Samuel Keller: From Art Basel Director to Beyeler Foundation Head
In June 2006, Samuel Keller stepped down from his position as director of Art Basel to take the helm at the Beyeler Foundation in Riehen, a choice made by its founder Ernst Beyeler (1921–2010). Keller, who asserts he has never sold a single painting, attributes his success to his vast network and ability to build relationships. He initiated the Miami Beach fair in 2002, elevating it to the premier art fair in the United States. Renowned for his interpersonal skills, he famously traveled to New York for Richard Serra's dinner at MoMA and returned the same evening. Currently, Keller oversees three to four exhibitions each year, attracting 400,000 visitors and managing a team of 150, likening his role to that of a gardener.
Key facts
- Samuel Keller announced his resignation as Art Basel director in June 2006 to lead the Beyeler Foundation.
- He was personally chosen by Ernst Beyeler, who founded the museum in Riehen, Basel suburb.
- Keller never sold a painting; he studied art history and worked with galleries and artists.
- He launched Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002, which became the top US art fair.
- A Miami journalist called Keller 'the man with 60,000 friends'.
- Keller once flew to New York for Richard Serra's MoMA dinner and returned the same night.
- As museum director, he organized a Serra-Brancusi exhibition.
- Keller describes his role as like a gardener, focused on past, present, and future.
- The Beyeler Foundation is open 365 days a year, with three to four exhibitions annually.
- The foundation employs 150 people and attracts 400,000 visitors per year.
Entities
Artists
- Samuel Keller
- Ernst Beyeler
- Richard Serra
- Constantin Brancusi
- Serge Lemoine
- Bernard Ceysson
- Marc Spiegler
- Harry Bellet
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Beyeler Foundation
- MoMA
- Art Review
- Musée d'Orsay
- Musée de Saint-Étienne
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Riehen
- Miami
- Florida
- United States
- New York
Sources
- artpress —