Art Brussels 2024: End of Fair Report ​  

From 25 to 28 April, Art Brussels proudly celebrated its 40th edition, continuing its legacy as a beacon of discovery and conviviality in the art world. Founded in 1968 and one of the oldest art fairs in Europe, the 2024 edition welcomed 177 galleries from 30 countries, representing around 800 artists. Set against the backdrop of a city renowned for its rich collecting tradition, Art Brussels 2024 once again captivated art lovers and professionals alike with its vibrant energy and cultural significance. 

For the second year in a row, Art Brussels took place at Brussels Expo, in the Art Deco icon built as from September 1933 opposite the Atomium. The grandeur of this iconic venue contributed to the atmosphere and great experience of the fair and its visitors. Art Brussels is therefore pleased to announce that the next edition will also take place at Brussels Expo, from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April 2025. ​ 

Besides the important presence of numerous international and Belgian collectors, the palpable effervescence of the fair was enhanced by the presence of eminent personalities, such as Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo, and the fashion designers Raf Simons, Edouard Vermeulen and Walter Van Beirendonck, alongside a host of prestigious institutions and leading figures. Their participation underlined Art Brussels' ability to cultivate a sense of synergy and collaboration within the international art community. ​ 

Exactly 26.000 art lovers were in attendance and the fair welcomed 50 national and international museum and collector groups including those from; Adiaf, Les Amis du Centre Pompidou Paris, Les Amis du Palais de Tokyo Paris, EduArt Czech Republic, The Cultivist London, Amigos Museo Reina Sofia Madrid, les Amis du Musée d'art et d'histoire de Genève, Young Collectors Circle, Wiels & WE Club Brussels, Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens Deurle, Vrienden van SMAK Ghent and many more. ​ 

Collectors from around the world were impressed by the quality of the fair stands and the diversity of the works, both in terms of medium and artist profile. Art Brussels also benefited from a unique position in the calendar, as many intercontinental collectors who were in Europe for the Venice Biennale subsequently came to the fair. ​ 

For me, it was the best edition of Art Brussels so far. There were so many good things to see that I visited the fair three times. And when I wasn’t at the fair, I was enjoying one of the many activities of the VIP programme. ​
​— Hubert Bonnet, Swiss-Belgian collector and founder of the Fondation CAB in Brussels and Saint-Paul de Vence 

Art needs context. Therefore, it's very worthwhile to take the time for the (Re)Discovery sections and delve deeper into emerging young talent and their (sometimes forgotten) predecessors. By bringing art from all over the world together with motivated collectors, Art Brussels fulfills an essential connecting role. The programme was well organized and facilitated meetings between collectors. A joyful reunion with many friends from all over Europe. ​
​— ​ Bruno Teirlynck, Belgian collector 

Once again, and as every year, I found genuine joy at the fair, this time at The Goma; and around the fair due to the quality and quantity of visitors during the 11th edition of the “3 Collectionneurs at Eté 78 ​
​— Olivier Gevart, Belgian collector and founder of Eté 78 ​ 

Art Brussels has orchestrated a selection and programme worthy of its 40th edition. The network of collectors based in Brussels has always been very lively, and the exhibition has always been approachable, with the right blend of casualness and high standards. In particular, I discovered the work of Noémie Pilo on the annex14 stand, which I have yet to explore. ​
​— ​ Joseph Kouli, French collector 

“Although the Berlin Gallery Weekend was happening the same weekend, a lot of German collectors were present. These collectors were impressed by the vibrant scene and happy to make exceptional discoveryies and see high quality works they did not expect to find.” ​
​– ​ Sabine Schiffer, Art Consultant and Art Brussels VIP ambassador for Germany. ​ 

At the fair, galleries presented expertly curated booths and a unique mix of established artists and emerging talent across the PRIME (for mid-career and established artists), DISCOVERY (emerging artists), REDISCOVERY (unduly underrepresented or overlooked artists from the 20th century), SOLO (solo artist presentations) and INVITED (galleries challenging the traditional gallery model) sections. 

Nele Verhaeren, Director of Art Brussels, said: 

"Art Brussels is often described as a fair with two vernissages: on the opening day and on the final day, each pulsating with an incredible electric energy. Despite the difficult art market, galleries were satisfied with their participation. Once again, Art Brussels has proven itself to be a magnetic hub for curious collectors from all over Europe, discerning curators - even after the opening of the Venice Biennial-, and passionate art lovers alike. We take joy in witnessing the presence of numerous artists, and we feel a sense of pride in the displaying of their exceptional work through the 177 participating galleries. We are also much pleased with the very well-integrated partnerships.  ​
​Art Brussels is an inclusive, friendly, and welcoming fair, a collective endeavor that belongs to all of us. Our aim with 'Memory Lane' was to capture this sentiment, evoking nostalgia through quotes and archival images from 1968 till today. The entire art team extends heartfelt gratitude to the Art Brussels community."

Some Sales Feedback from certain galleries  

“Marking its 40th edition, Art Brussels has become an excellent opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of artists, curators, collectors, and art enthusiasts. For us, the fair was a great occasion to put Constantin Nitsche in the spotlight and to introduce Mark Manders’ most recent work. All works by Nitsche and Manders were sold, underscoring the fair’s potential to connect artists with new audiences.” ​ ​
​— Xavier Hufkens (Brussels) 

"The 40th edition of Art Brussels radiated with good energy, a vibrant mix of familiar faces and new galleries, both young and established international names. Fresh encounters with international collectors alternated with engaging conversations with the Belgian public, resulting in sales and new opportunities for our artists. Art Brussels confirms and contributes to Brussels' important position on the international art scene." ​
​— Julie Senden, rodolphe janssen (Brussels) 

"Art Brussels is always an appointment that the gallery awaits with trepidation. For the second year running, 10 A.M. ART was exhibiting in the REDISCOVERY section, dedicated to the rediscovery of great artists for the international public. Sandro De Alexandris' Solo Show was a real success: several artworks were sold, including the most important one: '3TS/LL 07', a large historical work to an important Italian collection. From the organisational point of view, everything was perfect for us: Art Brussels has an organisation that is efficient and of high quality, and which cares about the needs of the gallerists and charges to do its best. And it always succeeds."  ​
​— 10 A.M. ART (Milan) 

Reflecting the lively cultural pulse of its location, Art Brussels also presented an enriched, inclusive OFF & VIP Programme that resonated throughout the heart of Brussels. Seamlessly collaborating with the city's prestigious cultural institutions such as BOZAR with exhibitions by James Ensor, WIELS with Jef Geys and Oscar Murillo and Royal Museums of Fine Arts Brussels with a Surreralist exhibition, alongside avant-garde art spaces such as CC Strombeek and Border Buda, as well as private collections as the Vanhaerents Art Collection and Eté 78. Art Brussels extends its embrace to the diverse artistic community. On Wednesday 24 April, Gallery Night – when participating galleries in Brussels extend their opening hours until 9 pm – offered over 40 exhibitions. These events, which welcome both local enthusiasts and Art Brussels visitors, animated the city's cultural landscape throughout the week of the fair. ​ 

With the generous support of its main partners for 2024, Delen Private Bank and Bank Van Breda, Art Brussels has cemented its pivotal role as a vital platform for international contemporary art, firmly positioned at the heart of the city's art scene. ​ 

The next edition of Art Brussels will take place from Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 April 2025 at Brussels Expo. 

Notes to Editors 

Press contact

Micha Pycke
​Club Paradis
​+32 (0)486 680 070
​micha@clubparadis.be