India Art Fair Returns: Four Days of Culture, Creativity, and Collecting

The India Art Fair 2026 will take place from February 5–8 at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Okhla, New Delhi. The India Art Fair will  showcase South Asia’s most dynamic modern and contemporary art scene with over 120 galleries and institutions. For instance, Visitors can expect exclusive previews, public exhibitions, cultural programming, and a vibrant marketplace for collectors and art lovers.

What to Expect

• Leading galleries and institutions: Over 123 exhibitors presenting works from iconic and emerging artists across South Asia.
• Modern and contemporary art: A wide spectrum of painting, sculpture, photography, installations, and digital art.
• Cultural programming: Talks, panel discussions, and workshops with artists, curators, and collectors.
• Design and cross-disciplinary showcases: Expanding beyond fine art into design, craft, and cultural innovation.
• Collector opportunities: Exclusive previews for VIPs and a marketplace for acquiring rare and contemporary works.
• Public engagement: Interactive installations, educational tours, and family-friendly activities.

• Dates & Schedule

  • February 5, 2026 (Thursday): BMW VIP Preview, 3 pm – 7 pm
  • February 6, 2026 (Friday): Select VIP Preview, 11 am – 7 pm
  • February 7, 2026 (Saturday): Public Hours, 10 am – 7 pm
  • February 8, 2026 (Sunday): Public Hours, 10 am – 6 pm
• Venue: NSIC Exhibition Grounds, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi
• Accessibility: Govindpuri Metro Station (Violet Line) nearby; paid parking available.

Jayashree Burman paintings

Why It Matters

• South Asia’s premier art event: The fair is considered the largest cultural gathering in India, cementing New Delhi’s role in the global art circuit.
• Global exposure: International collectors and institutions attend, making it a hub for networking and cultural exchange.
• Cultural vibrancy: The fair highlights India’s evolving art landscape, blending tradition with cutting-edge contemporary practices.

Planning Your Visit

• Book tickets early: Public days (Feb 7–8) can get crowded, so secure entry passes in advance.
• Choose your day wisely: VIP previews (Feb 5–6) are quieter and ideal for serious collectors; public days are more vibrant and interactive.
• Arrive via metro: Govindpuri Metro Station (Violet Line) is the most convenient stop, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.

Navigating the Fair

• Start with the main galleries: Begin at the central pavilion to see headline exhibitions from leading Indian and international galleries.
• Explore emerging artists: Don’t miss the curated sections showcasing new voices in South Asian art.
• Check the schedule: Talks, panels, and workshops run throughout the day—plan around sessions that interest you.
•  Cafés and lounges inside the venue are perfect for recharging while networking.

Seema Kohli Painting

 Collecting & Shopping

• Browse with intent: Galleries often display works across price ranges—ask for catalogs and price lists.
• Engage with gallerists: Conversations can reveal stories behind artworks and help you make informed purchases.
• Look beyond paintings: Sculptures, installations, and digital art are increasingly popular among collectors.

Enhancing the Experience

• Join guided tours: These provide context and highlight must-see works.
• Follow the fair map: The layout can be overwhelming; maps help you cover all sections without backtracking.
• Capture memories thoughtfully: Photography is allowed in most areas, but always check before snapping.
• Stay hydrated and comfortable: Wear comfortable shoes and carry water—it’s a long day of walking and exploring.

Curated list of must-see galleries and artists at the 2026

If you’re planning your visit, here’s a curated list of must-see highlights to prioritize.

 Must-See Galleries

• Galerie Maria Wettergren: Showcasing Dhruv Agarwal’s design-driven works that blend nostalgia with contemporary craft.
• Nature Morte: Known for cutting-edge contemporary art, often featuring experimental installations and digital works.
• Vadehra Art Gallery: A powerhouse in Indian modern and contemporary art, representing masters and emerging talent.
• Experimenter (Kolkata): Celebrated for bold, conceptual art and socially engaged practices.
• Gallery Espace: Specializes in contemporary Indian artists with strong international resonance.
• Delhi Art Gallery (DAG): Offers a historical perspective, with modern masters alongside contemporary voices.

 Featured Artists

• Sudarshan Shetty: Presenting “Whose Asleep and Whose Awake,” a poetic exploration of objects and constructed worlds.
• Dhruv Agarwal: His design language emphasizes scale, nostalgia, and craft, showcased through Galerie Maria Wettergren.
• Bharti Kher: Known for her bindi-based works and explorations of identity and mythology.
• Subodh Gupta: Famous for monumental installations using everyday Indian utensils.
• Jitish Kallat: Blends science, history, and philosophy in multimedia works.
• Emerging Artists Showcase: A curated section spotlighting rising South Asian talent, offering fresh perspectives and experimental practices.

 How to Prioritize Your Visit

• Start with international collaborations: Galleries like Galerie Maria Wettergren bring global perspectives.
• Move to Indian heavyweights: Vadehra, Nature Morte, and DAG provide a mix of modern masters and contemporary innovators.
• Don’t miss experimental zones: Experimenter and the Emerging Artists Showcase highlight bold, new voices.
• Plan around artist talks: Sudarshan Shetty and Bharti Kher are expected to feature in panel discussions.