STOCKHOLM.- Since Market Art Fair began in 2006, Stockholm has emerged as a significant contemporary art destination. A vibrant, though previously somewhat isolated, scene, it today boasts strong international connections, shaped by major institutions like Moderna Museet, and the opening of several new venues in the last 20 years: Bonniers Konsthall where emerging Swedish talent meets daring international group shows; the striking golden building of Sven-Harrys Konstmuseum; Artipelag's wondrous archipelago sculpture park; and Fotografiska, the now global institution for photography. The period has also seen a rapid expansion of art into public spaces, including the addition of the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park to the cultural landscape of Djurgården island, and the evolution of Stockholm's subway system into 'the world's longest art gallery'. Furthermore, universities have been at the forefront of innovation, with Stockholm School of Economics launching a bold initiative to turn its classrooms into art installations, and Stockholm University opening the cutting-edge Accelerator space.
Concurrently, there has been an upsurge in new galleries, spearheaded by a generation of gallerists committed to showcasing emerging Nordic talents alongside international artists, with Market Art Fair acting as a significant catalyst. This development is partly driven by a new wave of 'tech entrepreneur collectors', which is particularly strong in Stockholm -- a city that boasts the second-highest number of unicorn startups per capita globally, surpassed only by Silicon Valley. Reflecting the growing collector demand and the increasing internationalization of the Nordic art scene, the 19th edition of Market Art Fair in May 2025 was its largest yet and, for the first time, welcomed galleries without established Nordic ties.
Frihamnen: A new dynamic location to shape the future
The 20th anniversary edition of the fair marks another significant step change for the event with a move to a new venue, Magasin 9. The waterfront warehouse-turned-cultural space is situated in Frihamnen (Free Port), a working port that is emerging as a new hub for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Here, in between the docks, the area's signature early 20th century "magasiner" (warehouses) are home to artist studios (e.g. Jens Fänge and Charlotte Gyllenhammar), fashion brands (e.g. H&M) and Scandinavian design (e.g. Jackson Design), complemented by Stockholm's largest music venue -- affectionately known as the "Banana Temple" because of its history as a banana import location -- and the colourful "Container Village", a place for innovation curated by creative collective, Blivande.
Sara Berner Bengtsson, CEO & Director of Market Art Fair, says: "Our move to Magasin 9 in Frihamnen is a natural next step in our evolution. This historic port -- a point of connection, embarkation, and exchange -- is the perfect physical embodiment of our mission. Just as Stockholm has long been a gateway for goods and ideas, Market Art Fair serves as an interchange for art and dialogue, importing global perspectives and exporting Nordic talent. Nestled within this dynamic new nexus of culture and commerce, our 20th anniversary edition will serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of the Nordic art scene."
Participating galleries: A robust Nordic art market
Market Art Fair 2026 will showcase the strength of the Nordic art market, featuring a mix of established Nordic galleries alongside a newer cohort of spaces -- many established since 2020 -- while building on the successful inclusion of international participants from last year.
Long-established Nordic-rooted participants include Galerie Nordenhake (SE/DE/MX), i8 Gallery (IS), Galleri Nicolai Wallner (DK), OSL contemporary (NO), and Galerie Forsblom (FI). The region's youngest participants include several galleries already gaining recognition at international fairs beyond the Nordic shores, such as Coulisse Gallery (SE) and palace enterprise (DK). Reflecting the recognized potential of the Nordic art market, the fair will also welcome established international galleries without Nordic ties, including first-time exhibitors Anthony Wilkinson Gallery (UK) and albertz benda (US).
The galleries are chosen by a distinguished selection committee of experienced museum directors and curators from the Nordic region with the current committee comprising Lars Nittve (chair), museum director emeritus who founded Tate Modern, London, and former Director of Moderna Museet, Stockholm; newly joined Tone Hansen, Director of the Munch Museum in Oslo; Marie Nipper, Director of ARKEN Museum of Contemporary Art in Ishøj, south of Copenhagen; Pilvi Kalhama, Director of the new Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki; and Magnus af Petersens, independent curator based in Sweden. The guiding principles for selection -- quality of presentation, artistic ambition, and relevance -- ensure that exhibitors, whether established or emerging, prioritize bold artistic visions, making each edition of the fair feel fresh, forward-looking, and vital.
The complete list, presentation highlights and Market Art Fair's wider anniversary programme will be announced in early 2026.