TEFAF

Event Update

TEFAF 2025 will be held as a live event from 15.03.2025 to 20.03.2025. The exhibition will be held at the Maastricht Exhibition & Congress Center.

A Brief Overview of TEFAF

TEFAF joins together a wealth of knowledge in the world of fine art and antiquities and presents thousands of years of artwork. It’s the preeminent platform for specialists, museums, galleries and collectors to meet in person and foster long-term partnerships. The art fair is also the site of many high-profile purchases and enjoys lasting popularity across all major art markets worldwide. In short, TEFAF is a must-see event in the art world. The Maastricht edition is the gateway to some of the oldest works in history. 

GETA ltd has been a provider of hotel accommodation for trade fairs for more than a decade and has sent exhibitors all over the world. We know our way around Maastricht in the Netherlands and have a wide variety of hotels, hostels and apartments to choose from. Are you travelling alone? Or are you in a large group? Count on our team to find out the most affordable hotel deals for TEFAF and save you a fortune in the process. We always pick the best hotels located near the MECC so you don’t lose time commuting day in and day out. Pair your hotel reservation for TEFAF with one of our many additional travel services for a complete experience. 

Why Your Visit Is Worth It?

TEFAF comes with an expectation of excellence, which is why it remains such a highly respected and sought-after event in the art world. For one, it’s the best meeting point for the biggest names in the art world. The connections you make at TEFAF go a long way in raising exhibitors’ profiles and leading to more opportunities down the road. Plus, it’s where serious collectors gather to make purchases. Despite the pandemic and changes to the scheduling, TEFAF 2022 still managed to do well in terms of attendance: 

• 242 international exhibitors from 20 countries delighted visitors;
• 7000 years of art history under one roof;
• 90 museums were represented at the fair;
• Sales made in the 8-figure range;

Industry Relevance 

TEFAF (the European Fine Art Fair) has been running since 1988 and has been a central meeting point for the art world ever since. What’s special about the art fair is its targeting of different markets. One edition takes place in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and specialises in fine art and antiques. In total, over 7000 years of art history is housed in the halls of the MECC. The second edition takes place in New York, USA and is a trusted market for modern and & contemporary art.

TEFAF is open for nine days in total and the first two days are the so-called preview days, which are also open to art lovers in general. Afterwards, it’s all business! The fair’s portfolio is extensive and features antiques, Old Masters, armour, decorative objects, sculptures, jewellery pieces, paper illustrations, terracotta and antique books. There’s quite a lot more to be observed. All pieces are vetted thoroughly for their authenticity, which guarantees their origin and value. This layer of security ensures the quality of purchases. Being approved as an exhibitor elevates your name. 

The types of sales are astronomical. For instance, A Marabou Stork by Jean-Léon Gérôme opened at €47,500 and the book itself sold at a much higher price. A pair of still lifes Flower vases with malvalocas by Antonio Ponce sold for €220,000, while Pintura marró i ocre by Antoni Tàpies fetched the great price of €425,000. And that’s only scratching the surface of possibilities. 

Who Are You Going to Meet? 

TEFAF is the arena for specialists from the arts and antique sectors. The open doors policy during the first few days ensures that the general public has access to objects from around the globe. You will find galleries from Austria, France, Germany, the US, the UK, Finland, Denmark, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Hong Kong, Spain and Ireland. The audience consists of museum and gallery curators, private collectors, and connoisseurs. The information programme pulls in designers and specialists from institutions of higher education. Finally, we have to mention the presence of contemporary artists, whose work is sometimes shown. 

The most important museum institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, J. Paul Getty Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, the British Museum, Courtauld Institute of Art, Ashmolean Museum, the Musée de Louvre, the Rijksmuseum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum. That’s more than enough reason to attend. However, it’s the galleries and dealers that are the big actors. You have the opportunity to see Haboldt & Co, Hidde van Seggelen, Galerie Karsten Greve, Bijl-van Urk Masterpaintings, Galleria Continua, Aronson Antiquairs, Dr Jörn Günther Rare Books and White Cube. 

The quality of both visitors and exhibitors has no rival. 

Additional Value of Attending 

TEFAF boasts a comprehensive information and educational programme. It’s impossible to see everything and learn everything, but there are ways to make the most of your visit. Are you curious about a specific time period or art? Then the TEFAF Fair tours give you a brief overview of what you’re curious about and guides you through some of the most impressive points in the art fair. The TEFAF Talks invites renowned names in the art world to discuss a variety of topics, while the Meet the Experts section creates a lot more opportunities to expand your knowledge deeper.  

As a whole the TEFAF Program has much to offer through its selection of lectures. The lineup includes key insiders, experts, museum professionals and curators. You’ll be able to gain a deeper understanding of the market at the moment and pinpoint emerging trends. Plus, hear all about the experiences and insights of speakers.