Petzel, a contemporary art gallery with a rich history and a dynamic program, is a significant player in the art scene of New York City. Founded by Friedrich Petzel in 1994, the gallery first opened its doors on Wooster Street in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood. It later relocated to Chelsea, a burgeoning arts district, in 2000. The move to Chelsea allowed the gallery to expand, adding a separate neighboring space dedicated to smaller exhibitions, artists' projects, and performances in 2006.

In 2008, Petzel Gallery and Galerie Gisela Capitain joined forces to open Capitain Petzel in Berlin's Mitte section. This collaborative effort allowed the galleries to unite artists they represented on a global scale, presenting ambitious exhibitions and developing a unique program specific to the Berlin-based space.

After over a decade on 22nd Street, Petzel Gallery moved to a new location in lower Chelsea at 456 West 18th Street in 2012. In 2015, the gallery, now known simply as Petzel, expanded to open a second New York outpost in a townhouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 35 East 67th Street. This location acts as a platform to consign historical works by artists within the Petzel program and focuses on curatorial projects and collaborative exhibitions.

In the Fall of 2022, Petzel opened a new 16,000 square foot flagship location at 520 West 25th in the heart of Chelsea. This expansion is a testament to the gallery's commitment to cultivating a dynamic program dedicated to the innovation, diversity, and ambitions of each of its artists.

Petzel's program centers around an eclectic group of international contemporary artists, all of whom are critically acclaimed for their distinct creative processes. The gallery represents over 40 distinguished international artists working across a diverse range of media, genre, and artistic style. Each artist has exhibited widely in both museums and galleries throughout the world and are regularly included in international exhibitions such as Documenta, the Whitney Biennial, The Carnegie International, and the São Paulo and Venice Biennials.

Petzel is a vibrant addition to the art scene in New York City. Its commitment to showcasing a diverse range of art, combined with its dedication to supporting emerging and established artists, makes it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. As it continues to evolve and expand, Petzel remains dedicated to its mission of promoting the understanding and appreciation of art.