EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair returns to lakefront Navy Pier from April 9 – 12, 2026 with an exciting roster of 130 leading galleries from around the world to Chicago.

This annual event celebrates contemporary and modern art with a diverse schedule of exhibits, discussions, and installations. This year’s main event will take place in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, with additional programs and events throughout Chicago.

Highlights of the 2026 EXPO CHICAGO event include:

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About EXPO CHICAGO

Now in its 13th year, EXPO CHICAGO showcases leading contemporary and modern art galleries from across the globe. The show also includes talks and panel discussions, on-site installations, public art initiatives, and other events throughout the city. 

EXPO CHICAGO draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant arts destination, while highlighting the latest from the global contemporary arts scene. Leading up to the main event, EXPO ART WEEK bring exhibits and community events into neighborhoods across Chicago.

This year’s exhibitors come to Chicago from more than 30 cities across 15 countries, including Spain, South Korea, Singapore, Portugal, South Africa, Japan, Brazil, France, Taiwan, and more.

EXPO CHICAGO continues its collaboration with the Galleries Association of Korea (Gaok), to present a selection of 12 leading Korean galleries within the fair’s core Galleries section.

Highlights included renowned galleries and collectives such as Regen Projects, Sean Kelly, Anton Kern, Karma, moniquemeloche, Night Gallery, Vielmetter, and beyond.

The EXPO CHICAGO 2026 exhibitor showcase will include:

  • Galleries, showcasing leading international exhibitors and special partnerships.
  • Focus, highlighting emerging galleries and artistic practices with an emphasis on newer galleries.
  • Profile, presenting solo booths and projects by established international galleries.

Explore the full list of participating galleries for EXPO CHICAGO 2026.

EXPO CHICAGO programs

Each year, EXPO CHICAGO presents a full schedule of thought-provoking discussions, installations, and exciting activations. This year’s core programs and events include:

  • Dialogues, a series of provocative on-site panel discussions offering a deeper look at some of the themes, artists, and partnerships at the fair.
  • Override, a public art initiative that uses digital billboards across the city to showcase works by leading and emerging local and international artists.
  • Exchange, conversations about the contemporary art market and its current trends.
  • New to EXPO this year, Projects features innovative presentations and initiatives by non-profits, museums, and other cultural organizations.

Curators will find special events like the Curatorial Forum and the free, public Curatorial Conference. EXPO will also present its fifth annual Directors Summit, a multi-day event that gathers emerging and distinguished art museum leaders from around the globe.

EXPO ART WEEK 2026

Leading up to the main event at Navy Pier, EXPO ART WEEK celebrates Chicago’s diverse artistic scene with off-site programming and events all around the city from April 7 – 12, 2026.

Check out a few of this year’s highlights:

  • South Side Night (Tuesday, April 7): The official kick-off event for EXPO Art Week showcases venues and galleries in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood and beyond.
  • Art After Hours (Friday, April 10): Enjoy extended evening hours at galleries across the city, featuring receptions, artist talks, and more.

Tickets for EXPO CHICAGO Contemporary Art Fair are now on sale. Choose from single-day and three-day admission options, along with a limited number of opening night tickets. Guided tours and discounted tickets for students and seniors are available.