Looking ahead, 2026 promises a dynamic, geographically diverse series of international fairs and exhibitions that are essential to the global art landscape.
We’ve compiled a full calendar of key dates for your diary, ensuring you’re already positioned for priority access and exclusive previews.
Oh, and don’t miss the critically acclaimed Kerry James Marshall exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, which concludes its final date on January 18, 2026.
At-a-Glance: The 6 Global Art Hotspots You Cannot Miss in 2026
For immediate planning, these are the core events driving the market:
- Italy’s Beloved Biennial: 61st Venice Biennale (May 9–Nov 22)
- Europe’s Most Sought-After: Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland (Jun 18–21, VIP Preview Jun 17)
- The Asian Definitive Fair: Art Basel Hong Kong (Mar 27–29)
- Autumn Art in London: Frieze London & Masters (Oct 15–19, VIP Preview Oct 14)
- The Gulf Emerging: Art Basel Qatar (Feb 5–7)
- Stateside Art: The Armory Show New York (Sep 24–27)
The 2026 Circuit: Key Fairs, Biennials, and Exhibitions
JANUARY
An exciting year of global contemporary art begins with the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale at JAX in the historic town of Diriyah. Starting on January 30, 2026, this major cultural event combines perfectly with a stay in Riyadh and a private expedition to Saudi Arabia’s ancient oasis city of AlUla.
FEBRUARY
The circuit pivots to the Gulf: Art Basel Qatar is the newest Art Basel, running from February 5–7 in Doha throughout M7 and the Doha Design District. This new fair marks Art Basel’s fifth worldwide (joining Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris).
Coinciding with this, African art takes centre stage at 1-54 Marrakech, held at La Mamounia from February 5–8, showcasing the finest contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora.
Later in the month, Paris hosts Art Capital from February 13–15, featuring over 3,000 artists at the Grand Palais.
The spotlight then moves to South Africa for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair (February 20–22), the leading international art fair on the African continent. Finally, Frieze Los Angeles concludes the month at Santa Monica Airport, with a dynamic focus on contemporary art and LA’s global contributions to the visual arts (February 26–March 1).
MARCH
March highlights the strength of the Iberian Peninsula and Asia.
The 45th edition of ARCOmadrid takes place from March 4–8 at IFEMA Madrid with a special focus on the Amazon.
Next is the definitive art fair in Asia, Art Basel Hong Kong, which runs from March 27–29.
Simultaneously, the Whitney Biennial in New York City showcases all that’s new in the world of contemporary American art. This event occurs only every two years, making March an exciting time for collectors to be in NYC.
Note: Major contemporary auctions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London and New York typically occur in the spring and fall; we will share further details on exact dates as they are released.
APRIL
April sees significant activity across Europe and the US.
Artexpo New York remains a long-running staple of the New York art world (April 9–12).
In Europe, Paris Internationale will debut its inaugural Milan edition, coinciding with miart (exact dates are TBA).
Later in the month, Art Brussels runs from April 23–26 at Brussels Expo, the leading contemporary art event in the Benelux region.
MAY
May marks the highly anticipated start of the 61st Venice Biennale, scheduled to run from May 9 to November 22.
Towards the end of the month, Lisbon hosts its primary contemporary art showcase, ARCOlisboa, at Cordoaria Nacional in the Belém district from May 28–31.
JUNE
June is dominated by the global art world’s most important gathering: Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland, which runs from June 18–21. Priority access is essential, with VIP preview days scheduled for June 17th and 18th.
Note: Sotheby’s usually holds a major auction in June—we’ll share further details once we have the exact dates.
JULY
The summer art events feature the Hamptons Fine Art Fair (July 9–12), with a VIP Opening on July 9th.
In Venice, the 14th International Festival of Contemporary Dance offers a fascinating focus on performance art and contemporary movement, running from July 17 to August 1.
SEPTEMBER
Fall commences with two major international events.
Frieze Seoul welcomes the month with another prominent international art fair in Asia, taking place from September 2–5.
Next, The Armory Show returns as a major New York fixture scheduled for September 24–27.
OCTOBER
The main international fair season concludes with Frieze London and Frieze Masters in Regent’s Park. The event, featuring contemporary and modern art, runs from October 15–19, with the VIP Preview expected on October 14, 2026.
If contemporary art features on your travel wishlist, connect with us right away.
We specialise in securing VIP previews, organising private viewings, and arranging potential meetings with artists and gallerists.
Which of these dynamic art cities are critical to your 2026 year of art?
Secure Your Bespoke Art Itinerary
If contemporary art features on your travel wishlist, connect with us right away.
We specialise in securing:
- Guaranteed VIP Previews and private fair access.
- Organising private viewings with top gallerists.
- Arranging potential meetings with artists and studio visits.
Let us know which of these dynamic art cities are critical to your 2026 collecting strategy, and we will begin securing your exclusive access.
FAQs
When should we book a 2026 art trip?
For VIP previews and the top pick for accommodation, we recommend enquiring now and locking down the details as soon as possible. This is particularly important when it comes to shows like Art Basel, which are notoriously in demand.
Which destinations do your contemporary art trips cover?
We work with a trusted network of contacts worldwide and cover art events globally, from Europe and the Middle East to the USA, South Africa, and beyond.
What if we’re interested in a specific genre of contemporary art?
Perfect. At Nota Bene, we “learn” your preferences inside out, making it our business to find out if you like a specific genre of art, a particular type of car for transfers, and whether to track down a leading expert on a specific subject.