Opera Gallery has opened a new outpost in Houston, marking its 14th global location and extending its presence into one of the fastest-growing collector hubs in the United States.
Situated in the city’s River Oaks District, the gallery launched on 20th March 2026 with an inaugural presentation that brought together a cross-section of modern, post-war and contemporary masters. The move places Houston alongside the gallery’s established network of cities, including New York, London, Paris, Monaco, Dubai and Singapore.
The opening exhibition sets the tone with a tightly curated selection of blue-chip names and contemporary voices. Works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall sit alongside sculptural works by Alexander Calder, while more recent practices are represented by Yayoi Kusama and Kehinde Wiley. The result is a presentation that moves fluidly between historical weight and contemporary energy—reflecting the gallery’s long-standing approach to programming.
Founded in 1994 by dealer Gilles Dyan, Opera Gallery has grown from a modest presentation of contemporary French artists in Singapore into a major international player in the art market. Its expansion into Houston signals both a strategic shift and a response to the city’s increasingly visible position within global collecting networks.
“Opera Gallery has always operated through meaningful relationships within each community we serve,”
said Dyan.
“Houston’s collector community is exceptionally sophisticated and globally connected. Opening a gallery here allows us to build lasting partnerships while contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.”
The new space will be led by Director Gregory Lahmi and Deputy Director Kara Przybyl McIver, both bringing experience across international markets and regional collector networks. Together, they position the gallery as both a commercial platform and a point of access—connecting local audiences to an international programme of exhibitions.
With plans to stage three to four curated exhibitions annually, the Houston gallery will operate as a hybrid space—balancing canonical works with emerging and established contemporary practices. In a city defined by its mix of legacy wealth and forward-looking ambition, the opening feels less like an arrival and more like an alignment.
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All photos © Ryne Williams
About River Oaks District River Oaks District is Houston’s premier destination for world-class shopping, dining, and experiences, home to over 60 globally recognised brands and award- winning restaurants. For more information, please visit riveroaksdistrict.com.
