Art Brussels returns from 23–26 April

The 42nd edition of Art Brussels takes place from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April 2026. Renowned as one of Europe’s most distinctive and established art fairs, Art Brussels will once again transform Halls 5 and 6 of the Brussels Expo, a stunning Art Deco icon originally built for the 1935 Brussels International Exposition, into a vibrant hub for contemporary art.

This year, Art Brussels continues its evolution by adopting a more concentrated format, designed to foster a higher quality and more immersive visitor experience. For more than five decades, the fair is recognized as one of Europe’s key contemporary art events, having a strong balance between established artists, ambitious curatorial projects, and emerging artistic scenes.

The 2026 edition will bring together 139 galleries from 26 countries, presented within a fully redesigned layout aimed at offering a clearer and more engaging visitor journey. The strong presence of returning exhibitors, representing 65% of the participating galleries, reflects the fair’s solid international network and helps sustain a dynamic dialogue between galleries, collectors, and audiences.

Staying true to its identity, Art Brussels presents a programme that brings into dialogue leading figures of modern and contemporary art alongside a new generation of artists, with the continued support of its main partner, Delen Private Bank.

The fair is structured around five distinct sections, each offering a specific perspective on contemporary artistic production. The Prime section brings together 83 leading galleries presenting modern and contemporary masters alongside established international artists, creating a demanding and cross-generational panorama. With Solo, 26 monographic presentations invite visitors to engage deeply with individual artistic practices, offering a level of focus that is not always available in the context of an art fair.

The engaging gallery line-up, the new Horizons section (an area for large-scale works and reflection,) the charity project with KickCancer, the impressive site-specific work by Natasja Mabesoone at the entrance, and the leading prizes that recognise the work of galleries and artists all contribute to an enriching and immersive experience. Together, they make the fair an attractive platform to (re)discover art and build connections with artists, collectors, curators and gallerists.

— Nele Verhaeren, Managing Director Art Brussels & Art Antwerp

Rooted in the history of the fair, the ’68 Forward section highlights 11 galleries exploring the diversity of artistic movements that have shaped contemporary art since 1968, the founding year of Art Brussels. Meanwhile, Discovery continues its role as a platform for emerging international talent, supporting 38 galleries through single-artist presentations or curated dialogues between under-recognised artists, offering fresh perspectives for European collectors.

The 2026 edition also introduces a new section, Horizons. Selected by Devrim Bayar, senior curator at Kanal-Centre Pompidou, seven monumental artworks will be brought together in an exhibition conceived as a scenographic parcours. Designed as a space for experimentation and reflection within the fair, it underlines Art Brussels’ commitment to ambitious artistic production presented under museum-quality conditions.

Our picks for this edition:

Art Brussels will host a varied programme of conversations, book signings, and special events designed to deepen the public engagement with contemporary art. Throughout the fair, artists, curators, collectors, and voices from the art world will come together to discuss current topics, share insights, and present new publications. Find full programme here.

Visitors can also expect a new entrance installation, a major new commission by Belgian artist Natasja Mabesoone titled Cher mouths Mary, Mary mouths Cher. Invited to create a site-specific installation at the entrance of the fair, Mabesoone, represented by Gallery Sofie Van de Velde, will transform the arrival experience into a compelling artistic statement.

New section: Art Brussels introduces the new Horizons section that will showcase large-scale works that could not be presented in traditional booths. Thus, the artworks will unfold fully in the spectacular Hall 6 of Brussels Expo. For this first edition, guest curator Devrim Bayar (Senior Curator at KANAL-Centre Pompidou) has selected seven proposals, most of which are by female artists: Aglaia Konrad, Elen Braga, Ymen Berhouma, Jacqueline de Jong, Pao Hui Kao, Oswald Oberhuber and Zuzanna Czebatul.

Conversation with Nature: Discover Conversations with Nature, this year’s project by Tadashi Kawamata, organised by Maison Ruinart in its lounge at Art Brussels. From insects to birds, tiny hidden fauna inhabits the landscapes at its own scale. Visitors can discover artist’s creative universe and the shifting perceptions created using different scales throughout the year at the contemporary art fairs with which Maison Ruinart has partnered including Art Brussels 2026.

Don’t miss: Guided Tours
As every year, Art Brussels offers several tours during the fair, from public and private guided tours, to special tours for children. Visitors can join free guided tours in FR & NL, open to all, to explore highlights of the fair with an experienced guide. Private and tailored guided tours are also on offer for groups. Finally, for younger visitors, the kids tour (in NL, FR & EN) offers a playful introduction to contemporary art and the fair.

A Belgian Paradox: Pure Forms, Raw Matters
Pure Forms, Raw Matters originates from Delen Private Bank’s enduring commitment to postwar Belgian abstraction as the foundation of its art projects, and to the support of young Belgian talent. It is an engagement rooted in continuity across generations: preserving a heritage while fostering creativity. The curation at Art Brussels brings together historical artists and contemporary voices in a broad dialogue in which forms seem to echo one another.

Gallery Night in the City
Beyond the fair venue, the city’s vibrant art scene is buzzing during the Gallery Night, on Wednesday 22 April, the night before the opening of Art Brussels. Participating Brussels-based galleries will extend their opening hours from 6 pm to 9 pm, offering a unique opportunity to discover their exhibitions in a festive atmosphere.

To learn more and grab your tickets, visit the Art Brussels website.