Viennacontemporary art fair venue damaged by deliberate fire days before opening

A deliberately set fire damaged the Marx Halle exhibition center in Vienna, Austria, just days before the scheduled opening of the Viennacontemporary art fair. Officials confirmed the blaze followed a burglary. Despite initial warnings to gallerists that the event might be canceled, organizers have confirmed Viennacontemporary will open as planned on 21 September 2017. The historic 20,000 square meter venue, originally constructed in 1877 as a cattle market, was renovated in 2006 after years of disuse to become an exhibition and concert space. The fair will feature participation from over 110 galleries and institutions representing 27 countries.