This year, 21 first time participants were present, such as the likes of Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. 

Unlimited, the sector dedicated to large-scale installation and performance, is curated for the first time by Ruba Katrib, Chief Curator at MoMA PS1, presenting 59 major works across the halls. Parcours returns under Stefanie Hessler with this year’s theme of “Conviviality,” unfolding through public spaces toward the Rhine.

Two new commissions extend the fair beyond the Messe itself: Nairy Baghramian’s work on the Messeplatz and Ibrahim Mahama’s installation on the Münsterplatz, both honoured as the inaugural Art Basel Gold Award winners. 

Art Basel’s week is never simply contained to one building. Liste and VOLTA draw collectors across town, hunting the next generation of galleries, whilst Basel Social Club has become the event the whole city talks about.

This year’s instalment takes over a vacant office building near Basel SBB station, with the theme “Office” turning workplace ritual into performance and spectacle across more than a hundred rooms.

The lineup includes more than 150 performers alongside artists such as Marina Abramović, Maurizio Cattelan and Jenny Holzer. Meanwhile, its underground parking garage has been transformed into a nightclub, animated by a continuous light and sound installation. 

Art Basel 2026 serves as a reliable barometer of where taste is heading next, for those who follow design as closely as they follow art. Basel, a city happy to hold a museum-grade fair and an all-night office party in the same week, without either feeling like the lesser event. 

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The Global Stage for Design

At the centre sits Salone del Mobile, held at Fiera Milano, now in its 64th edition. With over 1,900 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and vast exhibition spaces spanning furniture, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms, it remains the gravitational core of the week.

Yet to think of Salone purely as a trade fair is to misunderstand its role. Increasingly, it acts as both anchor and amplifier – a place where industrial design meets cultural discourse. This year’s theme, “A Matter of Salone,” reflects that shift, exploring materials not just as physical components but as carriers of memory, emotion and meaning.

New initiatives reinforce this direction. The debut of Salone Raritas, for example, signals a growing appetite for collectible design – pieces that sit somewhere between furniture and art. This reflects a broader industry movement: away from mass production as the sole focus, and towards individuality, craft and narrative.

Beyond the Fair: A City Activated

If Salone is the anchor, Fuorisalone is the explosion.

Spread across Milan’s districts from Brera to Tortona and Porta Venezia, Fuorisalone transforms the city into an open-air exhibition. Showrooms, palazzi, courtyards and even abandoned spaces become temporary stages for installations, launches and conversations.

This diffusion is not accidental. It reflects Milan’s unique ability to blur boundaries between disciplines. During Design Week, art exhibitions, architectural interventions and brand activations coexist seamlessly, creating a layered cultural experience that extends far beyond product launches.

In 2026, that integration is particularly visible. From immersive installations beneath Milano Centrale to exhibitions in historic palaces, the city itself becomes a canvas — one that invites exploration rather than efficiency. As seasoned attendees often note, Milan is not a place to rush; it rewards those who wander.

Brera: The Cultural Epicentre

Among the many districts, Brera remains the spiritual heart of Milan Design Week.

With its narrow streets, historic palazzi and proximity to the Pinacoteca di Brera, the neighbourhood offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary design. It’s here that global brands compete not just for attention, but for relevance – staging installations that often blur the line between retail and exhibition.

This wasn’t always the case. In the early decades of Salone del Mobile, activity was largely confined to the fairgrounds. It wasn’t until the late 20th century, catalysed by showroom networks and pioneering galleries, that the city itself became integral to the experience.

Today, Brera hosts hundreds of events during the week, drawing some of the longest queues in Milan. And yet, despite the scale, it retains an authenticity that many global design events struggle to replicate. It is not simply a backdrop; it is part of the narrative.

Design as Cultural Dialogue

One of the defining characteristics of Milan Design Week is its ability to frame design within a broader cultural context.

This year, a series of exhibitions across the city highlights the increasingly global and interdisciplinary nature of the field. From retrospectives examining the influence of Japanese aesthetics on Italian design thinking, to exhibitions celebrating Danish modernism and its evolution, the programme reflects a dialogue that extends far beyond national boundaries.

