Spring 2026 Global Art Circuit: Major Fairs and Biennials from Chicago to Venice
The second quarter of 2026 features a significant series of international art events. In April, EXPO CHICAGO showcases over 140 galleries with strong institutional support, while Art Dubai serves as a key bridge for the MENASA region and sub-Saharan Africa. Milan's miart fair coincides with Milan Art Week, blending art and design. May highlights include Dak'Art in Senegal, reinforcing pan-African narratives, and Frieze New York at The Shed in Hudson Yards. The 61st Venice Biennale, titled 'In Minor Keys,' presents the late curator Koyo Kouoh's vision exploring sensory engagement. June concludes with Zurich Art Weekend's invitation-led events and Art Basel in Switzerland, featuring nearly 290 galleries and attracting major museum representatives.
Key facts
- EXPO CHICAGO runs April 9-12, 2026 in Chicago, USA, featuring over 140 galleries.
- Art Dubai takes place April 17-19, 2026 in Dubai, UAE, focusing on the MENASA region and sub-Saharan Africa.
- Dak'Art, the Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, Senegal, occurs May 6 to June 6, 2026.
- The 61st Venice Biennale, 'In Minor Keys,' curated by Koyo Kouoh, runs May 9 to November 22, 2026.
- Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland, is scheduled for June 18-21, 2026, with nearly 290 galleries participating.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- EXPO CHICAGO
- Art Dubai
- Dak'Art
- Frieze New York
- Venice Biennale
- Zurich Art Weekend
- Art Basel
- The Shed
- Art Institute of Chicago
- MCA Chicago
- Alserkal Avenue
- Jameel Arts Centre
- Fondazione Prada
- Pirelli HangarBicocca
- Musée Théodore Monod
- Raw Material Company
- Independent New York
- NADA New York
- Palazzo Grassi
- Punta della Dogana
- Kunsthaus Zürich
- Migros Museum für Gegenwartskunst
- Fondation Beyeler
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Schaulager
- Liste
- Volta
Locations
- Chicago, USA
- Dubai, UAE
- Milan, Italy
- Dakar, Senegal
- New York, USA
- Venice, Italy
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Basel, Switzerland