TEFAF Maastricht Closes Early After Exhibitor Tests Positive for Coronavirus

TEFAF Maastricht, one of the world's largest art fairs, was forced to close early on March 11, 2020, after an exhibitor tested positive for COVID-19. The fair had opened as scheduled on March 6, despite growing concerns over the pandemic and numerous postponements of other major art events including the Venice Architecture Biennale, Salone del Mobile, Mia Photo Fair, Art Dubai, Leipzig Book Fair, and Art Basel Hong Kong. The infected exhibitor, who remained anonymous for privacy reasons, worked at the fair from March 5 to 7 without showing any symptoms. Upon returning to their hometown on March 9, they tested positive. Local health authorities investigated and concluded that the asymptomatic individual posed no health risk to others. Nevertheless, TEFAF's board chairman Nanne Dekking announced the closure, citing developments around Maastricht and rising concerns. Mayor Annemarie Penn te Strake validated the decision. The fair hosted 280 galleries. The early closure sent shockwaves through the art world, casting doubt on upcoming spring events such as Frieze New York and Art Brussels, and raising questions about the viability of Art Basel in June.