Elsewhere, narratives of migration and cross-cultural exchange come into focus. The story of designers who moved between continents, shaping and reshaping modernism along the way, reinforces a key truth: design has always been a global language.

This emphasis on storytelling marks a shift. Objects are no longer presented in isolation; they are framed within histories, philosophies and identities. Design, in this sense, becomes less about form alone and more about meaning.

Emerging Themes in 2026

While Milan Design Week resists simple categorisation, several themes emerge in 2026:

1. Craft Meets Technology
There is a growing tension and harmony between digital innovation and traditional craftsmanship. AI, advanced manufacturing and smart materials are increasingly present, but often in dialogue with hand-made processes rather than replacing them.

2. The Rise of Collectible Design
The introduction of new platforms dedicated to limited-edition pieces highlights a shift towards design as a cultural artefact. These works prioritise narrative, authorship and uniqueness over scalability.

3. Domestic Space Reimagined
Designers continue to rethink how we live. Furniture is no longer static; it adapts to hybrid lifestyles where spaces must accommodate work, rest and social interaction simultaneously.

4. Material Consciousness
Sustainability remains central, but the conversation has matured. It is no longer just about reducing impact, but about rethinking the emotional and sensory qualities of materials themselves.

The Experience Economy of Design

Perhaps the most significant evolution of Milan Design Week is its shift towards experience.

Brands are no longer simply presenting products; they are creating environments. Installations become immersive narratives, often drawing from theatre, art and even gastronomy. Visitors are not just observers – they are participants.

This has broader implications. In an era where digital content dominates, physical experiences have become more valuable. Milan offers something that cannot be replicated online: the ability to encounter design in a spatial, sensory and social context.

It is also why the week continues to grow. What was once an industry event is now a global cultural destination, attracting not only designers and buyers, but architects, artists, technologists and increasingly, a design-curious public.

A Week That Defines the Year Ahead

For many, Milan Design Week is less about what is seen and more about what is set in motion.

Conversations started in a Brera courtyard or a Tortona installation often shape collaborations, commissions and ideas that unfold over the following year. It is a rare moment when the entire ecosystem, from emerging designers to global brands, exists in one place, without hierarchy.

Milan as a Living Laboratory

Salone del Mobile & Milan Design Week 2026 reinforces the city’s position not just as a design capital, but as a living laboratory for the future of creativity.

Here, design is not confined to objects or industries. It is a way of thinking – one that connects disciplines, cultures and ideas. Whether through a meticulously crafted chair, an immersive installation or a quiet exhibition in a foundation space, the message is consistent:

Design matters. Not just in how things look, but in how we live, think and connect.

And for one week each year, Milan shows us exactly what that means.

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Far from the sprawl of larger fairs, Art Monte Carlo has always traded on intimacy. This year is no exception with just twenty-six leading international galleries being selected, each presenting exceptional works within a setting that is as considered as the art itself.

The result is a slower, more deliberate experience – one that invites discovery rather than overwhelm.

Under the direction of Stefano Rabolli Pansera, the 2026 edition introduces Earthly Delights, a curated exhibition that threads through the fair, adding a layer of narrative and cohesion. It’s a subtle but confident move, positioning the fair not just as a marketplace, but as a cultural moment in its own right.

Founded in 2016, Art Monte Carlo has quickly established itself as a key fixture in the European art calendar, operating under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The fair brings together leading galleries, collectors, and institutions to present modern and contemporary art, design, and special projects. Alongside its sister fair Art Genève, it forms a considered, dual-platform approach, balancing Monaco’s elegance with Geneva’s international reach.

Conceived as a refined “Salon d’Art” for the Côte d’Azur, Art Monte Carlo distinguishes itself through a deliberately human-scale format, bringing together around 30–40 carefully selected international galleries. The emphasis is on curatorial integrity, elegance, and meaningful collector engagement, rather than sheer volume.

Set within the light-filled spaces of the Grimaldi Forum, the fair’s scenography prioritises clarity and restraint – allowing the works, and the conversations around them, to take centre stage.

