Art fairs worth travelling to in 2026, from Venice and Paris to Seoul and Istanbul
For collectors, curators and art-focused travellers, it pays to plan ahead. The art fair calendar is filled with major and emerging events that offer not only opportunities to experience and acquire standout works, but also insights into how art interacts with a region's culture and history. From museum-scale exhibitions and market-defining fairs to high-profile venues where you want to see and…
For art enthusiasts, planning ahead is essential. The calendar of art fairs throughout the year offers opportunities to experience outstanding works, acquire pieces, and gain insight into how art intertwines with a region's culture and history. Here are ten key art events to consider visiting by the second half of 2026:
1. The Venice Art Biennale runs until November 22, 2026. Titled "In Minor Keys," this event features 110 artists, collectives, and artist-led organizations across the Giardini, Arsenale, and national pavilions throughout Venice. Countries present independently commissioned exhibitions alongside the central show.
2. Frieze Seoul is scheduled from September 2 to 5, 2026, at the Coex convention centre in Gangnam. More than 125 galleries from 30 countries will participate, with more than 70 percent based in the Asia-Pacific region. The Kiaf Seoul art fair runs alongside Frieze Seoul.
3. Sydney Contemporary will take place in Carriageworks from September 3 to 6, 2026. For its 10th edition, the event will showcase work from over 100 galleries and 500 artists. Australia and New Zealand will provide the foundation, alongside exhibitors from across the Asia-Pacific region.
4. Fine Arts Paris will occur from September 19 to 23, 2026, at the Grand Palais. Islamic art, Old Masters, antique furniture, and contemporary jewellery will be on display. Sculpture will have an expanded presence, and the new "New Horizons" section will introduce 10 emerging dealers and makers.
5. Contemporary Istanbul is now in its 21st edition, running from September 23 to 27, 2026, at Tersane Istanbul, a former Ottoman-era shipyard overlooking the Golden Horn. The fair provides a clear survey of Turkey's contemporary art market, featuring both Turkish artists and galleries alongside international exhibitors.
6. In October 2026, London will host three major fairs: Frieze London, Frieze Masters, and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Almost 300 galleries from 48 countries will be divided between Frieze London, which concentrates on contemporary work, and Frieze Masters, where the focus is on art made before 2000. 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair will take place at Somerset House from October 15 to 18.
7. Art Basel Paris will run from October 23 to 25, 2026, at the Grand Palais. More than 200 exhibitors from 41 countries and territories will participate, with nearly 30 making their debut. Emerging artists and experimental projects will be featured alongside established international galleries.
8. Art Cologne will take place from November 5 to 8, 2026, at its 59th edition. Known as the world's oldest fair of its kind, the event will focus on modernism and postwar art. Contemporary presentations and the "New Positions" section, which gives emerging artists individual stands, will also be featured.
9. Paris Photo will run from November 12 to 15, 2026, at the Grand Palais. Coinciding with the medium's bicentenary, the event will cover vintage prints, modern masters, contemporary image-making, and publishing. Galleries will be joined by specialist publishers and cultural institutions.
10. The year will close with Art Basel Miami Beach from December 4 to 6, 2026, at the convention centre. Leading modern and contemporary galleries will gather, with additional events such as Design Miami, Aqua Art Miami, Ink Miami Art Fair, and exhibitions across the city making the week a much larger event.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
