Art Brussels 2026: End of Fair Release

Art Brussels 2026 (23–26 April 2026, Brussels Expo) once again confirmed its position as one of Europe’s leading contemporary art fairs, delivering a dynamic and forward-thinking edition marked by strong international engagement, ambitious presentations, and vibrant energy throughout.

With a line-up of 139 galleries from 26 countries and a newly redesigned layout enhancing the visitor experience, the 42nd edition stood out for its clarity, curatorial depth, and commitment to artistic excellence. This year’s fair welcomed 25.969 visitors, exceeding last year’s attendance figures (24.776 visitors), further reinforcing Brussels’ role as a key meeting point for collectors, curators, and art professionals from across Europe and beyond.

At the fair, galleries presented carefully curated booths across five established sections—Prime, Solo, ’68 Forward, and Discovery—alongside the newly introduced Horizons section. Conceived by Devrim Bayar (Kanal-Centre Pompidou), Horizons brought together a selection of monumental works in a scenographic parcours, offering visitors a museum-quality exhibition experience within the fair and underlining Art Brussels’ ongoing commitment to ambitious artistic production. Art Brussels is also delighted to announce that the Belgian curator and museum director Chris Dercon (General Director at Fondation Cartier, Paris) has been appointed to select the Horizons section for the 2027 edition, continuing the fair’s commitment to ambitious, museum-quality programming.

Collectors and visitors alike particularly appreciated the strong solo presentations and the continued relevance of the ’68 Forward section, which highlights artists whose practices have shaped contemporary art from 1968 until 2000. The Discovery section once again proved to be a vital platform for emerging voices from 2023 until today, while Horizons introduced a compelling new dimension to the fair’s curatorial landscape.

For the fourth consecutive year, Art Brussels took place at Brussels Expo, the iconic Art Deco venue located opposite the Atomium. Its scale and architectural character contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the fair, offering both exhibitors and visitors an engaging and spacious environment. Art Brussels is pleased to confirm that the next edition will return to Brussels Expo from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 April 2027.

A Dynamic International Platform

Art Brussels 2026 welcomed a highly international audience, with collectors, curators, and art professionals engaging actively with galleries throughout the fair. The strong presence of returning exhibitors—representing 85% of participating galleries and 85% returning galleries in the Prime section —contributed to a sense of continuity and trust, while new participants brought fresh perspectives to the programme.

The fair maintained its reputation for fostering meaningful encounters between emerging and established artists, offering a balanced and accessible environment for both seasoned collectors and new buyers.

"This edition marked a significant evolution for Art Brussels, with a more focused format and a streamlined footprint that allowed us to bring the entire fair together in Hall 5. The result was a clearer, more cohesive experience that was widely appreciated by both collectors and art lovers—reflected in an attendance that surpassed last year’s figures. Brussels once again proved itself as a vibrant and welcoming art city, with a remarkable atmosphere throughout the week and a strong sense of community across the fair. Galleries responded very positively to the new configuration, reporting solid sales and high-quality encounters with both local and international collectors.
​Beyond the redesigned floor plan, key initiatives such as the launch of the Horizons section, the commissioned entrance work by Natasja Mabesoone, and the exhibition Not Everything is for Sale in the Stibbe Lounge—celebrating 15 loyal veteran galleries—added depth and resonance to the programme. Together with a rich talks programme and a convivial catering area with a large sunny outdoor terrace, these elements contributed to a dynamic and memorable experience for all participants."
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​— Nele Verhaeren, Managing Director Art Brussels

Prizes and Institutional Engagement

This year’s edition saw the continued success of the fair’s prize programme:

Please find more information on the Prizes and winners here

Art Brussels also welcomed numerous museum groups and collector delegations, further strengthening its institutional reach and international profile.

The next edition of Art Brussels will take place from 15 to 18 April 2027 at Brussels Expo.

Strong Sales and Positive Market Response

Despite a complex global context, galleries reported strong sales across all sections, with works placed in both European and international collections. The fair demonstrated resilience and confidence, with transactions spanning a wide range of price points and a notable presence of new collectors.