For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Art Monte Carlo continues to offer something increasingly rare: space to look, to think, and to engage with art at a more human pace.

Art Monte Carlo 2026 runs from Wednesday, April 29 to Friday, May 1, with a preview day by invitation only on Tuesday, April 28.

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In hospitality, lighting has become one of the most effective elements in shaping the experience. The moment one steps into a hotel lobby, a restaurant, or a private suite, the first thing that introduces ambience, from calm to drama, from elegance to intrigue, is lighting.

Effective lighting is never self-serving. Rather, it directs traffic patterns and accentuates texture through light and shadow.

Contemporary luxury is about understatement. Precision, the strategic use of lighting to emphasise architecture, soften transitions, and define moments, is preferred to excess. A sculptural chandelier placed above a reception desk defines the arrival. A warm, layered lighting effect in a dining room transforms socialising into a ritual.

In a home, good lighting is curation, not construction. The key distinction in excellent lighting design is its purpose, not its intensity. Shadows are just as important as lights. Contrast is important for creating depth, but its absence is important for revealing form, texture, and material quality.

Lighting becomes architecture

Manipulating experience over time, responding to movement, and changing perception without obtrusion. Lighting in high-end hospitality serves to convey identity.

Lighting conveys an ethos of refinement, poise, and calm. The lighting might never be directly noticed in a space, but it’s felt. A space is noticed not for its mass, but for its balance, its consideration, and its completeness.

Upmarket interiors are increasingly shifting from generic design to tailored ones. Customised lighting enables spaces to be designed with intent: statement spaces in common areas, overlaid ambient illumination for lounges and suites, and sculptural pieces that double as art.

This enhances design and ensures that it remains current and timeless. In domestic spaces, the same tenets apply. Lighting determines the manner in which an environment of living will be experienced, the manner in which the morning, the evening, the architecture of the night, is revealed.

At its core, lighting is about feeling rather than seeing. When done well, light becomes invisible, in the very best of ways. And extraordinary interior spaces often showcase light that defines space rather than merely illuminates it.

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The influential bi-annual trade fair showcases the latest in furniture, lighting, decorative objects, textiles and more.

With the theme “Past Reveals Future,” this edition explores how contemporary designers reinterpret craftsmanship, heritage and tradition.

Immersive exhibitions like What’s New? in Decor and Curatio, as well as sectors for fine craft, outdoor living and innovative retail, spark dialogue between history and the future of interiors.

Beyond the show floors, Maison&Objet extends into the city with In The City, a curated programme connecting visitors to Paris’s creative ecosystem, while major talks, trend insights and standout new collections will be revealed throughout the week.

Designers, architects, buyers and brand founders will be on-site, making this edition a must-attend moment for anyone tracking where design and the art of living are headed in 2026.

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What’s striking this year is the confidence. Dubai Design Week no longer feels like it’s trying to catch up with Milan or London; instead, it’s carving out a distinctly regional voice with global resonance. The tone is cosmopolitan yet grounded – a blend of sophistication, material intelligence, and social purpose. International heavyweights like Kartell, Vitra, and Roche Bobois share the stage with a new generation of regional designers from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, many of whom are redefining what contemporary Middle Eastern design looks like.

Visitors can expect installations that engage with sustainability, material innovation, and cultural continuity – from experimental 3D-printed structures made of desert sand to hand-crafted ceramics that reinterpret traditional Gulf motifs through a contemporary lens.

The outdoor atmosphere at D3 is electric. Its open courtyards and waterfront terraces have been transformed into a living gallery, where design is experienced rather than merely observed. Walking through the district, you encounter designers from São Paulo to Seoul, setting up pavilions and interactive works alongside collectives from Manama and Muscat. The diversity of voices speaks volumes about Dubai’s growing influence – a city that has invested heavily in cultural infrastructure, design education, and public art, and is now reaping the rewards.

Particularly noteworthy this year are the urban commissions, which explore how design can shape public life in a city defined by rapid growth. One installation, developed in collaboration with local architecture students, reimagines the role of shade and cooling in civic spaces – a poetic response to the realities of desert urbanism. Another project examines how biophilic design can make high-density neighbourhoods more humane, integrating local flora into micro-scale interventions.

