From 19–22 February 2026, Melbourne Art Fair returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than fifty leading galleries and Indigenous art centres from Asia–Pacific.
Since its inception in 1988, Melbourne Art Fair has stood at the intersection of art and ideas, a space where galleries, collectors and institutions converge to define the future of contemporary culture. This year marks the debut of FUTUREOBJEKT, a 600-square-metre platform dedicated to collectible design. Conceived as both stage and salon, it places designers, makers and manufacturers at the heart of the fair, reflecting the evolution of Australia’s design identity within a global context.
Alongside FUTUREOBJEKT, the fair’s program includes BEYOND, a series of large-scale installations and spatial interventions, VIDEO, curated by Rebecca Lamarche-Vadel of Paris-based Lafayette Anticipations, and PROJECT ROOMS, a non-commercial platform spotlighting experimental interdisciplinary works.
For the first time, Melbourne Art Fair also welcomes Palas, S_y_d_n_e_y_S_y_d_n_e_y and Grace, galleries recognised for championing some of the most progressive voices in contemporary art. Their participation signals a generational shift, as emerging galleries take centre stage in shaping Australia’s cultural dialogue. “They set the tone, they take the risks, and they’re not afraid to rewrite the rules,” Melbourne Art Fair marketing director Andy Kelly says.
At FUTUREOBJEKT, the conversation extends beyond the gallery wall. The design lounge, conceived as both a site for discovery and discourse, will host talks and events exploring the expanding definition of contemporary design. “With FUTUREOBJEKT, we want to create a space that supports, champions and grows Australia’s design market,” Chairman of the Melbourne Art Foundation Peter Jopling AM KC, says.
Tickets for Melbourne Art Fair 2026 are on sale now.
