Founded in 1987 by Victor Gisler, Mai 36 Galerie has been a significant player in the international contemporary art scene for over three decades. Located in the heart of Zurich, the gallery has been instrumental in trading and presenting international contemporary art, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video, film, and installation.

The gallery's inaugural exhibition was held with Les Levine in 1988 at Maihofstrasse 36 in Lucerne. Since 1996, the gallery has been located in a three-story townhouse in the center of Zurich, near The Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts. The gallery's focus has been to present and promote the work of both emerging and established international contemporary artists. For more than 25 years, Mai 36 Galerie has been working with artists such as John Baldessari, Stephan Balkenhol, Thomas Ruff, Lawrence Weiner, and Rémy Zaugg, among others. The gallery also represents the estates of Luigi Ghirri, Paul Thek, and Daan Van Golden.

Mai 36 Galerie's exhibition program is characterized by its focus on solo exhibitions, which allow for an in-depth exploration of an artist's work. These exhibitions are often accompanied by publications, further contributing to the discourse on contemporary art. The gallery also participates in international art fairs such as Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach, Art Basel Hong Kong, Frieze London, Fiac Paris, Arco Madrid, and Zona Maco Mexico City.

In addition to its main space in Zurich, the gallery has initiated a summer project room, Hellvi Ka?nnungs, in a rebuilt limestone barn on the island of Gotland. Since 2011, this space has served as an alternative exhibition space to the gallery in Zurich. Some of the gallery artists have curated their own exhibitions here, and it has been a place to explore new ideas. Hellvi Ka?nnungs has become a meeting point for artists and the public in an environment completely different from the urban gallery space.

Mai 36 Galerie stands as a beacon of contemporary art in Zurich. Its commitment to fostering artistic talent, promoting international artists, and nurturing a love for art among the public has made it a significant player in the global art scene. As it continues to evolve and expand, Mai 36 Galerie remains dedicated to its mission of supporting and promoting the work of innovative and pioneering artists.