BRAFA Art Fair

The BRAFA Art Fair (Brussels Antiques & Fine Arts Fair) is a Belgian art fair which has been held every year since 1956. It is one of the world’s longest-running and most prestigious art fairs famous for showcasing antiques, high-quality fine art, and the best of contemporary art and design. The program of the fair features a variety of spectacular presentations and interactive events aimed at art dealers and critics, art connoisseurs, and members of the general public interested in classical and modern art.

The BRAFA Art Fair is organized by the non-profit organization Belgian Antiques Fair Association (Antiekbeurs van België / Foire des Antiquaires de Belgique). The inaugural edition of BRAFA was held at Galerie Louise. It was an immediate success. The number of exhibits and participants grew each year, and in 1967 the event was moved to the Center for Fine Arts (BOZAR) to accommodate its growing attendance. Since 2004, the fair has been held in Tour & Taxi, a large formerly industrial site that is now used for large cultural events.

During the first years of its existence, BRAFA wasn’t a particularly large-scale event. The very first fair featured about 20 exhibitors and attracted a couple thousand attendees. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the art and antiques sector’s top 5 fairs. Its participants include 140 leading galleries from 17 countries, showcasing 10,000 to 15,000 objects in total. The BRAFA Arts Fair attracts over 55,000 attendees from around the globe every year.

BRAFA is considered one of Europe’s most prestigious events of its kind. It is famous for its quality and authenticity, diversity, organization, and atmosphere. The fair’s exhibitor selection process is very rigorous. A special committee consisting of about 100 international experts verifies all objects before the BRAFA Art Fair opens its doors to the public. The fair covers 20 specialties including silverware, jewelry, old and modern paintings, ceramics, sculpture, contemporary art and design, rare books, engravings, tribal art, and more.

Held every January, the BRAFA Art Fair is the first major art event of the year, and so it is regarded as a reliable barometer of the art market. It offers an exceptional showcase of items dating from the Bronze Age to the present day, attracting major art collectors and art lovers. The fair is widely known for its elegance, eclecticism and welcoming atmosphere which makes even first-time buyers feel comfortable and relaxed. Since 2009, BRAFA has been held under the auspices of Queen Paola of Belgium who is interested in contemporary Belgian art.