April, or joining us for the next iteration of the Spike Roundtable, "Everything’s Computer,“ on 3 May. If you can, try to combine those with one of the official Gallery Weekend Art Walks and see what our neighbors along Leipziger Straße and in Mitte are presenting during the weekend.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— Comfortable shoes are essential. And a large bag to carry catalogues, invitations, and all the little things that get you through the busy weekend.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— Considering the current global situation alongside developments within the art world, I believe a central topic will be the shifting travel habits of collectors. Last year at Art Basel, it became evident that many American collectors chose to skip Basel, opting instead for Art Basel Paris as their once-a-year European art fair destination. The timing played a role as well, as it followed Frieze London, allowing collectors to combine London and Paris while leaving Basel aside.
For Berlin, a key challenge remains accessibility. Due to limited direct flights, international collectors often find it difficult—and expensive—to travel here, especially compared to major European hubs like Paris, London, or Madrid. As a result, Berlin is sometimes excluded from their itineraries. Given the broader global uncertainties, an important question this weekend will be whether international collectors will continue to choose Berlin as a cultural destination.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— Despite the challenges of reaching Berlin, the quality of this year’s Gallery Weekend will be exceptional, and limiting recommendations to a single show is nearly impossible.
A highlight will certainly be Tauba Auerbach and Celeste Rapone at Esther Schipper. I have long admired Auerbach’s work from her earlier exhibitions with Paula Cooper Gallery and Deitch Projects, so seeing her return with new work is particularly exciting. Rapone’s work is equally compelling.
I am also very much looking forward to new works by Brook Hsu at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler.
Finally, Paul Glaw at DUVE Berlin is not to be missed. The exhibition opens a week in advance and is presented in DUVE’s salon format gallery space, allowing visitors to experience the works in a lived-in environment rather than a traditional white cube—offering a completely different atmosphere.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— My personal choice would be Soho House Berlin, although it is unfortunately only accessible to members. More generally, I would recommend choosing a comfortable hotel where you can recharge between daytime and evening events—this will be an intense and busy weekend, so moments of rest are essential.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— A must-see will be Marina Abramović’s Balkan Erotic Epic at Martin-Gropius-Bau. In addition, the Boros Collection will open a new exhibition for Gallery Weekend, which is always a major highlight.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— A clear mind—and the ability to say no. If you really want to make it through the weekend, it’s essential to be selective and avoid late-night events whenever possible.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— Interdependency, within the art ecosystem and across broader political and economic structures, is a defining conversation right now.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— I would suggest Euphoria by Julian Rosefeldt at Kino International, certainly a must-see.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— My go to place for everything is Ari’s, my friend's diner in Neuköln.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— I might sound biased, but I’m not: Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili is a sensational speaker. I would definitely recommend attending her talk on photographic vertigo at Neue Nationalgalerie with Carina Bukuts.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— A good mood.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— How to get on the guest list in challenging times.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— The recently opened duo exhibition with Peter Hujar and Liz Deschenes at Gropius Bau is definitely a must-see for me. I’m particularly interested in the dialogue between the two artists. Having worked with Liz Deschenes before, I’m very much looking forward to seeing the exhibition.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— Sale e Tabacchi right across the street is my go-to place.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— The Boros Collection is inaugurating its new exhibition. As it only changes every four years, it’s certainly one not to miss.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— I think there’s a strong focus on emotion and connection. People want to experience art, not just look at it. There’s a shift toward works that carry energy, meaning, and something that stays with you.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— Definitely ICONIC at St. Elisabeth Church, presented by AK Gallery, my collaboration with Lorenzo Agius, the famous Hollywood photographer. My paintings are shown alongside his original photography, creating a dialogue between photography and painting. The setting of the church, combined with the scale of the works, makes it a very powerful and unique exhibition during Gallery Weekend.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— Gallery Weekend is beautiful, inspiring, full of people, but also very intense energetically. I like to step away, recharge, and protect my energy. That’s why I usually go to my studio.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must attend during that weekend?
— The opening of ICONIC at St. Elisabeth Church, presented by AK Gallery. We are opening Gallery Weekend, and the exhibition feels very otherworldly. You move between the original photography by Lorenzo Agius and my paintings, and you can really dive into these different worlds. I also created a perfume for the show, something I’ve been doing for over 20 years because I like to create experiences that engage all the senses: music, scent, atmosphere, and art. This is not just a normal exhibition we are really putting on a show. It’s immersive, emotional, and something people will truly remember.
On May 3rd, we are presenting a special collaboration with Paul (@1of1_prototype), a Toronto-based designer and handcrafter known for creating one-of-one, haute couture leather goods and garments. His work has been worn and collected by major figures such as Floyd Mayweather, Pharrell Williams, and Drake.
Working primarily with iconic luxury houses like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, he transforms materials into entirely unique, hand-crafted pieces, each one a true original. For ICONIC, he is creating exclusive one-of-one bags featuring my artworks based on Lorenzo Agius’ photography translating the paintings into wearable pieces.
While ICONIC takes place at St. Elisabeth Church from April 30 (VIP) and May 1–3, this collaboration will culminate in a special presentation at AK Gallery on May 3rd, which is definitely a must-see during the weekend.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— Definitely my phone. I love taking pictures of the artwork, capturing moments, and staying connected throughout the weekend.
— What do you think is one important theme or conversation that is being addressed by the art world during this weekend?
— What the future of the art market will look like. There is inflation, with high numbers of art fairs, galleries and events even in these difficult times, so we can probably expect times of corrections on all levels of the market. And also: are there any new concepts beside the classical gallery representing contemporary artists? It is certainly a challenging time now.
— What do you think is a must-see exhibition or artwork during BGW?
— Besides Brancusi at Neue Nationagalerie, just take a bicycle and drive around the huge numbers of galleries, pop up shows and other art related events.
— Which place or location would you recommend to relax after a busy BGW day?
— Sitting outside the terrace of Paris bar and enjoying a glass of wine. It is nice to see and meet people from the art world.
— Can you tell us one correlated event that is a must to attend during that weekend?
— All the galleries which are not in the official BGW program of 50 galleries, but also showing special exhibitions.
— What is a must-have accessory for you, a fundamental part of your survival kit during BGW?
— My hat and my list of good restaurants and cafes in the different districts that we call Kiez here in Berlin.
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