Vienna Galleries Launch Astoria Artshow in Former Garage

In response to the collapse of Vienna's two main art fairs, a collective of 35 Viennese galleries has organized a new fair called Astoria Artshow. The event will take place from September 10 to 13, 2026, at the Astoria Garage, a six-storey tower garage designed by engineer Cesar Karrer and never before used for cultural events. The fair is organized by VAU – Vienna Art United, led by Markus Peichl of Galerie Crone. It is positioned as a preview edition ahead of a larger, recurring fair planned for 2027. Around 70 Austrian and international galleries will each present one standout work, split into two curated sections: one for younger practices and one for established names. The participation fee is scaled to a gallery's economic capacity rather than booth size, meaning larger galleries subsidize smaller ones. Entry costs €15 regular, €7.50 reduced, and is free for students; a combined ticket with PARALLEL Vienna is available for €30. The fair emerges after Viennacontemporary ended in early 2026 due to financing troubles and unpaid rent following its tenth edition, and SPARK Art Fair Vienna paused for 2026, planning to return in March 2027. Astoria Artshow aims to bridge the established gallery scene and experimental formats, offering a new model of gallery-led solidarity.