VENICE — On May 8 2026, Venice’s “La Galleria” celebrated its 25th anniversary with the opening of “Art Beyond Boundaries,” uniting international artists across generations and fulfilling owner Dorothea van der Koelen’s four-decade dream.
Two years of renovation
Van der Koelen first visited Venice in 1982. “When I first came to Venice, I knew I wanted to live here one day and open a gallery,” she told a gathering of art collectors and guests in her anniversary speech. She received support from media artist Fabrizio Plessi, who found her a centrally located building in Calle Calegheri, not far from the Teatro La Fenice, that required complete renovation.
“Two years of intensive work followed: damp in the walls, difficult transport of materials by ship, and complex coordination with heritage conservation authorities made the renovation a challenge,” recounted art expert and long-time friend Countess Bettina von Pfeil in her speech. Shortly after the renovation was completed, the opportunity arose to purchase the neighbouring property. “That was the best decision of my life,” van der Koelen said.
From gallery to church
The title “Art Beyond Boundaries” signals van der Koelen’s core conviction that art must transcend national boundaries and foster dialogue. The anniversary exhibition brings together international artists from different generations, working with diverse techniques and materials. The gallery’s programme features significant figures in contemporary art, including Günther Uecker, Joseph Kosuth, Mohammed Kazem, and the paper and light artist Lore Bert.
Running in parallel, “Towards the Light”, organised by van der Koelen and featuring works by Lore Bert, opened the same day at the Church of San Fantin, giving the anniversary a second venue and broader resonance.
Both exhibitions stand for understanding and peace. “In her projects, aesthetic standards are combined with the hope for a better, more open world. She advocates spaces for reflection, communication, and dialogue through the arts. In beauty, the vision of a better world shines through,” Countess von Pfeil said to close her speech.
The 25th anniversary of “La Galleria” was marked not only as a retrospective on a challenging but successful history, but as a clear commitment to cultural exchange and international openness.
