Pace and Galerie Judin Transform 1950s Gas Station into New Berlin Gallery
Berlin is about to witness a groundbreaking collaboration between mega-gallery Pace and Berlin’s Galerie Judin as they join forces to launch a new joint space this spring. Set to open its doors on May 1, the gallery will be housed in a meticulously restored 1950s gas station located in the vibrant Schöneberg neighborhood. Boasting offices for the galleries, a cozy café, and a bookshop operated by the esteemed publishing group Die ZEIT, this innovative space is poised to become a cultural hotspot in the German capital.
This exciting venture will kick off with a bang as Pace and Galerie Judin come together to present the inaugural exhibition. Following this grand opening, the galleries will take turns showcasing a diverse array of artists throughout the year. While Pace will host two shows annually, Galerie Judin will curate three exhibitions, each bringing a fresh perspective to the Berlin art scene.
With a global presence spanning eight locations worldwide, Pace established its Berlin office in 2023 under the leadership of senior director Laura Attanasio. In a recent interview with ARTnews, Attanasio disclosed the gallery’s strategic decision to focus on supporting institutional projects for its artists and strengthen its ties with institutions and collectors across Germany. Attanasio emphasized Berlin’s significance as an international arts hub with rich cultural heritage, citing the city’s appeal to artists represented by Pace.
“Berlin is a vital international arts hub with deep cultural roots, and many of the artists we represent either call the city home or have a strong interest in engaging with its dynamic arts community,” Attanasio remarked. “We took the time to understand how we could contribute meaningfully to the city’s cultural fabric through pop-up exhibitions and collaborative projects. Now, we are excited to put down permanent roots in this new exhibition space.”
The gallery’s decision to establish a physical presence in Berlin was further motivated by Germany’s recent VAT reduction, which slashed the tax rate for art sales to just 7 percent—a move welcomed by dealers across the country. This incentive, coupled with Berlin’s thriving arts scene, cemented Pace’s decision to invest in a permanent space in the city.
The historic 1954 gas station, which lay abandoned from 1986 until Galerie Judin undertook its restoration in 2009, stands as a testament to the city’s architectural heritage. Renovated to perfection, the gas station received the prestigious Architekurpreis Berlin design award for its innovative transformation. Formerly housing a museum dedicated to the renowned German artist George Grosz from 2022 to 2024, the space has now been reimagined as a cutting-edge gallery poised to make a lasting impact on Berlin’s cultural landscape.
Galerie Judin, founded in 2003 in Zurich before relocating to Berlin in 2008, is strategically positioned near the new gallery space, nestled in a former newspaper printing facility. The gallery’s co-owner, Pay Matthis Karstens, shared his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting Berlin’s status as a hub of artistic innovation and creativity.
“Undoubtedly, Berlin still is the European capital of art production and also, though changing, home to a vibrant scene of collectors and curators,” Karstens noted. “Our aim is to provide the Berlin scene with another outlet and home – and to also strengthen the Berlin cultural scene by it.”
In a testament to their commitment to fostering lasting relationships with the community, the new gallery will break tradition by remaining open on Sundays—a rarity among German galleries. This inclusive approach reflects the gallery’s dedication to engaging with a diverse audience and creating a welcoming space for art enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
As the art market continues to evolve, the collaboration between Pace and Galerie Judin stands as a testament to the enduring importance of trust and sustainability in the gallery sector. By forging new connections, supporting emerging artists, and contributing to Berlin’s vibrant cultural landscape, these galleries are poised to make a lasting impact on the city’s art scene.
