Art Brussels 2026: International fair rooted in a dynamic local scene

By Malin Norman

With its rich history, diverse communities and thriving art scene, Brussels is undoubtedly a top destination to visit. A not-to-be-missed event this spring is Art Brussels, which once again offers a one of a kind art fair where visitors can meet international galleries, discover local artists, and experience contemporary art up close.

Considered one of Europe’s leading hubs for contemporary art, Brussels is home to numerous galleries, artist-run spaces, and internationally recognised museums, contributing to a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. Recently, CNN Travel even named Brussels one of its top 20 destinations to visit in 2026, praising the artistic hub.

Photo: David Plas Photography

Bringing together international galleries, artists, curators and collectors for decades, Art Brussels has reinforced the city’s position within the contemporary art scene. Founded in 1968, it is the second oldest contemporary art fair in Europe, after Art Cologne. The 42nd edition takes place 23-26 April at Brussels Expo, and promises a focused, curatorially driven fair with new key players – and a total of 139 galleries.

“Art Brussels 2026 will be a more refined and focused version of its previous editions, while maintaining its international profile,” says Nele Verhaeren, managing director of Art Brussels and Art Antwerp. “This year, 29 per cent of our galleries are Belgian, within a line-up spanning 26 countries – a clear sign of the strength of the local scene and our place in an internationalised market.”

Photo: David Plas Photography

A fair with five curated sections

Every year, Art Brussels attracts around 25,000 visitors. This time, you will be met by a compelling, site-specific installation already at the entrance to the fair. Cher mouths Mary, Mary mouths Cher, created by Belgian artist Natasja Mabesoone, represented by Gallery Sofie Van de Velde in Antwerp, sets the tone for the renewed and ambitiously curated edition.

To give visitors a clear overview of the wide range of works presented by the 139 contemporary art galleries at Art Brussels, five sections have been defined – guiding visitors and continuing to articulate the fair’s identity.

Prime brings together 83 galleries presenting modern and contemporary masters alongside established international artists, including notable returning galleries from Vienna such as Krinzinger, Galerie Elisabeth & Klaus Thoman, and Galerie nächst St. Stephan Rosemarie Schwarzwälder. And the section called ’68 Forward highlights 11 galleries engaging with artistic developments since 1968, such as the Stockholm-based gallery LARSEN / WARNER, presenting the work of Iria Leino.

Photo: David Plas Photography

The 2026 edition of the fair introduces Horizons curated by Devrim Bayar, senior curator at Kanal-Centre Pompidou in Brussels. This new section brings together large-scale works that could not be presented in traditional booths, in an exhibition conceived as a scenographic parcours within the fair. Bayar has selected seven proposals, most by female artists: Aglaia Konrad, Elen Braga, Ymen Berhouma, Jacqueline de Jong, Pao Hui Kao, Oswald Oberhuber and Zuzanna Czebatul. “In Horizons, you can explore art at a slower pace,” says Verhaeren. “By bringing together these bold and varied works, we invite the public to rethink the space, the gaze and the narratives that permeate our societies.”

Besides Horizons, Art Brussels also features bold statements in the Solo section, which slows down the pace for visitors. Solo features 26 monographic presentations, including the Belgian gallery Xavier Hufkens (Brussels) presenting the work of Cassi Namoda; Mendes Wood DM (São Paulo, Brussels, Paris, New York) with artist Laís Amaral; Axel Vervoordt Gallery (Wijnegem, Hong Kong) with Sopheap Pich; and Artemis Gallery (Lisbon, Vienna) with Joana Vasconcelos.

Finally, Discovery supports 38 galleries presenting emerging artists through curated dialogues and solo presentations, including Robert Grunenberg (Berlin) with Filip Henin, and Reservoir (Cape Town) with a dialogue between Luis MS Santos and Richard Mudariki.

Photo: David Plas Photography

Effortless and thrilling art experience

This year, Art Brussels also introduces an Art Advisory Desk with personalised guidance for potential buyers. “Big fairs can be overwhelming. At our new dedicated space, visitors can connect directly with experienced art advisors and receive personalised guidance for their art acquisitions,” says the managing director. “Our advisors offer tailored insights to help you navigate the fair’s diverse selection of galleries and artists, understand the context and significance of artworks, and identify pieces that resonate with your taste and ambitions.”

There is plenty more. Returning for the fourth year, the KickCancer Collection invites visitors to experience small art with a big heart. “It features postcard-sized artworks donated by participating galleries, sold anonymously at a fixed price of 400 euro. The name of the artist will only be revealed after the purchase, adding a touch of surprise,” smiles Verhaeren. “And all proceeds go directly to the Belgian KickCancer Foundation, supporting their mission to cure every child with cancer.”

Another highlight is Not Everything is for Sale, an exhibition paying tribute to 15 Belgian galleries with over 25 years of activity. Curated by Bernard Marcelis and Anne Vierstraete, each gallery owner will present art that has deep personal significance, a work that they would never part with for anything in the world. “This exhibition shows the importance of the local scene and the passion and loyalty of galleries that have shaped Belgium’s contemporary art scene,” says Verhaeren.

Ultimately, Art Brussels is an inspiring platform where visitors can meet creators, artists and galleries. During the fair, Brussels’ major museums and art institutions further contribute to the cultural momentum, with a programme of exhibitions and events that coincides with Art Brussels.

“Belgium may be small, but it’s exceptionally well connected,” adds Verhaeren. “Brussels, as the capital of Belgium and of Europe, offers easy access for international visitors and professionals, which remains a key asset for Art Brussels.”

Art Brussels 2026: International fair rooted in a dynamic local scene

Photo: Michael Adair

Every year, Art Brussels celebrates artistic excellence by awarding a series of prizes that recognises outstanding presentations across the fair’s various sections.

• Solo Prize: awarded to the best solo booth presentation, granting the winning artist 15,000 euro.
• ’68 Forward Prize: awarded to the gallery with the best booth in the ’68 Forward section, granting the winning gallery 5,000 euro.
• Discovery Prize: supports emerging artists while enriching public museum collections. With an acquisition budget of up to 10,000 euro, it enables the purchase of an artwork from the Discovery section for a museum collection.

Art Brussels 2026 takes place at Brussels Expo 23-26 April. The fair features a programme of conversations, book signings, and special events designed to deepen visitors’ engagement with contemporary art.

Preview and vernissage: Thursday 23 April, 2026
Public days: Friday 24 April – Sunday 26 April, 2026

artbrussels.com
Facebook: Art Brussels
Instagram: @artbrussels