Galerie Zwart Huis was founded in 2001 by Gerda Vander Kerken in Knokke, where the gallery took up residence in Villa De Beir, the iconic modernist house designed by architect Huib Hoste in 1924. From the outset, the gallery established a distinctive focus on Belgian contemporary art, with particular attention to figurative painting and drawing, while also embracing sculpture, photography, design and conceptual art. Over the years, Zwart Huis has built a strong reputation through exhibitions featuring artists including Jan Fabre, Ronny Delrue, Johan Tahon, Philippe Vandenberg, Philip Aguirre, Carl De Keyzer, Jan Vanriet and Liliane Vertessen.

Since 2017, the gallery has been directed by Elke Helbig. Under her leadership, Zwart Huis relocated to Brussels, where it established itself in the Rivoli building and further expanded its programme to include both established and emerging Belgian artists. Today, Zwart Huis combines a strong focus on contemporary Belgian art with a long-term commitment to its artists, a carefully curated exhibition programme and regular participation in art fairs such as Art Brussels. The gallery represents, among others, Nils Verkaeren, Stefan Peters, Stief DeSmet, Colin Waeghe, Koen Deprez, Fik van Gestel and Peter Lagast.

As of September 2026, Zwart Huis is further expanding its activities with a new location in Antwerp. This expansion coincides with the gallery’s 25th anniversary and marks a new chapter in its history.