Vienna mourns gallery owner Ernst Hilger: A life for art!

Vienna mourns gallery owner Ernst Hilger: A life for art!

Ernst Hilger, the influential Viennese gallery owner and art dealer, died on Monday evening at the age of 75. Born on February 28, 1950 in Vienna, he leaves an impressive legacy in the art scene. Hilger began his academic career in 1968 by studying business administration, but was soon able to develop his passion for art. He originally wanted to be a singer or poet, but he founded his first gallery over 50 years ago.

In 1971, Hilger opened the Galerie Academia in Salzburg, followed by the Galerie Spectrum in Vienna in 1972. In 1976, he finally founded his own gallery, which hosted over 500 exhibitions. In the last few decades he has opened several locations, including hilger contemporary since 2003, HilgerBROTKunsthalle since 2009 and HilgerNEXT since 2013. He also ran branches in Frankfurt and Paris.

An important contribution to the art scene

Hilger was not only a successful gallery owner, but also an important player in the association of Austrian galleries. He served as president of the association and was president of the European Gallery Association from 2002 to 2007. However, in recent years he has not held any official functions and expressed himself positively about this decision. He highlighted the difficulties facing the art market and pointed to the tense global political situation.

For his services, he was awarded the title of professor in 2000 and received the Golden Medal of Honor from the City of Vienna in 2008. In an impressive gesture, he donated around 500 works from his art collection to MUSA, demonstrating his commitment to art and its promotion.

His legacy and the future of galleries

Ernst Hilger was a central figure who significantly influenced the art trade and the propagation of contemporary art in Austria. His influence remains, not least through the exhibition activities he initiated and promoted, which are open to the public several days a week. The Association of Austrian Galleries, in which Hilger was also active, continues to promote art and galleries in the country.

The requirements for full members of the association are clearly defined, which ensures the seriousness and quality of the art on display. Members must have a regular place of residence or company headquarters in Austria and provide evidence of continuous gallery activity for over three years. Supporting and sponsoring members also have the opportunity to contribute to the dissemination of contemporary art, even if they do not meet all the requirements for full membership.

Ernst Hilger's death marks a loss for the art community, but his legacy will live on in the numerous exhibitions and the art scene he supported. His life and work are not only a testament to his commitment, but also an inspiration for future generations of gallery owners and artists. His name will remain closely linked to the development of contemporary art in Austria.

Further information about the structures and requirements of the Association of Austrian Galleries can be found at diegalerien.at.

For more details about Ernst Hilger's life and achievements, visit vienna.at.