Expo Chicago art fair returns under new management

The city's biggest celebration of modern and contemporary art takes place at Navy Pier April 9-12.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:34pm

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An abstract composition of striking black, white, and red geometric shapes, conveying the dynamic energy and creative spirit of the Expo Chicago art fair.Expo Chicago's return under new leadership aims to reinvigorate the city's premier modern art showcase.Chicago Today

Expo Chicago, the city's largest art fair showcasing modern and contemporary works, is returning for its 13th year under new management. The four-day event at Navy Pier will feature galleries from around the world highlighting the latest trends and creations in the art world.

Why it matters

As one of the premier art events in the Midwest, Expo Chicago's return signals a resurgence of the city's vibrant arts and culture scene following the pandemic. The fair's new leadership also brings the potential for fresh perspectives and programming to engage both seasoned collectors and emerging artists.

The details

Expo Chicago will take place April 9-12 at Navy Pier, featuring hundreds of galleries from across the globe. The fair, now in its 13th year, is under new management after previously being run by Art Chicago. The changes in leadership could bring new curatorial approaches and event programming to the long-running exhibition.

  • Expo Chicago will take place April 9-12, 2026 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
  • The art fair is now in its 13th year of operation.

The players

Expo Chicago

An annual art fair in Chicago that showcases modern and contemporary works from galleries around the world.

Navy Pier

The iconic entertainment complex in Chicago that hosts Expo Chicago and other major events.

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What they’re saying

“Expo Chicago's return signals a resurgence of the city's vibrant arts and culture scene following the pandemic.”

— Ambar Colón, Chicago Sun-Times arts and culture reporter

“The changes in Expo Chicago's leadership could bring new curatorial approaches and event programming to the long-running exhibition.”

— Faheem Majeed, Chicago artist, recipient of the Leaders for a New Chicago Award

The takeaway

Expo Chicago's return under new management represents an opportunity to reinvigorate one of the Midwest's premier art events, potentially introducing fresh perspectives and programming to engage both seasoned collectors and emerging artists in Chicago's thriving cultural landscape.