Art, Beyond the Gallery System.
The traditional gallery system often feels cold and closed-off. Openhalle is the antidote. We replace intimidation with transparency, offering a direct and exciting way to discover emerging artists and start collecting.
Collecting, Begin.
Start with A. and go from there.
A.
Explore Our Auction
Begin by looking through our current auction. Discover a tightly curated selection of contemporary artists from our latest open call.
B.
Register to
Take Part
Registration is simple, free, and gives you immediate access to place bids, track your favourite works, and receive personalised notifications.
C.
Bid with Confidence
Track the artworks you love, place your bid, and join a community that is actively shaping the future of contemporary art collecting.
But Why Openhalle?
Too often, brilliant work goes unseen and new buyers feel shut out. We’re changing the dynamic by stripping away the gatekeeping and replacing it with transparent auctions and physical exhibitions. Read our story.
FAQs
How do I register and place a bid?
Create an account, log in, and head to the artwork you’d like to bid on. Enter any amount at or above the minimum bid and click “Place a bid”. Our automatic bidding system will then bid for you in the next increment, up to your maximum. You can also add works to your watchlist and receive email updates on bidding activity.
What is the starting bid and estimated value?
Each artwork shows an estimated value and a starting bid. The estimate reflects the usual gallery price; the starting bid is typically 25–50% below that, giving you the chance to acquire strong works at favourable prices while directly supporting the artist.
How do payments, tax and fees work?
If you win, you’ll receive an email with checkout instructions. Payment in full is due within 7 days and can be made via bank transfer or our secure payment gateways. Prices for private buyers include statutory VAT where applicable. We do not charge a buyer’s premium; only shipping (or delivery) costs are added. For full details on payment deadlines, late fees and buyer obligations, please see our full auction terms.
How does delivery and pickup work?
You can either collect your artwork directly from Openhalle or arrange shipping. Delivery costs depend on size, weight and destination; all shipped works include tracking and insurance. Typical delivery times are 5–10 business days within Germany and 10–21 days internationally. Buyers outside the EU are responsible for any customs duties or local taxes. Details on collection deadlines and storage fees can be found in our full auction terms.
What if something goes wrong with my artwork?
All works are sold “as is” and can be viewed in person before and during the auction. Please check your piece promptly on arrival and report any significant damage within 48 hours, including photos. Returns are generally not accepted unless the work is materially not as described. The full conditions of sale, including warranties and liability, are outlined in our full auction terms & conditions.
How does the auction end?
Each lot closes at a fixed time. If a bid is placed in the final 2 minutes, the auction for that lot will extend by 2 minutes (a “soft close”) to keep things fair. Some works may have reserve prices; if the reserve is not met, the work will not be sold. You can find the complete bidding rules in our full auction terms.
Where can I read the full terms and conditions?
You can find the full auction terms & conditions here. Please read them carefully before participating.