On 11 September 2025, the Institute for Strategic Development (IFSE) presented the results of the third nationwide gallery study. Twelve years after the first survey and five years after the pandemic year 2020, the new study once again provides a comprehensive overview of the structures, achievements and challenges of professionally managed galleries in Germany. More than 150 galleries took part in the survey.
Image avobe: Portrait Hergen Woebken by Jeanne Degraa.
Galleries as Underestimated Cultural Spaces
German galleries remain central places for the mediation of art: in 2024 they organised more than 4,000 exhibitions, on over 120,000 square metres, attracting an estimated two million visitors. Despite declining revenues, they maintain their cultural relevance. “Galleries are the underestimated museums of Germany. They open new exhibitions every day, take on the economic risk alone – and remain far too invisible in the public discourse,” said Hergen Wöbken (IFSE). Remarkably, structural continuity prevails, with results echoing the surveys of 2013 and 2020 – such as the focus on the primary market and the key role of painting.
Generational Change
29 percent of galleries plan a handover within the next five years, another 20 percent within the next six to ten years. Only 17 percent currently have a concrete succession plan. “We are at the beginning of a massive generational shift,” said Wöbken. “This could mean the loss of unique profiles for the art system if succession fails.”
Economic Reality
For the first time, the study systematically asked about gross profit – the amount remaining after deducting artists’ shares and direct production costs. The median is €50,000 based on a median turnover of €300,000. The average gross profit margin is 30 percent. “It is not turnover that determines whether a gallery survives, but the gross profit,” Wöbken explained.
59 percent of galleries belong to the small segment with annual turnover under €400,000, 28 percent are in the medium range between €400,000 and €1.5 million, and only 13 percent exceed this threshold. The total turnover of German galleries is estimated at €600 million – significantly below the €890 million reported in 2020.
Collectors and Artists
More than 60 percent of revenues come from private clients. The visibility of female artists is also increasing: their share is now 41 percent, up six percentage points since 2020. In total, German galleries represent around 14,600 artists.
Outlook
The study forecasts a tightening market situation and a consolidation process in which only professionally positioned galleries will prevail. Digitalisation, standardisation and cooperation are considered essential prerequisites for future viability. “Glamour is part of the art market, but it alone does not sustain galleries. Economic stability, transparency and cooperation are indispensable,” said Wöbken.
Thanks go to all participating galleries and supporters, including the German Association of Galleries and Art Dealers (BVDG), boesner Berlin, the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Enterprises, ART COLOGNE, art KARLSRUHE and ART DÜSSELDORF.
⇒ The complete study is available here: ifse.de
‼ Note: As part of Berlin Art Week, an accompanying talk on the Gallery Study will take place at the Berlin Art Week Garden.
WHEN?
11 September 2025 — Publication of the IFSE Gallery Study III 2025
Talk at Berlin Art Week Garden: 11 September 2025 (time in the official Berlin Art Week programme)
WHERE?
Institute for Strategic Development (IFSE) — publication online: ifse.de
Talk: Berlin Art Week Garden (exact location and time in the official festival programme)
