New website for an art gallery and art advisory in Zurich: real cost vs local agencies (2026)

The verdict in three sentences

In Zurich, a gallery or art advisor's website is judged by demanding collectors on image quality, accurate artist pages and discretion. A local agency charges around CHF 20,000 to 50,000 as a 2026 ballpark, while Kolonell's fixed grid runs from CHF 2,700 (Starter) to CHF 8,200 (Premium), Premium being the multilingual tier. The difference lies in the costs around the site, German copy and maintenance, which need pricing from the start.

Three budgets compared, in Swiss francs

Zurich ranges come from typical local agency quotes and public rate pages. They are 2026 ballpark figures, excluding VAT.

Every Kolonell tier includes a project manager reachable in your time zone, delivery in 3 to 4 weeks (4 to 6 for Premium) and 3 months of support. A Zurich gallery courting international collectors often chooses Premium, the multilingual tier, in German, English and French. Private viewing rooms, collector-only areas and inventory software integrations are on quote. See the international offer.

What a Zurich collector expects from the site

Searches focus on an artist's name, a current exhibition or a presence at Art Basel in June. The site must show, plainly: the artists you actually represent, with their consent for each image; dated exhibitions; confirmed fairs; the scope of the advisory service (sourcing works, building a collection, purchase support) with no invented clients; and a short appointment form. Prices often stay on request, which is perfectly fine as long as enquiring is simple.

The framework matters too. The revised Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP), in force since 1 September 2023, applies to your forms, under the supervision of the FDPIC. The GDPR comes into play if you target EU residents. Anti-money-laundering rules for the art trade exist in Switzerland, the EU and the UK, with thresholds and duties that vary: have counsel check them. This is not legal advice.

The costs missing from the first quote

The 3-year view, and when to stay with a Zurich agency

Take a gallery weighing a local agency at CHF 38,000 against Kolonell Premium at CHF 8,200. Agency side: 38,000 + 3,500 photography + 600 hosting + 33 months of maintenance at CHF 400, so 13,200, gives CHF 55,300 (market assumptions for everything except the build). Kolonell side: 8,200 + 3,500 + 1,500 German proofreading + 600 + 33 months at CHF 250, so 8,250, gives CHF 22,050. The gap reaches CHF 33,250 over 3 years.

A Zurich agency remains the right choice if you want in-person workshops at your premises, a full visual identity created alongside the site, a team that photographs every hang itself, or a heavy integration with your inventory system at launch. Questions to ask any provider: who owns the domain and the files? What does adding an exhibition cost? Where is form data hosted? Who writes the German?

Mini case study

Illustrative example: Kunstraum Limmatblick, a fictional Kreis 4 gallery representing 9 artists, with an advisory service for private collectors. It picks Kolonell Premium at CHF 8,200 in German, English and French, adds CHF 3,500 of photography and CHF 1,500 of German proofreading (market assumptions). The launch budget comes to CHF 13,200 (8,200 + 3,500 + 1,500), against CHF 41,500 with the agency it consulted (38,000 + 3,500). The CHF 28,300 saved at launch could, for instance, fund a season of printed catalogues.

FAQ

Must the site be hosted in Switzerland?

It is not a general obligation, but many galleries prefer it for their clients. Allow CHF 150 to 300 a year as a market assumption.

Can we start on Growth and move to Premium later?

Yes. Growth at CHF 4,500 covers a complete gallery site; moving to Premium, the multilingual tier, is then priced according to the languages set in the quote.

Should artwork prices be shown?

No, price on request remains the norm for many galleries. Keep the form to 3 or 4 fields.

How long to go live before Art Basel?

Allow 4 to 6 weeks for Premium, plus 2 weeks of margin for images. Starting in April leaves time for a May launch.

Does the revFADP require a cookie banner?

It depends on the tools you use: without tracking tools, the question looks different. Your counsel will decide; keep an up-to-date privacy policy in any case.

Let's scope your project. A Zurich gallery targeting international collectors often starts on Premium, delivered in 4 to 6 weeks. See the international offer or request a free quote: detailed reply within 48 hours.