What’s new at EXPO Chicago 2026?

The international art world returns to Chicago this spring as EXPO CHICAGO 2026 takes over Navy Pier from April 9–12 for its 13th edition. Known as one of the Midwest’s premier contemporary art fairs, the event brings together leading galleries, collectors, curators and artists from around the globe for four days of exhibitions, talks and immersive art experiences. 

This year’s fair signals a new chapter with refreshed leadership, a reimagined layout and expanded curatorial programming designed to make discovering art easier and more engaging than ever.

A Refined Fair Layout

One of the biggest changes for 2026 is a redesigned floorplan created to encourage exploration and deeper engagement with the art. The fair will feature more than 130 galleries from around the world, but with a more intentionally scaled format aimed at clarity and accessibility for visitors. 

Organizers say the updated structure will help guests move through the fair more easily while giving galleries more meaningful space to present their work.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Uber eyes parking expansion by purchasing Chicago parking app SpotHero

• Brookfield Zoo unveils 2026 Roaring Nights, including Nelly & Melissa Etheridge

• Battle of the AI: Trump bans Anthropic as OpenAI wins Pentagon deal

New Curated Sections

Several sections have been reimagined for 2026, placing stronger emphasis on curatorial storytelling and artistic discovery. These include:

Focus – Formerly known as Exposure, this section highlights emerging galleries and artists. Curated by Katie A. Pfohl of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the 2026 theme, Gathering of Waters, explores landscapes, migration, and creative practices linked to the Mississippi River Basin and global diasporas. 

Profile – Curated by Essence Harden, this section features solo presentations and tightly curated projects by established international galleries, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with individual artists.

Beyond the booths, visitors can experience a full schedule of talks, site-specific installations, and guided tours led by art world experts.

The fair kicks off with an invitation-only VIP preview (Thursday, April 9) and opening night celebration, followed by three days of public programming designed for both seasoned collectors and first-time art fair visitors.

With a refreshed structure and expanded cultural partnerships, EXPO Chicago 2026 aims to deepen its role as a global art destination while highlighting the city’s thriving creative community.

Event Details

• Dates: April 9–12, 2026

• Location: Navy Pier Festival Hall, Chicago

• Tickets: Single-day, multi-day, and opening night options available

Source Links

https://www.expochicago.com/

https://navypier.org/pier-events/expo-chicago-contemporary-art-fair/

https://www.chicagogallerynews.com/events/expo-chicago-2026