HIGHLIGHTS OF ART COLOGNE 2023<\h2>
Art Cologne, originally known as Kölner Kunstmarkt, is an annual art fair that takes place in Cologne, Germany. Established in the year, it holds the distinction of being the world's oldest art fair of its kind. This prestigious event spans six days and gathers galleries from over countries at the Cologne Exhibition Centre, which ranks among the world's largest exhibition venues. Open to the general public, Art Cologne typically attracts approximately visitors.
Art Cologne was a trailblazer as the first art fair designed exclusively for commercial galleries to showcase and sell Modern and Contemporary art. This set it apart from earlier art fairs like the 57th Street Art Fair in Chicago or the Ann Arbor Art Fairs in Michigan, where artists themselves promoted their creations directly to the public on street stands. Art Cologne and subsequent international art fairs provided private galleries with conditions akin to those they experienced in their home countries, offering booths within dedicated buildings that enabled the presentation of high-value art pieces.
The brainchild of gallerists Hein Stünke and Rudolph Zwirner, Kölner Kunstmarkt was founded in an effort to reinvigorate the sluggish market for contemporary art. With Bonn assuming the role of Germany's new capital city, the Rhineland, a robust industrial hub at the heart of Europe, took center stage as the epicenter of West German art. The inaugural Kölner Kunstmarkt took place in the Gürzenich festival hall in the medieval section of the city, with Kunsthalle Köln added as a supplementary venue the following year. This fair played a pivotal role in establishing Cologne as a burgeoning hub for contemporary art. At the edition of Kölner Kunstmarkt, a West German dealer and a West German artist set new records when René Block sold a Joseph Beuys work, later known as "Das Rudel," for DM, marking Beuys as the first West German artist to break the one-hundred-thousand-mark threshold.
In, Art Cologne relocated to its current venue in the Deutz district's trade show halls. On this occasion, it underwent a name change to Internationaler Kunstmarkt (IKM). Between and, the fair alternated between Cologne and Düsseldorf, gradually building its international reputation. The name Art Cologne, as we know it today, was adopted in . In that year, following its acquisition by event organizer Koelnmesse, the number of exhibitors at the fair swelled to .
As the proliferation of art fairs continued, Art Cologne faced increased competition, leading to a decline in exhibitors and collectors in the s. The emergence of Berlin's art scene prompted various efforts, including special events, exhibitions, prizes, and promotional initiatives, in a bid to revitalize the fair, but with limited success. A less appealing shift in venue within the fairgrounds and a change of dates from autumn to spring exacerbated the unease among both the public and industry professionals. In, the fair moved to April from the fall to avoid scheduling conflicts with other events. Despite these adjustments, Art Cologne only attracted, visitors that year, a decrease of, compared to, and a further decline to, visitors in the edition.
In, Art Cologne terminated its sister event on Mallorca after just one edition and appointed Los Angeles gallery owner Daniel Hug, as its new director, as part of a concerted effort to increase attendance and regain the participation of top collectors and dealers.
In, dealers specializing in Modern and post-war art secured their own dedicated floor for the first time. The middle floor featured the fair's contemporary section, showcasing international galleries like David Zwirner, Hauser & Wirth, Michael Werner Gallery, and Sprüth Magers. The third floor was dedicated to New Contemporaries, the young galleries, and Collaborations. By, Art Cologne and Nada had concluded the Collaborations segment, with Hug rebranding all of the fair's contemporary art sections as "Neumarkt," named after an alternative Cologne fair in the s.
In, Art Cologne engaged in discussions with abc art berlin contemporary to establish a new fair called Art Berlin.
In 2008, Art Cologne's organizers selected 150 exhibitors, approximately two-thirds of whom were German. By the 2012 edition, German galleries constituted 65% of the 200 international exhibitors. The number of exhibitors has remained relatively stable, with around 200 galleries from 23 countries participating in 2015. In the 2019 edition, the number of exhibitors was reduced to 176.
To cover the basic expenses of a €35,000 stand, gallery owners require sales totaling €200,000.
The ART COLOGNE Ticket Shop is set to launch in the autumn of 2023, offering a seamless admission process for ART COLOGNE in just three easy steps:
1 Ticket Purchase or Redemption
- To get started, please register on the Ticket Shop and either create a new Koelnmesse account or log in using your existing credentials.
- Once logged in, you can either purchase your ticket or redeem your ticket code within the Ticket Shop.
2 Receipt of Your Ticket
- Upon completing your transaction, you will receive your ticket in PDF format along with an order confirmation.
- For your convenience, you can choose to either print your ticket in A4 format or download the PDF file to your mobile device.
3 Access to ART COLOGNE
- With your ticket in hand, whether in printed or digital form, you will be granted access to the ART COLOGNE fairgrounds effortlessly.
Looking for a captivating art experience in Cologne, Germany? Look no further than the Art Hotel Cologne, a haven for art enthusiasts seeking a culturally rich and immersive stay. Situated in the heart of the vibrant city, this unique establishment seamlessly combines hospitality and creativity to offer guests a truly unforgettable experience.
The Art Hotel Cologne prides itself on being more than just a place to rest your head. Each room is meticulously designed to create an atmosphere that inspires and stimulates the artistic senses. From vibrant murals adorning the walls to carefully curated furniture pieces, every aspect of the hotel has been crafted with a deep appreciation for artistry and aesthetics. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or simply someone who appreciates beauty, this hotel is certain to leave a lasting impression.
Once you've had your fill of the hotel's artistic ambiance, venture out into the city to explore the plethora of art museums that Cologne has to offer. With a rich history and a thriving contemporary art scene, it's no wonder Cologne is renowned as a cultural hub in Germany. Some notable museums include the Museum of Applied Art Cologne, where you can marvel at an impressive collection that showcases the intersection of art and design. Additionally, the Discovery Art Fair Cologne presents a fantastic opportunity to discover up-and-coming artists and engage with their thought-provoking works.
Art enthusiasts will feel right at home in Cologne, a city that truly embraces and celebrates artistic expression. Whether you're strolling through the city's picturesque streets or admiring the breathtaking artworks in its museums, Cologne promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for all lovers of art.
So, if you're planning a visit to Cologne, Germany, make sure to book your stay at the Art Hotel Cologne. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene the city has to offer and explore the fascinating art museums that will leave you inspired and captivated. Get ready to discover a cultural haven that will awaken your artistic spirit and create lasting memories.