Koelnmesse is expanding its internationally renowned ART COLOGNE fair with a new format in southern Europe, launching ART COLOGNE PALMA MALLORCA from 9 to 12 April 2026 at the Palau de Congressos in Palma.
© Art Cologne
The initiative marks the first time the historic art fair—founded in Cologne in 1967 and widely regarded as the world's first fair for modern and contemporary art—has established a second location outside Germany. The new spring edition complements the long-standing autumn event in Cologne, responding to growing international interest in high-quality art events in the Mediterranean region.
Unveiled at a press conference held at Palma's historic Llotja de Mar, the event is backed by strong regional collaboration. Partners include the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Consell de Mallorca, the city of Palma and the gallery association Art Palma Contemporani.
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, emphasised the importance of this cooperation: "This remarkable event… has been made possible by the strong joint commitment of all partners involved." Marga Prohens, President of the Balearic Islands, added that the fair positions the region "at the forefront of the international art scene," strengthening the connection between culture and tourism.
ART COLOGNE PALMA MALLORCA will bring together 88 galleries from 20 countries, presenting a broad spectrum of modern and contemporary art. The curated selection includes both established international galleries and emerging, experimental programmes, with a strong focus on integrating local Mallorcan galleries into the international context.
The fair is structured into distinct sectors tailored to the venue's architecture. The GRAN SALÓ offers space for large-scale presentations, while the PARKOUR sector focuses on more compact and experimental formats, enabling a dynamic range of artistic expression.
Artistic Director Daniel Hug highlighted the importance of local context: "An art fair must always reflect the place in which it is held." He noted that Mallorca's established cultural ecosystem and international accessibility make it an ideal location for such an event.
Located in the Bay of Palma, the Palau de Congressos provides 2,300 square metres of exhibition space across multiple levels, offering a setting designed to foster exchange between galleries, artists, collectors and the wider public.
By positioning the fair outside peak tourist season, organisers aim to create more meaningful engagement and establish the event as a permanent fixture in the European art calendar.
With this expansion, Koelnmesse reinforces its strategy of growing leading trade fair formats internationally, while leveraging strong local partnerships to create culturally relevant, globally connected events.
More information:
Art Cologne
www.artcologne.com
