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HAPPENING 27–29 March 2026 | Every year, Art Rotterdam draws art, artists, and collectors from all over the world. As the premier art fair in the Netherlands, Art Rotterdam is a great opportunity to view and even purchase spectacular new art from local and international artists.
What is Art Rotterdam?
Art Rotterdam is the main art fair in the Netherlands. The annual fair provides a platform for the newest developments in visual art. In particular, the fair's focus on recent art, the variety of its participants and sections, the event's connection with the city of Rotterdam and the iconic location (Van Nelle factory) give Art Rotterdam a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other. For an increasing number of art professionals and collectors worldwide, Art Rotterdam has become a preferred destination within the international field of art fairs. The event attracts more visitors from the Netherlands and abroad each year.
Art Rotterdam 2025
The 2026 edition promises an even stronger blend of visual art, photography, video, sculpture and installation, reaffirming Rotterdam’s position as one of Europe’s most dynamic art cities.
The fair brings together galleries, artists and collectors from the Netherlands and abroad for three days of exhibitions and encounters. By relocating to Ahoy Rotterdam in 2025, Art Rotterdam gained more space and accessibility, and next year’s event aims to build on that success with a clearer structure and curated focus.
Visitors can expect a compact, sharply curated photography selection alongside returning sections for new media and large-scale installations. The fair continues to highlight rising talent while maintaining a strong international outlook.
Unseen Photo @ Art Rotterdam
The collaboration between Art Rotterdam and Unseen Photo marks a milestone for the fair. Known for championing emerging photographers, Unseen brings its distinct identity and curatorial expertise into Ahoy, enriching the experience for both local and international audiences.
“By combining the energy of Unseen with the broad scope of Art Rotterdam, we’re creating a platform that encourages discovery,” the organisers explain. The partnership aims to strengthen the city’s reputation as a hub for contemporary photography, while keeping Unseen’s mission of supporting new voices fully intact.
Unseen Book Market @ Nederlands Fotomuseum
Running parallel to the main fair, the Unseen Book Market will take place at the newly reopened Nederlands Fotomuseum, located just minutes from Ahoy on the Wilhelminapier. Around 40 independent publishers will showcase and sell photobooks in the museum’s spacious new foyer.
This satellite event offers an ideal moment for collectors, students and enthusiasts to discover new publications, meet artists and browse rare editions in an inspiring environment.
Location and directions
Art Rotterdam 2026 takes place at Rotterdam Ahoy, easily reached by metro (Zuidplein station) or bicycle from the city centre. The Unseen Book Market is hosted at the Nederlands Fotomuseum, accessible via metro (Wilhelminaplein) or by water taxi from Leuvehaven.
For more information and updates, you can visit the official Art Rotterdam website.
DHB Bank as main sponsor and a special sound art project
DHB Bank has joined as Art Rotterdam’s main sponsor. In the DHB Art Space, the Rotterdam-based collective Unity in Diversity Rotterdam (UID) presents the interactive sound artwork Echoes of Us, by media artist Pedro Gil Farias. This work reflects on the aspirations of Rotterdam-Zuid residents and invites visitors to share their own visions for the future.
Notable artists and installations
Among the highlights of this edition are:
- Diana Scherer – Interwoven (Intersections): A bio-technological artwork that explores organic textile growth.
- Mercedes Azpilicueta – The Dancing Tables (New Art Section): A performance and sculptural installation exploring spiritualism.
- Jonas Brinker – Untitled (25.07.2022, 02:14 AM) (Projections): A video work depicting a dragonfly on Times Square.
- Atelier Van Lieshout – Tomb of the Unknown Artist (Sculpture Park): A sculptural tribute to artists whose work remains unrecognised.
Talks Programme: Reflections
The Reflections programme introduces an expanded schedule of lectures, Q&A sessions, and interactive presentations. Artists, museum directors, curators, and art professionals will discuss contemporary issues in the art world.
Highlights from the Reflections programme:
- Q&A with art historian Meta Knol, featuring Tjebbe Beekman, Diana Scherer, and Laurien Dumbar, discussing pivotal moments in their artistic careers.
- Lecture by Heske ten Cate and Laurie Cluitmans on the Centraal Museum exhibition Good Mom/Bad Mom, which explores motherhood myths and personal reflections by contemporary artists.
- Interview with artist Hans van der Ham, led by art editor Lucette ter Borg, discussing his work and curatorial approach.
- Panel discussion on cultural transitions, with curator Fatoş Üstek and social architect Rubiah Balsem, examining the future of institutional practices in the arts.
- Get a Grant event by the Mondriaan Fund, offering guidance for emerging artists on funding opportunities.
- Talk by Fenix museum director Anne Kremers on Rotterdam’s new migration-focused art museum, opening in May 2025.
The Reflections programme is part of Intersections and is free for visitors during the fair. On Friday, 28 March, the programme will focus on students and art professionals.
NN Art Award 2025 returns to Kunsthal Rotterdam
The NN Art Award, now in its ninth edition, recognises talented artists who have studied in the Netherlands and are exhibiting at Art Rotterdam. The winner will be announced at Kunsthal Rotterdam on Friday, 28 March, with all nominees' works on display from 15 March to 11 May.
The four nominees for the NN Art Award 2025 are:
- Bodil Ouédraogo (Prospects) – sculptures created from 3D-printed PLA, aluminium, and crystal, in collaboration with professional studios.
- Pris Roos (Mini Galerie) – a series of drawings exploring identity, migration, and memory, accompanied by large cardboard installations.
- Marcos Kueh (Prospects, courtesy of Galerie Ron Mandos) – woven installations connecting heritage and contemporary narratives.
- Diana Scherer (andriesse eyck galerie) – works from Interwoven, a project examining the domestication of plant root systems.
How to buy art at Art Rotterdam?
If you're an art lover or collector looking to buy art, this is also a great opportunity to do so. To check out the available art beforehand, visit GalleryViewer.com. The site displays the online catalogue of Art Rotterdam prior to the fair's opening. This catalogue includes all the works of art exhibited by participating galleries, including their price range, a short biography, videos and recommendations. GalleryViewer.com is Art Rotterdam's online platform, specially built to support potential art buyers. The site maintains an extensive database of artworks, exhibitions, and artist profiles. More than 45 participating galleries have been chosen for their high-quality selection.
Location: Rotterdam Ahoy
Rotterdam Ahoy is situated in the south of the city and is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, and car. It is located near Zuidplein metro station, with direct connections to Rotterdam Central Station.
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