The inaugural fair was held in 1977. It was a success so Antikmässan has taken place every year since. The event is held at the Stockholm International Fairs and Congress Centre (known as Stockholmsmässan and Älvsjömässan), a convention center famous for hosting the Eurovision Song Contest 1975. The venue has about 4,500 square meters of exhibition space and a capacity of 4,000 people. The average attendance at the fair is 25,000 people over the duration of the event.
Antikmässan is held in partnership with the Swedish Art and Antique Dealer Association (SKAF), which is a member of the International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers’ Associations (CINOA). It showcases antiques, vintage and modern design, fine art, collectibles, toys, fabrics, and various trinkets. Alongside exhibitors, the event features design experts who help visitors add personal touch to their homes, trend analysts, renovators and authors.
Each edition of Antikmässan has a theme reflected in its exhibition and programming. For example, the 2018 theme was “Time travel” so the fair focused on traveling back in time to the early 20th century and earlier epochs, such as baroque and rococo.
The event is open to the general public, but on the day before the official opening there is a special preview for industry professionals and VIP guests. Admission to the preview is by invitation only, and admission to the main event requires purchasing a ticket. All exhibits are for sale.
There also are parallel events that take place at the same time as the fair, such as Buying Properties Abroad (a real estate exhibition), the Panorama World Festival, and Bröllopsfeber (Wedding Fever). Note that admission to the parallel events is not included to Antikmässan tickets. Some of the parallel events have free entry, others have their own entrance tickets.
Photo: antikmassan.se
