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Ranking the Top 10 Art Galleries in the World in 2024
Ranked by Artfacts
- By Sylvia Walker
The world of art is vibrant and constantly evolving, with galleries playing a pivotal role in shaping the art market and the careers of artists. As often, to understand and map the art world, we turn to the analytical research tool of Artfacts. Their comprehensive database and ranking system provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the art market. As a result, in this article, we have a closer look at the ten highest-ranked art galleries in the world.
Three years ago, we conducted an extensive survey to identify the ten biggest art galleries in the world based on the number of locations, square meters of total exhibition space, number of employees, artist rankings of the represented artists, and online exposure. However, in 2023, our favorite tool and database, Artfacts, launched its gallery rankings. Interestingly, we can find some clear similarities and interesting newcomers between both lists.
The Artfacts gallery ranking evaluates galleries based on criteria such as talent discovery, the level and artist ranking of the represented artists, in which fairs they participate, and their exhibition program. This ranking offers a clear perspective on a gallery’s standing within the global art market, making it an indispensable tool for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. If you want to know everything about art galleries, make sure to read our complete guide for art galleries here. If you are about to work with an art gallery, make sure to read our article on gallery agreements here.
Some top art galleries from the top 25 that did not make the list include; Mennour, Stevenson, Mendes Wood DM, Gladstone Gallery, Nathalie Obadia, König Galerie, Galerie Krinzinger, Lehmann Maupin, Goodman Gallery, Galerie Max Hetzler, Marian Goodman, Massimo De Carlo, Marlborough Gallery, Sprüth Magers, Galerie Lelong & Co. So it is safe the say the competition is fierce and the galleries are superb. Therefore, it is time to look closer at the galleries that made it into the top ten in 2024.
10. White Cube
Founded in 1993 by Jay Jopling, White Cube gained prominence with its minimalist, literal ‘white cube’ space in London. Known for supporting the Young British Artists (YBAs), White Cube represents influential figures like Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. With locations in London, New York, Paris, Seoul, Hong Kong, and West Palm Beach, it continues to be a major player in contemporary art.
9. Lisson Gallery
Established in 1967 by Nicholas Logsdail, Lisson Gallery in London is renowned for its role in pioneering conceptual and minimalist art. With spaces in London, New York, Los Angeles, Shanghai, and Beijing, Lisson has nurtured the careers of significant artists like Anish Kapoor and Ai Weiwei.
8. Almine Rech
Almine Rech opened her eponymous gallery in Paris in 1997, focusing on contemporary art. The gallery, now with eleven locations spread across Paris Brussels, London, New York, Gstaad, Venice, Monaco, and Shanghai, is known for showcasing established and emerging artists, including Jeff Koons and Joe Bradley.
7. Galleria Continua
Founded in 1990 in San Gimignano, Italy, Galleria Continua is celebrated for its diverse and avant-garde exhibitions. With additional spaces in Paris, Beijing, Les Moulins, Rome, São Paulo, Dubai, and Havana, the gallery represents a mix of established and emerging artists like Ai Weiwei and Anish Kapoor.
6. Perrotin
Established in 1990 by Emmanuel Perrotin in Paris, Perrotin is a major contemporary art gallery. With locations in Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Dubai, New York, Seoul, Tokyo, and Shanghai, it represents artists such as Takashi Murakami and JR.
5. Thaddaeus Ropac
Thaddaeus Ropac founded his gallery in 1983 in Salzburg, expanding to Paris, London, and Seoul. The gallery is known for its representation of contemporary artists such as Georg Baselitz and Joseph Beuys.
4. Hauser & Wirth
Established in 1992 in Zurich by Iwan and Manuela Wirth and Ursula Hauser, Hauser & Wirth has grown into a global network with locations in London, Somerset, New York, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Zürich, St. Moritz, Gstaad, Menorca, Chillida Leku, Paris, Monaco, and Hong Kong, marked by a strong affinity towards architecture and cultural heritage. It represents a roster of contemporary and modern artists, including Louise Bourgeois and Mark Bradford.
3. Pace Gallery
Founded in 1960 by Arne Glimcher in Boston, Pace Gallery is a leading contemporary art gallery. Now headquartered in New York, it has locations in London, Hong Kong, Seoul, Geneva, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, representing artists such as David Hockney and Yayoi Kusama.
2. David Zwirner
David Zwirner opened his New York gallery in 1993, expanding to Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, and Paris. Known for its roster of significant contemporary artists, it represents the likes of Gerhard Richter and Jeff Koons.
1. Gagosian Gallery
Larry Gagosian established the Gagosian Gallery in 1980 in Los Angeles. It has since become a global powerhouse with 16 locations worldwide. Gagosian represents some of the most prestigious names in art, including Cy Twombly, Jenny Saville, and Urs Fischer.
These galleries, through their global presence and commitment to both established and emerging talents, have significantly shaped the contemporary art world. Their influence and success, as highlighted by Artfacts, underscore their pivotal role in the dynamics of the art market, making them essential destinations for anyone interested in having their finger at the pulse of contemporary art.
Last Updated on January 27, 2024
Sylvia Walker
Sylvia Walker (b. 1986, US) is an art historian, essayist, art critic, and curator. After contributing to numerous publications, and curating exhibitions in the United States of America and beyond, she currently works as the assistant director of Contemporary Art Issue (CAI).
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