"Art Brussels this year was a very positive experience for us, with strong engagement and solid sales, including works by Ali Cherri. There was a particularly strong interest in his practice, which is very encouraging ahead of his upcoming exhibition at WIELS this September. The reduced number of exhibitors allowed for a more focused fair, placing greater emphasis on quality and more in-depth conversations. We also met a dynamic international audience, with many visitors travelling from abroad, leading to meaningful new encounters and exchanges."
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​— Gwenvael Launay, Partner and Director, Almine Rech Brussels

“We had a very strong edition at Art Brussels this year, with particularly good sales from the very first day. We were also very pleased with the new VIP format, which created a relaxed atmosphere and led to many high-quality conversations. Overall, the fair felt significantly stronger than last year. Most importantly, we sold primarily to visitors present at the fair—which is exactly what a fair should do—so we are extremely satisfied. Our solo presentation was a great success.”
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​— ​ Pierre Lannoy, Mendes Wood DM, Brussels, São Paulo, Paris, New York

"We were pleased to present a historic work by Oswald Oberhuber in the Horizons section of Art Brussels, shown publicly for the first time since the 1980s. Carefully curated by Devrim Bayar, the section offered a unique framework to exhibit this monumental piece—measuring four by seventeen meters—at a scale and context it truly deserves. Presenting the work in Belgium, where the artist has a longstanding exhibition history, felt particularly meaningful. It also marked a special collaboration between two well-established Viennese galleries, Galerie Krinzinger and Galerie nächst St. Stephan, and we were very happy with the strong and thoughtful response from both the public and the professional audience."
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​— Raphael Oberhuber, Director Galerie nächst St. Stephan Rosemarie Schwarzwälder, Vienna

"Our participation in the fair proved particularly successful, driven by a dense traffic and the presence of many Belgian collectors in an atmosphere that was both relaxed and discerning. This intimate fair confirms that a smaller-scale format can foster a genuine intensity of engagement and interaction.
​We achieved strong results, notably with Philippe Cognée, several of whose paintings sold for between €30,000 and €60,000, as well as with François Rouan, selling for around €70,000. The sculptures by Hans Op de Beeck, with their gray tones and solemn presence, also stood out (€45,000–€80,000), as did the works by Chiharu Shiota (€15,000–€80,000) and the textile sculptures by Jeanne Vicerial (€28,000)." ​
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​— Anne-Claudie Coric, Executive Director, TEMPLON, Paris, Brussels, New York

"Things went very smoothly for the gallery from day one, with strong sales of works by Claude Viallat (€55,000), Aurélie Pétrel (€18,000), and works on paper by Nancy Graves (€45,000), as well as new additions featuring Robert Combas, Ernest Breleur, Bao Vuong, and Cledia Fourniau. We met many new Belgian collectors and continued discussions with our loyal collectors."
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​— Ceysson & Bénétière, Saint-Étienne, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Luxembourg, Lyon, Geneva, Panéry

"For this third edition, in which we are participating, we have finalized several sales with collectors we met during the first edition. The audience is loyal, turning out for both the opening day and the weekend, and our relationships continue to grow stronger over time."
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​— Magnin-A, Paris

"Our first participation at Art Brussels has been a fantastic experience. We had the pleasure of connecting with a great number of collectors, institutions and art enthusiasts, and are thrilled to have had a sold out booth."
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​— Edward Van Houtte, EDJI Gallery, Brussels

"To put it simply, there are several reasons why we are truly pleased with Art Brussels. First, the quality of the fair was clearly there. Second, there was a large audience, and above all, high-quality collectors. Finally, sales were strong, which remains an essential indicator.
​Overall, these three elements are, for me, the most important, and they clearly contribute to strengthening the fair’s credibility and reach."
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​— Pierre Babut du Marès, Belgian Gallery, Brussels

Other notably sale reports
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​Xavier Hufkens (Brussels) sold out the solo presentation of Cassi Namoda, with all works placed in new collections.

Tim Van Laere Gallery (Antwerp) reported a highly successful edition, with strong interest in their group presentation. The gallery sold works by Ben Sledsens, Rinus Van de Velde, Eline Vansteenkiste, Tal R, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Dennis Tyfus, and Carroll Dunham.