If earlier editions of Dubai Design Week felt like a statement of intent, 2025 feels like a statement of arrival. The dialogue has matured; the ambition has become expertise. There’s less flash, more focus – and an unmistakable sense that Dubai is no longer the outsider looking in, but a leading voice in shaping global design culture.

For those attending, D3 this week isn’t just a destination – it’s a glimpse into the future of design in the Middle East: sustainable, inclusive, and unmistakably its own.

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The first encounter for most visitors is Frieze Sculpture, which transforms the English Gardens into an open-air exhibition of 14 striking works by international artists. This year’s selection is beautifully curated – a conversation between landscape, form, and imagination. Among the standout pieces is a monumental sculpture by the multidisciplinary collective Assemble, depicting a large dog that seems to stand guard over the park. Both playful and profound, it explores folklore, architecture, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. In contrast, Indian artist Reena Saini Kallat presents a haunting sound sculpture resembling an antique horn; when approached, it emits the birdsong of extinct species — a poignant meditation on absence, memory, and the fragility of ecosystems.

Inside the tent, 168 galleries from more than 40 countries will present a dazzling spectrum of global creativity. Many long-time participants return – from Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth to Victoria Miro and Goodman Gallery – joined this year by exciting newcomers such as Selma Feriani Gallery from Tunis and South Africa’s Southern Guild, both marking Frieze’s continued expansion of its global reach. The fair has made visible efforts to champion diversity, with artists from Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America taking increasingly prominent roles.

Walking through the fair feels like stepping into an international dialogue about the state of art and culture today. Themes of ecology, technology, and identity run through many presentations, reflecting the world’s broader social and political preoccupations. Expect tactile materials, immersive installations, and bold colour palettes – all pushing the boundaries between art, architecture, and design.

As always, the energy of Frieze Week extends far beyond the fair itself. Across London, museums and galleries are synchronising their best shows to coincide – from the Serpentine’s experimental programming to the Royal Academy’s autumn blockbuster. The city becomes a living gallery, alive with talks, openings, and chance encounters that spark collaboration across disciplines.

If Frieze London 2025 has a message, it’s one of connection – between people, ideas, and worlds. It’s a reminder that London’s creative pulse continues to beat strong, even in turbulent times. Whether you’re an art-world veteran, a curious collector, or a designer seeking inspiration, Regent’s Park this week is the place to witness art’s power to reflect, provoke, and reimagine the world around us.

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Walking into the fair, I was immediately struck by the balance of heritage and forward-thinking design. The layout was intuitive, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition from one exhibition sector to another. The vast exhibition spaces were meticulously curated, spotlighting everything from iconic furniture designers to emerging talents who dare to challenge conventional aesthetics. One of the aspects that stood out was the emphasis on sustainable practices – designers are not only innovating in form and function but also redefining materials in a way that speaks to environmental stewardship.

The trend themes this year were particularly compelling. Numerous installations celebrated the fusion of technology and traditional craftsmanship. For instance, several booths showcased modular and flexible furniture systems that could easily adapt to the ever-changing needs of urban living, while other exhibitors highlighted artisanal techniques that have been refined over decades. The juxtaposition of the old and new under one roof encapsulated the essence of Milanese design: a respect for history while eagerly embracing the future.

A highlight of the fair was the creative use of space itself. Many exhibitors transformed their booths into immersive environments that went beyond merely displaying products. One particularly memorable installation involved an interactive digital wall that allowed visitors to explore the evolution of design trends over the past century – a living timeline that brought art and technology together in a captivating narrative. This element of interactivity underscored how the industry is moving towards experiential design, where engagement with the audience is as important as the aesthetics of the objects presented.

Networking at Salone del Mobile 2025 was an absolute pleasure. The event provided a perfect environment for professionals to share insights and forge collaborations. Seminars and panel discussions, led by luminaries in the field, reinforced the idea that today’s design challenges are as much about community and collaboration as they are about individual creativity.

