Renowned art collector Julia Stoschek has announced the closure of her Berlin exhibition venue, which has showcased her extensive collection of time-based art for the past ten years. Located in the former Czech Cultural Center, the 3,000-square-meter space has hosted 22 exhibitions and attracted around 450,000 visitors since its inception in 2016. The venue will officially close its doors at the end of October 2026, while the Stoschek Foundation will continue to operate its Düsseldorf location, established in 2007.
Stoschek's decision reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing international visibility for her collection. This includes recent exhibitions like "What a Wonderful World: An Audiovisual Poem" in Los Angeles, curated by Udo Kittelmann, which drew over 30,000 attendees and featured prominent artists such as Marina Abramović, Doug Aitken, and Paul Chan.
Despite the closure, Stoschek emphasizes her enduring connection to Berlin, stating, "Berlin remains a central point of reference for me--a city to which I feel deeply connected." She expressed gratitude for the years spent at Leipziger Straße, highlighting the city's influence on the Foundation's work.
There have been discussions about the venue's future since 2020, when rising real estate prices raised concerns about its sustainability. Stoschek acknowledged these considerations but noted that further discussions were necessary at that time.
The Berlin venue has hosted solo exhibitions from a diverse range of artists, including Meriem Bennani and Arthur Jafa, as well as various group shows. Stoschek's collection, managed by her foundation since 2002, comprises over 1,000 works from 300 artists, spanning various mediums such as video, installation, and performance art.
As Stoschek pivots towards international projects, this development may pave the way for a broader appreciation of contemporary art on a global scale, potentially inspiring new dialogues and collaborations within the art community.