BRAFA Art Fair 2026: The celebration of art & beauty

In January 2026, Brussels will once again become the epicentre of the international art scene as BRAFA Art Fair unveils its 71st edition at Brussels Expo, from 25 January to 1 February 2026. A beacon of refinement and excellence, BRAFA continues to expand both in scale and in the number of exhibitors, bringing together almost 150 leading galleries from 18 countries. This ever-growing success reaffirms its position as one of Europe’s most eagerly awaited and prestigious art events. Beyond its breadth and curatorial excellence, BRAFA is above all a community. Each year, it brings together collectors, curators, designers, and art lovers, united by a passion for discovery and dialogue on an eclectic journey through periods and styles. It transcends the boundaries of commerce to embody a way of life, a celebration of beauty, history, and innovation.

More than twenty disciplines will be represented, ranging from antiquities to contemporary art, including Old Master paintings, classical African art, antique and designer furniture, silverware, carpets and textiles, rare books, jewellery, and more. A pioneer in several fields, the fair stands out today for its diversity and cross-collecting spirit. This 2026 edition welcomes twenty-two new galleries, enriching the fair’s artistic landscape. Among them, Carlucci Gallery (IT), located in the heart of Rome, will captivate Old Masters enthusiasts with remarkable paintings as well as antique furniture and sculptures.

Specialising in decorative art, BRAFA welcomes Unforget Decorative Arts (BE), a Brussels gallery focused on 20th-century design. For its debut, it will present Murano glass, mirrors, and bronzes by Line Vautrin, and key pieces of French, Italian, and Belgian design. Virginie Devillez Fine Art (BE) joins the Modern Art section, showcasing works by 20th-century painters such as Magritte, Flouquet, and De Smet, with a special focus on giving long-overlooked women artists greater visibility.

Internationally acclaimed galleries such as Almine Rech, a key figure on the international contemporary art scene (CH/BE/FR/USA/CN/MC), and Galerie Greta Meert (BE), an iconic Brussels-based gallery, will also illuminate the fair. In terms of design, visitors will be able to discover Maisonjaune Studio (FR), offering furniture and objects from the 1950s to the present day, as well as Laurent Schaubroeck (BE), a great enthusiast of rare pieces by Brazilian, American, and Japanese designers from the mid-20th century. Switzerland’s presence will be radiant this year, with six galleries of international standing. Among the newcomers, Almine Rech, with a space in Gstaad, brings its vision of modern and contemporary art, presenting both renowned artists and emerging talents, while CKS Gallery (Geneva) offers an eclectic mix ranging from Impressionism to post-war and contemporary works. Alongside them, Repetto Gallery (Lugano) highlights Italian post-war art, Arte Povera, and Land Art, while Galerie Von Vertes (Zurich) will present modern and contemporary works. De Jonckheere Gallery (Geneva), renowned for Old Masters, also bridges into modern painting. Completing this constellation, Objects with Narratives (Geneva/Brussels) proposes collectable design pieces where functionality meets narrative, reflecting today’s renewed appeal of design as art.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the King Baudouin Foundation will be the guest of honour at this 71st edition. Its stand will unveil exceptional treasures, ranging from archaeological marvels to modern art, from lace to jewellery, and from paintings to design. A unique insight into the Foundation’s multi-faceted collection testifies to its mission of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Discover more @ www.brafa.art

Article edited by Prof. Luca Caricato

Art Historian – Art Expert