Melbourne Art Fair has announced the first details of its 2026 edition, taking place 19th–22nd February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 19th iteration of the fair will feature over 50 galleries from across the Asia-Pacific region, alongside the debut of FUTUREOBJEKT – a dedicated 600-square-metre salon for collectible design.
“I’m incredibly proud to be helming Melbourne Art Fair as we head into our 19th edition in February,” says Fair Director Melissa Loughnan. “We’re settling well into our annual rhythm for the event and are excited to take this opportunity to celebrate the history of the Fair while we also look to introduce exciting new interventions and programs that speak to our future ambitions.”
Among the returning galleries are established names including Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Sullivan&Strumpf, Neon Parc and Sophie Gannon Gallery. However, the 2026 edition marks a significant shift with four progressive galleries making their Melbourne Art Fair debut: PALAS and S_y_d_n_e_y_S_y_d_n_e_y from Sydney, Auckland’s Grace and Melbourne’s Mary Cherry.
These galleries represent a new generation of contemporary art leadership, known for their cutting-edge programming and bold curatorial vision. Their participation signals a notable evolution in how emerging galleries are engaging with the fair model.
The fair’s most significant new addition is FUTUREOBJEKT, responding to Australia’s growing appetite for collectible design. Spanning industrial and object design, interiors, architecture and craft, the salon will feature more than 30 Australian and international designers and makers, with a full exhibitor list to be announced in November 2025.
“Melbourne has strong design credentials and there is a new generation of designers, manufacturers, architects and makers who have an eagerness to champion and build on this city’s design heritage,” says Peter Jopling AM KC, Chairman of Melbourne Art Foundation. At its centre, a dedicated design lounge will host talks and events exploring contemporary design practice.
Related: Vicki Lee Gallery opens in Sydney
The fair’s VIDEO sector will be curated by Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel, Director of Lafayette Anticipations in Paris, presenting moving-image works from contemporary artists. The BEYOND sector returns with large-scale installations by Judith Wright, Brenda L. Croft and Fiona Hall, while PROJECT ROOMS will feature presentations by correspondences and play_station.
Six Indigenous art centres will participate through the William Mora Indigenous Art Centre Program, supported by the Australian Government and Morgans Financial Limited.
First Release ticket pricing is available until 31st October.
