Anniversary exhibition combines paintings by Christopher Lehmpfuhl with Darmstadt sculpture from the past 50 years
The Netuschil Gallery in Darmstadt celebrates its 50th anniversary in October. Exactly five decades after the opening of the former "Saalbau Gallery," gallery owner Claus K. Netuschil invites you to a preview of the anniversary exhibition on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. The grand gallery celebration follows on Sunday, October 4, starting at 11 a.m.Admission is free.
The exhibition focuses on new oil paintings and watercolors by Christopher Lehmpfuhl , as well as figurative sculptures by Darmstadt artists from the past 50 years. The exhibition runs from October 1st to December 19th, 2026.
From the Saalbau Gallery to the Netuschil Gallery
On October 1, 1976, Claus K. Netuschil opened the gallery, then known as the "Saalbau Gallery," with works by the artist Karl Thylmann. Exactly 50 years later, the anniversary program begins with a reception and a first viewing of the new exhibition.
For the anniversary exhibition, Netuschil combines the paintings of Christopher Lehmpfuhl with a retrospective of five decades of figurative sculpture in Darmstadt.
The official exhibition opening will take place on October 4th at 11 a.m. Speakers will include Mayor Hanno Benz, Dr. Christoph Breitwieser from the Bensheim Museum, art historian Dr. Thomas Gädeke, cultural journalist Johannes Breckner, and sculptor Thomas Duttenhoefer. Anke Schimpf and Alexander Gärtner will provide the musical opening with saxophones.
Art and music until the evening
The opening will be followed by a full-day program. At 2 p.m. , Christopher Lehmpfuhl will speak with Christoph Breitwieser and Thomas Gädeke about contemporary painting. A short guided tour of Lehmpfuhl's work will begin at 3:30p.m.
At 4 p.m., Claus K. Netuschil will discuss contemporary sculpture with Anne Haring and Thomas Duttenhoefer. At 5 p.m., Alfonso Mannella will demonstrate how a portrait is created on a copper plate in an etching demonstration.
Music is also part of the anniversary program. At 3 p.m., Detlef Kraft and Christof Thewes will perform a percussion and trombone program. From 6 p.m. onwards, Angela Frontera, Udo Brenner, and Uli Partheil will provide the evening's entertainment with jazz.
In addition, there will be a raffle with art prizes from the gallery's history. The main prizes will be awarded at 4:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available throughout the day.
Anniversary exhibition until December
The double exhibition “Christopher Lehmpfuhl – Sensuality of Color, Beauty of Pictures” and “Figurative Sculpture – Darmstadt Sculpture of the Last 50 Years” can be seen until December 19th.
The preview begins on October 1st at 6 pm. The gallery celebration with the official exhibition opening takes place on October 4th starting at 11 am. Admission to the anniversary celebration is free.
(RED/NETUSCHIL)
