Recognising a fascinating example of adaptive reuse, the international gallery Pace has joined forces with Galerie Judin to form an arts hub in a 1950s Berlin service station. The new landmark venue, opening today in the city’s Schöneberg neighbourhood, establishes a striking cultural space for the galleries’ German-speaking patrons. A café and Die ZEIT-branded bookshop also share the premises.
‘The evolution of this once mundane property bears witness to the constant change in this captivating city, and we are delighted to share the Tankstelle’s genius loci with Pace Gallery and ZEIT,’ says Pay Matthis Karstens, co-owner of Galerie Judin. ‘In our wish to contribute to the Berlin art scene while expanding the gallery’s program and international outreach, we couldn’t think of a better partner and second space for the gallery.’
Pace will reinforce its commitment to the European art market with two exhibitions in the space each year. The first, exhibited alongside Galerie Judin, is Reverse Alchemy, bringing together works on paper by Jean Dubuffet, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Robert Nava.
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Installation view, Reverse Alchemy
Dubuffet, Basquiat, Nava,
May 2 – Jun 14, 2025 at Die Tankstelle, Berlin.
Photography: Roman März, courtesy Pace Gallery
Photography: Roman März
The gas station dates to 1954, when West Berlin was rebuilding following the Second World War. After its abandonment in 1986, it stood as a bold, modernist reminder of a divided Germany—until Juerg Judin bought into the space in 2007. He enlisted Thomas Brakel and bfs design to update it for the purpose of exhibiting art and restore its original red canopy. The landscape architect Guido Hager planted a modest garden on the perimeter of the forecourt.
From 2022 to 2024, the space was temporarily occupied by Das Kleine Grosz Museum, dedicated to the work of German artist George Grosz.
Pace Gallery moved in last month, following years of activity across Berlin. ‘Pace has a deep commitment to Berlin and its thriving creative community, and we feel so honored to bring our artists’ work to this very special building in the city,’ says senior director Laura Attanasio. ‘We look forward to strengthening our connection to Berlin, its people, and its artists with our programming at this historic site.’
