AMAB Assisi antique fair marks 50 editions, opens to contemporary art

AMAB – Assisi Mostra Arte Antiquariato Bastia Umbra, founded in 1973 in Assisi and relocated in 1989 to Umbria Fiere, celebrated its 50th edition in 2025 and will reopen from April 24 to May 3, 2026. The fair features 90 exhibitors over ten days and is deeply tied to the territory, which marks 800 years since the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and 100 years since the birth of artist Giorgio Ascani (Nuvolo). Special exhibitions include a Nuvolo show curated by Bruno Corà at Palazzo Collicola in Spoleto and at GNU in Perugia, and a project on costume designer Tita Tegano (died 2022) with costumes from the Renato Bruson collection. Director Emo Antinori Petrini, son of founder Mario, has led since 2023. He emphasizes the fair's evolution: opening to contemporary art, introducing installations and performances, and launching AMAB OFF, a circuit for young artists inspired by the Fuorisalone model. Petrini also discusses the role of AI as a tool, not a replacement for the antiquarian's eye. The fair aims to strengthen its international profile while maintaining its identity as a cultural platform.