The Fondation Fernet-Branca in Saint-Louis (Alsace, France), a renowned exhibition space for contemporary art in the heart of the tri-national region, has announced the appointment of Olga Osadtschy as its new director.
Since the Fondation Fernet-Branca reopened its doors in April 2024 after an 18-month closure, the institution has been temporarily managed by the executive board of the foundation.
The president of the foundation, Martine Zimmermann, said, “Ms. Osadtschy worked for many years at Kunstmuseum Basel and has conducted extensive research throughout her career. We are convinced by her curatorial rigour and her commitment to the arts and the artists. We are delighted to welcome her to the Espace d’Art Contemporain of the Fondation Fernet-Branca and look forward to discovering her vision and some wonderful exhibitions in the future”.
Olga Osadtschy worked as an assistant curator at the Kunstmuseum Basel under the leadership of Josef Helfenstein between 2016 and 2024, where she co-curated major exhibitions on Dan Flavin (2024), Shirley Jaffe (2023) and the photography collection of Ruth and Peter Herzog (2020), among others.
She was also instrumental in organising major retrospectives of Camille Pissarro (2021), Theaster Gates (2018), Sam Gilliam (2018) and Marc Chagall (2017). In a rigorous selection process, she convinced the selection committee of the Fondation Fernet-Branca with her international and interdisciplinary profile.
“The Fondation Fernet-Branca enjoys immense popularity in Alsace and has great potential to establish itself as an important venue in the rich network of institutions dedicated to contemporary art in the border region. I look forward to embarking on this journey with the excellent team and working towards a stronger presence in the tri-national region and beyond,” said Olga.
Adding, “I welcome the opportunity to develop a program that is rooted in the region and actively engages the local art scene while broadening horizons and incorporating international perspectives. I am excited to support artistic experiments in this unique venue and help facilitate enriching personal encounters.”
In addition to her artistic direction, a significant portion of the building’s renovation will take place during Olga Osadtschy’s tenure. Restoration of the famous Fernet-Branca eagle and the historic façade are on the agenda.
“Such work is never routine – it requires care, sensitivity and respect for cultural heritage,” says Olga.
Fondation Fernet-Branca © Tous droits réservés.
About the Institution
The Fondation Fernet-Branca was established in 2004 on the premises of the former Fernet-Branca liqueur factory in Saint-Louis, France. Since then, it has established a reputation as an independent exhibition space with international appeal.
The 1,500 m² space presents temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and is dedicated to promoting current artistic discourse. The unique industrial charm of the building and its ambitious program set the Fondation Fernet-Branca apart as an important venue for artists, cultural enthusiasts and collectors from France, Germany and Switzerland.
Lead image: Olga Osadtschy, May 2025, Photo by Julian Salinas.
You must be logged in to post a comment.