Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19, replaced by online viewing room

Frieze London and Frieze Masters, the annual art fair in Regent’s Park, will not proceed this year, as announced by organizers. A spokesperson cited an extended consultation period leading to the decision, with a letter to exhibitors pointing to logistical challenges from COVID-19, including UK travel restrictions, quarantine rules, and bans on large events. In October, Frieze will instead host an online viewing room, offering a digital sales platform for the 160 gallerists originally scheduled to participate. This cancellation follows other major art world disruptions: Art Basel cancelled its September 2020 edition in Basel after a postponement from June, while its Hong Kong edition in February was also scrapped. Additionally, Frieze New York, set for May, and Masterpiece London in June were previously cancelled. The fair is a high-profile casualty in the art calendar, reflecting widespread pandemic impacts on global events.