Maastricht will remain the host city for the international art and antiques fair for the next ten years
MECC Maastricht has reached an agreement with TEFAF (The European Fine Art Foundation) on the continuation of TEFAF in Maastricht. The Province of Limburg and the municipality of Maastricht are also involved. Under these agreements, the world-renowned art, antiques and design fair will continue to be held at MECC Maastricht until 2036.
The agreement marks an important step in the ongoing partnership between MECC Maastricht and TEFAF. Although the current agreement remains in force until the end of the 2027 edition, the parties have decided to provide clarity about the future. The agreement reached between the parties lays the foundation for a new agreement that binds TEFAF to Maastricht for the period from 2027 up to and including 2036.
Maarten ten Holder, Managing Director of TEFAF: “With our fortieth anniversary on the horizon, we are proud that Maastricht will remain our home base for the next ten years as well. We are grateful to MECC Maastricht, the Province of Limburg and the Municipality of Maastricht for their long-term vision, especially in an international arena where accessibility, infrastructure, hospitality and image are becoming ever more decisive. This partnership gives TEFAF the space to keep developing, firmly rooted in Maastricht. At the same time, our significance extends beyond the city and the region: TEFAF is an international flagship for the Netherlands in the global art world.”
Rob van de Wiel, Managing Director of MECC Maastricht: ‘TEFAF has been part of MECC Maastricht’s DNA for nearly forty years. Based on our convictions that the fair is of great value to Maastricht and the region, we took the initiative at an early stage to enter into discussions with TEFAF about the future. Given the keen interest shown by international cities to host TEFAF, it was not a foregone conclusion that the fair would remain in Maastricht. This is why we are proud that, thanks to the collective efforts of all those involved, we have laid the foundation for another ten years of TEFAF in Maastricht.’
Global stage for art, culture and encounters
TEFAF has been held in Maastricht since 1988 and has evolved to become one of the leading international events for art and antiques. Each year, MECC Maastricht welcomes thousands of collectors, museums, curators, art professionals and art lovers from all over the world. During the 2026 edition, TEFAF attracted more than 50,000 visitors from 75 countries over eight days. Over 277 international gallery owners presented their collections at MECC Maastricht.
Great economic importance
In addition to its international profile, TEFAF makes a substantial contribution to the regional economy. Recent research by Deloitte shows that the economic impact of TEFAF in 2025 totalled around 38 million euros for Limburg and over 86 million euros for the Netherlands as a whole. This impact is evident in virtually every sector of the regional economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops and transporters benefit from the influx of visitors and exhibitors. The trade fair also generates significant business for suppliers and service providers in areas such as stand construction, transport, technical services, catering and security.
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Picture © Gerlach Delissen Photography
