Since 1953 – The History of Koller Gallery
Koller Gallery is the oldest continuously operating private art gallery in Hungary, founded in 1953 by György Koller. Established during a period of significant political and economic transformation, the gallery was created with the aim of preserving, researching and presenting outstanding works of Hungarian art to the public.
Its roots reach back to the Etchers Association (Rézkarcoló Művészek Alkotóközössége -RMAK), founded in 1950, which provided an important platform for artists and collectors. Despite restrictive conditions, the initiative secured a lasting position within the Hungarian art market.
In 1980, the first formal private gallery opened in the former studio house of the Hungarian-Italian sculptor Amerigo Tot. From that point onward, the gallery expanded its focus from graphic works to include paintings and sculptures. Over the following decades, its exhibition activity continued to grow, establishing the gallery as a permanent cultural presence in Budapest’s historic Buda Castle district.
Following the passing of György Koller in 1996, his grandson Daniel Köster continued and further developed the gallery. Online sales were introduced in 2018, and since 2021 the gallery has organized its own auctions with a focus on classical, modern and contemporary Hungarian art.
Today, Koller Gallery combines historical continuity with international market expertise, academic cooperation and contemporary auction and exhibition activities.
The foundation
In the famous Mihály Munkácsy street, György Koller started his activities as an Art Dealer in 1950.
The Association of Hungarian Engravers (RMAK)
It was under these circumstances, which can be best described by stagnation, that György Koller decided in 1950 to establish – according to the possibilities of the law back then – the Association of Hungarian Engravers (RMAK). The association became very successful, even under the given communist situation. For this reason it has been under constant observation and in 1952 even temporarily forbidden. Finally, with the help of famous artists like István Csók, István Szőnyi, Oszkár Glatz and others, they won the support of the then prime minister Ferenc Erdei and got the permission to work with György Koller in the leading function, but under strict limitations. At that time, the head office was still in Munkácsy Mihály street. (You can see the permission to operate below). With its demanding standards of quality and authenticity, the Association quickly became known in the Hungarian art life and the art market respectively. This was further enhanced by the fact that the members of the Association were granted a higher degree of freedom in their creations than those artists under strict governmental limits.
Mandate of György Koller
It was in 1953 on August 19th when our founder György Koller got in charge - thats our foundation date.
Moving to the Buda Castle
Since 1980 our Gallery is welcoming its visitors in the Buda Castle showrooms.
Moving to the Buda Castle, Showrooms in the National Gallery and the HILTON
In 1980 the Association of Hungarian Engravers opened Hungary’ s first “private gallery” in the elegant castle district, in the house of Amerigo Tot – the world-famous Hungarian-Italian artist. From this moment on, the gallery was allowed to deal not only with etchings, but also with sculptures and paintings. The next step was the opening of an exhibition room in the Hungarian National Gallery in 1984 which permitted a closer cooperation with the governmental institutions. There were new subsidiaries in Petőfi Sándor street as well as in the Hilton Hotel in order to show the outstanding Hungarian artists to the growing group of interested people. In addition, numerous exhibitions were organised abroad, such as János Kass in London, Imre Varga in Venice, Vienna, Basel and Paris or Milkós Melocco in Hamburg. Through this activity the reputation of Hungarian art was not only spread in Hungary, but also abroad. Gyögy Koller died in 1996.
György Koller (1924-1994)
He allways wanted to create ideal circumstances for his artists.
The Family Gallery
After the death of György Koller his grandson Daniel Köster took over since 2006
The International opening continues
The Koller Gallery Ltd., which has been founded as a family gallery in 1989 after the political change of system made it possible, has been run by proxy for ten years after György Koller’ s death in 1996. Finally, in 2006 Daniel Köster, the grandchild of Görgy Koller took over the leadership of the gallery. After many decades the aim has not changed: the Koller Gallery represents Hungarian and international contemporary and modern art at an artistically high standard. Additionally the profile of the Koller Gallery has been specified and extended from Antiques to Photography. In addition, the Koller Gallery offers art-appraisal services and a professional handling and development of collections.
So in a unique way our gallery is the only continuously operating private gallery in Hungary, which operates continuously since more than 70 years - and has build its reputation step by step. Now we are honored to welcome national and international customers and collectors on a regular basis.
Introduction of Online Sales
As one of the first Gallery in Hungary in 2018 we introduced the possibility of online sales, integrated in our new website by teaming up with Hungarys biggest bank OTP for the most secure handling of transactions.
Online Timed AUCtIONS
In 2021 we introduced Koller Auctions, the new and descreet way of exapnding our Sales activities for our customers.