Contemporary art returns to the Chapiteau de Fontvieille this September as art3f Monaco brings together artists, galleries, collectors and art lovers for three days in the Principality.
Running from 11 to 13 September 2026, the seventh edition of the International Contemporary Art Fair will showcase a broad selection of painting, sculpture, photography and other contemporary works, with everything exhibited available to purchase.
Unlike some of the more formal fixtures on the international art calendar, art3f takes a deliberately accessible approach. Visitors do not need to be established collectors or art experts; the emphasis is firmly on discovering work, meeting the people behind it and, perhaps, finding something to take home.
Art without the formality
The philosophy behind art3f is straightforward: contemporary art should be approachable.
Artists exhibit alongside national and international galleries, giving visitors the opportunity to speak directly with many of those responsible for creating and representing the works on display.
The result is a considerably more relaxed environment than the traditional contemporary art fair, encouraging visitors to explore according to personal taste rather than reputation or investment value.
This approach also extends to buying. art3f is part of the growing affordable art movement, with works covering a wide range of styles and price points. While established names feature alongside emerging talent, the organisers encourage visitors to buy because they connect with a work rather than simply because of the name attached to it.
Thousands of works under one roof
The Monaco fair has grown considerably since arriving in the Principality and now regularly brings a substantial collection of contemporary work to Fontvieille.
More than 200 artists and galleries and over 3,500 works for sale are being advertised for the event, providing plenty of variety across the three days.
Painting and sculpture remain at the heart of the fair, alongside photography and mixed-media works. Previous editions have encompassed everything from abstraction, expressionism and minimalism to pop art, street art, figurative work and new realism.
It is this variety that makes art3f particularly suitable for the casual visitor. Rather than concentrating on a single movement or section of the contemporary art market, the fair provides an opportunity to wander, discover and form your own opinions.
Meet the artists
One of the more interesting aspects of the art3f format is the opportunity for direct interaction.
The people behind the works are very much part of the experience, with artists and gallery representatives on hand throughout the weekend to discuss their work, techniques and inspiration.
For anyone considering buying contemporary art for the first time, that personal contact can make the process considerably less intimidating. It also gives established collectors an opportunity to discover emerging artists before they become more widely known.
Every work exhibited at the fair is available for sale.
An open vernissage
The weekend begins on Friday, 11 September, with the fair opening at 4pm and continuing until 10pm.
The vernissage takes place on the Friday evening from 6 pm. Each exhibitor will host an opening reception at their stand, offering visitors the chance to meet the artists and discover their work. The opening evening is open to everyone, although visitors without an invitation will be required to pay the standard admission fee.
Live music and a restaurant and lounge area add to the informal atmosphere, making the opening evening as much a social occasion as an opportunity to view and buy art.
The fair continues throughout the Saturday and Sunday, allowing visitors plenty of time to explore the stands and meet participating artists and galleries.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Event: art3f Monaco 2026
Location: Chapiteau de Fontvieille (please note that animals are not permitted)
Dates & Opening hours:
- Friday, 11 September: 4pm – 10pm
- Saturday, 12 September: 11am – 8pm
- Sunday, 13 September: 11am – 7pm
Tickets:
- Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
- Early bird tickets now available.
- Entry to the exhibition is free for minors (under 18) accompanied by their parents/guardians
VENUE DETAILS
Chapiteau de l’Espace Fontvieille
5 Avenue des Ligures
98000 Monaco
Tel: +377 92 05 26 00
Web: http://www.chapiteau-monaco.com/
PHOTO CREDITS
- All photos and images courtesy art3f
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