Salone del Mobile 2025 offered a thoroughly invigorating experience, rich in innovative ideas and creative energy. It showcased not only the pinnacle of Italian design but also a vision for a future where sustainability, interactivity, and technological integration drive the evolution of interior spaces. For any interior designer, enthusiast, or industry professional, this fair is a must-visit event – a dynamic testament to the enduring power of design to inspire and transform.

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A Diverse and Dynamic Showcase

The 2025 edition features a strong emphasis on artists and galleries from the Asia-Pacific region, with more than half of the participating galleries hailing from this area. The Insights section presents 24 galleries offering solo projects by regional artists, while 21 of the 38 Kabinett presentations spotlight Asia-Pacific creators. This focus underscores Hong Kong’s role as a vital nexus for the regional art world.

Beyond the gallery presentations, Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 offers a rich array of public programs designed to engage both seasoned collectors and new audiences. The fair’s Artist Night celebration, hosted in collaboration with Tai Kwun, features emerging experimental musicians, visual artists, and collectives from Asia and Europe, blending visual art, soundscapes, and improvisational performances. Additionally, the Art Basel Shop makes its Hong Kong debut, offering a selection of lifestyle products that celebrate and enhance the Art Basel experience.

Technological Innovations and Digital Art

Reflecting the growing intersection of art and technology, this year’s fair introduces Digital Dialogues, co-hosted by TAEX, focusing on the interplay between art and technology. These panels aim to further the dialogue around digital art and on-chain art innovations, engaging traditional collectors, artists, and the emerging digital art community. A notable highlight is the pop-up store featuring digital artworks created by Doku, a virtual artist designed by Chinese artist Lu Yang. This installation challenges traditional notions of art creation and valuation, prompting reflection on the role of artificial intelligence in the art world.

As Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 prepares to open its doors, it stands as a testament to the city’s enduring cultural significance and its ability to navigate change. The fair offers a platform for diverse artistic voices, fosters innovation through the integration of technology, and engages the public through thoughtfully curated programs. Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience that not only showcases exceptional art but also reflects the dynamic and evolving spirit of Hong Kong’s art landscape.

Image: Courtesy Art Basel

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A Platform for Diverse Artistic Voices

ARCOmadrid 2025 featured 206 galleries from 36 countries, presenting works by over 1,300 artists. The fair’s General Programme served as its backbone, with galleries selected by the Organising Committee. Curated sections like “Opening. New Galleries” and “Profiles | Latin American Art” highlighted emerging talents and reinforced the fair’s longstanding connection with Latin American art.

The Amazon as Central Theme

This year’s central project, “Wametise: Ideas for an Amazofuturism,” curated by Denilson Baniwa and María Wills in collaboration with the Institute for Postnatural Studies, focused on the Amazon. The project explored new modes of creation representing hybrid existences between human, plant, physical, and metaphysical bodies, prompting reflections on environmental and cultural sustainability.

Notable Sales and Institutional Acquisitions

The fair reported significant sales, underscoring its commercial success. A sculpture by British artist Antony Gormley sold for over €650,000. The Museo Reina Sofía and the Spanish Ministry of Culture jointly acquired 26 works for nearly €500,000, including a photograph by Marina Vargas. elpais.com

Provocative and Thought-Provoking Works

ARCOmadrid 2025 was marked by artworks that addressed pressing social and political issues. Ramón Mateos’s piece “7.291” symbolised the number of deaths in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic under Madrid’s regional government. Eugenio Merino’s aforementioned dishwasher installation critiqued the media’s portrayal of far-right figures. These works sparked conversations among attendees, reflecting the fair’s engagement with contemporary societal concerns. cadenaser.com

Royal Endorsement

The fair received a notable visit from the Spanish monarch, who toured the exhibition and engaged with artists and their works. Their presence highlighted ARCOmadrid’s cultural significance and its role in promoting contemporary art within Spain and internationally. elpais.com

ARCOmadrid 2025 successfully reaffirmed its position as a pivotal event in the contemporary art calendar. By blending commercial success with thought-provoking artistic discourse, the fair showcased Madrid’s vibrant art scene and its capacity to engage with global artistic dialogues.

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