The gallery was originally founded by Michael W. Schmalfuß in 1998 in Marburg. In 2011, a second gallery was opened in Berlin. A vast variety of exhibitions have taken place, showing both established and young contemporary artists with German and international backgrounds. The gallery mainly focuses on realism, representative and figurative painting and sculpture.

Schmalfuß Berlin represents artists whose work, by means of individual expression, perseverance and dynamics, is exemplary of the artistic transition from the 20th century into the 21st yet also sets course for the future.

Schmalfuß Berlin also represents artists at international art fairs in order to solidify their position on a national and international level.