For appreciating the arts, Palo Alto offers an array of small-scale local galleries along with a few public museums on Stanford campus. While there are opportunities to enjoy fine arts, the scene is missing exhibits that feature distinguished work that defines the creative market today.
Swiss-based art gallery and dealership Hauser & Wirth, which operates 19 brick-and-mortar locations worldwide, plans to open a location on the corner of Hamilton Avenue and Emerson Street in the fall, bringing influential artists and visionary exhibitions to the Bay Area art collector community.
Hauser & Wirth plans to transform the historic building known as Downing Block that once housed the United States Post Office from 1909–28.
With a reputation for restoring older culturally significant buildings into flourishing contemporary art spaces, Hauser & Wirth intends to maintain the historical integrity of the building.
Longtime Palo Alto residents might mistakenly think of the white stucco exterior and Spanish Revival-style arches of the more prominent 1930s downtown post office three blocks away, but Downing Block, which stands across from Palo Alto Creamery, is at 201-225 Hamilton Ave.
Architect Luis Laplace, who has a longstanding relationship with the company, will be in charge of designing and remodeling the interior of the new gallery. The art will be the main attraction, but the building will be a work of art in itself, making this new location a must-see.
According to Palo Alto Senior Historic Planner Steven Switzer, Laplace plans to replace the original green doors and awnings with yellow in order to add a pop of color.
“There will be some interior work to accommodate the new gallery spaces, but for the most part, they’re keeping most of the historic fabric of the building,” Switzer said.
According to Palo Alto-based art collectors and Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco founding members Pamela and David Hornik, Hauser & Wirth has established itself as a stand-out contemporary and modern art gallery worldwide over the past two decades.
“If an artist is represented by Hauser & Wirth, they are well acknowledged as one of the great contemporary artists of our day,” David Hornik said.
Hauser & Wirth’s Palo Alto location will be the only high profile art gallery serving the Bay Area since Pace Gallery and Gagosian Gallery closed in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Defined as top-tier commercial art spaces with international appeal, these industry leaders control the current art market.
The company, which quietly announced the new gallery on their website, has remained discreet about their choice to expand in Palo Alto specifically. Meanwhile, some of the greater art community has viewed these initiatives as efforts to tap into wealthy Silicon Valley art collectors.
According to Hauser & Wirth President Marc Payot, the company is proud to cultivate a new art center, expanding their West Coast presence from the two active Los Angeles locations.
“Northern California occupies an equally powerful position as home to a fantastically dedicated community of collectors and the museums they have built,” Payot said.
Pamela Hornik said she hopes the incoming Hauser & Wirth might emulate the community aspect of the former Pace Gallery, which consolidated their West Coast operations in the more convenient artist hub of Los Angeles, according to Pace Gallery President and CEO Marc Glimcher.
“Pace would have fabulous shows,” Hornik said. “Different members of the community would gather there to see the art, and that’s my hope for Hauser — that it will provide us another place for arts in Palo Alto.”
According to the rendering, a new cafe will be added, incentivizing young people interested in art to stop by and appreciate the exhibits.
Such person is Palo Alto High School senior Anja Nilsen, who enjoys visiting local galleries and museums. In an age where art can be viewed through a computer screen, Nilsen said seeing art in person allows for people to connect with the details, patterns and textures up close, transforming their experience.
“The way galleries and museums are set up is different than how you would be looking at and viewing works online with brushstrokes and everything,” Nilsen said. “The ambiance is just special when you’re seeing stuff in person.”
From experienced art collectors to locals searching for a new form of entertainment, the addition of Hauser & Wirth serves as a bridge to bring together Palo Alto through art.
“Anytime you can bring more amazing art to the community is a lucky time,” David Hornik said. “To have one of the great galleries of the world set up shop in your backyard is extraordinary.”