ART COLOGNE — International Art Fair

The Birth of Art Fairs — and its 59th Birthday

When the doors of Hall 11 at Koelnmesse open for ART COLOGNE on November 5, 2026, it will mark the 59th edition of the world's first art fair. What gallerists Hein Stünke and Rudolf Zwirner founded in 1967 as the "Kölner Kunstmarkt" (Cologne Art Market) has since defined the art fair model — Basel, Frieze, FIAC, all emerged later, all took inspiration from the Cologne original.

What You'll Find in Hall 11

Over 170 galleries from Germany, Europe, America, and Asia will showcase from November 5 to 8:

• Classical Modernism — from Picasso, Beckmann, Nolde, and Kirchner to Bauhaus and Surrealism
• Post-War Art — Zero, Informel, Pop Art, Minimal, Conceptual Art
• Contemporary Painting and Sculpture — the established names and the newcomers of the current season
• Photography — from vintage prints to the latest editions
• Video and Media Art in dedicated spaces
• Prints and Editions — collectible at any budget

Highlights of the 59th edition are expected to include: around 30 international top galleries (Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Sprüth Magers, Lévy Gorvy, Esther Schipper), curated special sections for emerging positions, talks, and performances in the program area.

Special Formats

ART COLOGNE is more than just gallery sales. Accompanying formats make the fair a major cultural event:

• NEW POSITIONS — the platform for young artists, recommended by galleries
• COLLABORATIONS — curated solo and duo presentations
• ART COLOGNE TALKS — conversations with collectors, curators, artists
• Performance and Sound Art Program in the foyer
• VIP Lounge with networking events for collectors

The Cologne Art Weekend

ART COLOGNE triggers an art weekend throughout the city: Cologne's museums — Museum Ludwig, Museum of Applied Arts, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Kolumba — extend their opening hours and schedule openings to coincide with the fair. The off-spaces and galleries in the Belgian Quarter and the Southern City (Südstadt) host opening tours. Those who buy or observe art plan their trip to Cologne for early November.

Organizers and Tradition

Koelnmesse GmbH has organized ART COLOGNE independently since 1992 (previously in cooperation with BVDG). Dr. Daniel Hug has been the artistic director for several years, significantly increasing the proportion of international galleries and balancing the profile between market orientation and curatorial ambition.