The 19th edition of Melbourne Art Fair opened at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) to record attendance, with VIP numbers for the Champagne Bollinger preview and vernissage up more than 50% on previous years.

“The opening day of the 2026 edition of Melbourne Art Fair has underscored the energy in the Australian market right now,” says Fair Director Melissa Loughnan.

“The calibre of presentations from our exhibitors across the Fair is exceptionally strong and it’s rewarding for us to see this being appreciated and embraced by our visitors. We’re looking forward to seeing the momentum continue to build - there’s an exciting few days ahead”.

MAF2026_Vernissage 15.jpg — Champagne Bollinger preview and vernissage / Casper Plum

More than 60 of Australia’s leading galleries and Indigenous-owned art centres presented ambitious solo and curated booths alongside large-scale installations, VIDEO and COMMISSIONS.

“If the vernissage was anything to go by, this year's Melbourne art fair will be one of the best ever. The afternoon and evening were vibrant and well attended, with a great energy throughout the opening day,” says Danielle Renshaw, Gallery Director of The Renshaws’.

The gallery sold out its solo presentation of new work by Archibald Prize winner Julie Fragar on opening night.

Ames Yavuz returned with works by Rosemary Laing and Caroline Rothwell.

“We’re excited to be back at Melbourne Art Fair in 2026. As one of the most important moments on our cultural calendar we will always come and connect with Melbourne artists and audiences,” Director Dominic Kavanagh says.

“This edition has a distinctly different look and feel and that was made tangible with the incredible energy and atmosphere of the opening day”.
William Nuttall, Director of Niagara Galleries, concurs, saying that opening day has been a huge success.

MAF2026_Vernissage 10.jpg — Champagne Bollinger preview and vernissage / Casper Plum

“There has been a real buzz about the fair and we've found the reception to both Arthur (Jalyirri) Dixon's work and Brenda L. Croft's (both in our booth and in Beyond) has been overwhelmingly positive,” he says.

“Congratulations to Peter Jopling and his capable team - we're really looking forward to the next few days of the fair, attending the panel discussions and floor talks and continuing to meet with passionate collectors and our gallery peers”.

Opening day also marked the 20th anniversary of the Melbourne Art Fair Commission with the return of Cosmo McMurtry (2006) by Aotearoa / New Zealand artist Michael Parekōwhai, the first commission by Melbourne Art Foundation, realised with the National Gallery of Victoria.

Its reinstallation reflects the Fair’s longstanding commitment to ambitious, culturally significant public artworks and its enduring relationship with NGV.

Melbourne Art Fair announced Hany Armanious and Fine Arts, Sydney as recipients of the 2026 Richard Parker Award. Founder of RATIONALE and Official Partner of the Fair, Richard Parker selected the winner virtually in collaboration with Sharmini Rajarethnam, CEO of RATIONALE.

Armanious’ sculptural practice explores what he describes as the “cult of casting”, transforming everyday objects through alchemical processes into works charged with material and symbolic resonance.

The 2026 edition also saw the launch of FUTUREOBJEKT, a new collectible design salon bringing together 20 leading Australian designers and studios.

“The opening day of Melbourne Art Fair heralded the bold start of a new design experience in Australia. It’s quite humbling to have seen FUTUREOBJEKT be so enthusiastically embraced by the community,” says Andy Kelly, Director, Collectible Design at Melbourne Art Fair.

“If I’m honest, it’s actually a bit emotional. I’m just a kid who started a gallery with my boyfriend and it’s a real point of pride to be part of creating FUTUREOBJEKT - a new platform that will help support and grow our industry”.

Anchored by the central Mobilia Design Lounge, Living Thing, a collaboration with artist Tom Polo, reimagines the Italian piazza as a contemporary gathering point within the Fair.

“We are thrilled to be participating in Melbourne Art Fair through our new gallery 20/20 project and our Mobilia Design Lounge in collaboration with Tom Polo, as part of the inaugural FUTUREOBJEKT,” says Salvatore Fazzari, Director of MOBILIA + Gallery 20/20.

“This prestigious platform represents a landmark moment for collectible design in Australia, bringing together the most innovative voices at the intersection of contemporary art, craft, and object-making.

"We are deeply grateful to the Melbourne Art Fair team for this exciting opportunity to present our vision alongside such forward-thinking studios and galleries. Our project celebrates material intelligence, challenges conventional boundaries, and invites collectors and audiences to reimagine how design enriches everyday life and cultural dialogue."

According to Designer Tom Fereday, FUTUREOBJEKT has helped to soften the traditional format of the Art Fair.

MAF2026_Vernissage 8.jpg — Champagne Bollinger preview and vernissage / Casper Plum

“The design sensibility across the board creates a sense of intimacy and cohesion, and the elegant transitions between presentations makes the overall experience feel deeply considered,” he says.

“For this exhibition, I’m debuting a cast aluminium edition of my Core Lights. Every piece I’ve created for the show is something I would truly want to own myself”.

Visitors also experienced partner activations including the Champagne Bollinger Bar, designed in collaboration with Melbourne Art Fair ambassador Brahman Perera, a refined space for conversation and hospitality inspired by the Maison’s values of craftsmanship and connection.

The Fair continues through 23 February 2026, tickets and information are available at melbourneartfair.com.au.

Image: Fiona Hall, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery

Clémence Carayol

Let’s connect!