Gulf Region Buyers Attend TEFAF Maastricht Art Fair Despite Middle East Conflict
The 2026 edition of TEFAF Maastricht, a major European art and antiques fair in the Netherlands, took place in March 2026. Despite ongoing Middle East tensions, collectors from Gulf nations participated. The event featured 276 galleries presenting approximately 15,000 items, with authenticity verified by Claudia Klerkx's vetting team and 250 experts across 40 committees. While some antique specialists withdrew and certain categories like tribal art showed limited growth, contemporary art and photography attracted increased interest. Twenty-six new exhibitors joined this year, and fair director Boris Vervoordt emphasized the event's evolution while maintaining high standards.
Key facts
- TEFAF Maastricht 2026 occurred in March 2026 in the Netherlands
- Collectors from Gulf countries attended despite Middle East conflict
- 276 galleries presented around 15,000 artworks and objects
- Claudia Klerkx led authenticity verification with 250 experts across 40 committees
- Contemporary art and photography attracted growing interest while some antique specialists withdrew
Entities
Institutions
- TEFAF
- The European Fine Art Fair
Locations
- Maastricht
- Netherlands
- Gulf countries
- Middle East