Almine Rech (Brussels, Paris, New York, Shanghai, Monaco, Gstaad) is pleased to announce, among others, the following sales: 1 painting by Javier Calleja: €240,000 – 260,000, 1 sculpture by Ali Cherri: €130,000 – 150,000; 1 painting by Oliver Beer: £60,000 – 65,000; Several works by Joël Andrianomearisoa: €30,000 – 45,000; 1 painting by Ji Xin: €30,000 – 35,000; 1 sculpture by Johan Creten: €10,000 – 15,000

Maruani Mercier (Brussels, Knokke) sold 18 works in a price range of € 20.000 to € 200.000.

Axel Vervoordt (Wijnegem / Hong Kong) presented the first exhibition in Belgium of Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich (b. 1971), selling several works to both existing and new collectors.

Keteleer Gallery (Antwerp) reported a very successful fair, with 20 works sold across all artists presented at their booth. Sales were made to collectors from Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Eric Mouchet (Brussels / Paris) generated strong interest around Belgian artist Eva L’Hoest, with several significant acquisitions, including a major work entering an important Brussels-based collection. The gallery also reported sales to collectors from neighbouring countries and established numerous new contacts with Belgian and French institutions.

Galerie la Forest Divonne (Brussels) reported a very positive edition, highlighting the dynamic atmosphere, strong energy, and an engaged and curious audience. The gallery sold around fifteen works by Patrice Giorda, Ronan Barrot, Jean-Marie Bytebier, and Vincent Bioulès, with prices ranging between €2,000 and €30,000. They also noted very positive feedback from visitors, who particularly appreciated the fair’s clear layout and high-quality presentations.

KickCancer breaks record and raises over 100.000 euros

KickCancer, which works on behalf of children with cancer, raised more than 100,000 euros from a charity sale of works of art organised at Art Brussels. Presented anonymously and under the guidance of Albert Baronian, who curated this edition, the artworks were each sold for 400 euros.
​KickCancer sold 251 works, ‘a record’ for this fourth edition of ‘The KickCancer Collection’ (last year, 244 works were sold). All proceeds from The KickCancer Collection go to the foundation of the same name, which works to fund research into finding new cancer treatments and improving existing ones.

“The dedication and generosity of artists, galleries, and buyers is truly heartwarming. Thanks to them, The KickCancer Collection had a record-breaking edition, and that makes me incredibly happy and grateful. Art has the power to connect, inspire, and change lives. Thanks to this outstanding result, we can once again invest in innovative research and give children with cancer a better future.”
​— Delphine Heenen, founder of KickCancer

Community and Engagement

Collectors praised the fair’s human scale, its welcoming atmosphere, and the quality of its presentations. The combination of curated sections, ambitious installations, and a strong VIP programme contributed to an experience that balanced professionalism with accessibility.

The fair both benefited from and contributed to the vitality of Brussels’ art scene, with major exhibitions and events taking place across the city. Institutions such as BOZAR and WIELS, along with numerous galleries, offered an engaging programme that complemented the fair.

The traditional Gallery Night once again activated the city on the eve of the opening, reinforcing Brussels’ identity as a vibrant and welcoming cultural capital.

Partners and Support

With the continued support of its main partner, Delen Private Bank, Art Brussels reinforces its role as a key platform for contemporary art in the Belgian capital.

The 42nd edition was also made possible thanks to the support of Ruinart, Stibbe, Club TheMerode, Natan, Jaguar Land Rover Brussels, Duvel, Moleskine, Art Shippers, Visit Brussels, Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, JUSTE KYC, iPass ID, and Wiltcher’s Brussels, as well as media partners De Standaard, Klara, La Première, and Le Soir.

Looking Ahead

With a renewed format, the successful launch of the Horizons section, and an attendance surpassing last year’s figures, Art Brussels 2026 confirms its evolution as a fair that combines market strength with curatorial ambition.

Notes to Editors  ​ ​ ​ ​ 

Press contact

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

Beelden Art Brussels 2026 (download the images here)

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