As the winter sun settles over the NISC Grounds in New Delhi, the India Art Fair 2026 officially cements its status as the beating heart of South Asian culture. This year’s edition is the largest yet, transforming the capital into a sprawling canvas of 133 exhibitors and installations that pushes boundaries. From the long awaited Indian debut of Ai Weiwei to the kinetic energy of live performance art, the Indian Art Fair 2026 isn't just an exhibition, but a sensory revolution. So, whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this is a fair that offers a bold and immersive glimpse into the future of global creativity.
What to expect at the India Art Fair 2026
The 17th edition of the India Art Fair is not just an exhibition, it is a full scale takeover of New Delhi’s cultural landscape. An event that will be running from February 5th to 8th, 2026 at the NISC Grounds, which is the Indiaart gallery ground for this year, the fair has expanded into its most ambitious form this time.
Here’s a glimpse what awaits for you at the fair, and how you can go about exploring new things-
1. A record breaking global presence
With over 130 exhibitors, that includes 87 leading Indiaart galleries and 24 major art institutions, this year the fair bridges the gap between heritage and global trends. Expect to see blue-chip international names of artists in the India Art Fair like David Zwirner and Galleria Continua, alongside powerhouse Indiaart galleries like the Vadehra Art Gallery, Nature Morte, and DAG.
2. High octane K-Art and performance
A major highlight at the India Art Fair 2026 is the immersive K-Art pavilion, which is a collaboration with the Korea Cultural Centre India. Under the theme, Resonances of Light, four contemporary Korean artists will be seen using materials like mother-of-pearl and traditional lacquer to create a sensory spatial experience.
Furthermore, in a first for the fair, a dedicated performance programme curated by Nikhil Chopra and HH Art Spaces will feature Breakfast in a Blizzard, which is an open-air kitchen installation that blurs the lines between nourishment and collective imagination.
3. Sustainability and Eco-optimism
The 2026 edition of the India Art fair shifts the conversation toward the environment. Look out for the Forest II by Raki Nikahetiya, which is a living Miyawaki method pocket forest made from construction waste metal. You will also get to witness the Extinction Archival, which is a monumental commission by Kulpreet Singh featuring 1200 drawings of endangered species created with stubble ash and pesticide.
4. Digital meets design
The expanded Design Section at the festival features 12 pioneering studios, including names like Ashiesh Shah and Vikram Goel. Meanwhile, the fair also embraces the future with Afrah Shafiq’s BMW Facade Commission, which uses Augmented Reality (AR) to weave digital narratives into traditional textile motifs.
Must see artists in India Art Fair 2026
The 2026 edition of the India Art Fair is defined by ‘firsts’. From the historic arrival of global icons to radical experiments in performance and digital layers. Here are some artists in the India Art Fair you should definitely get to witness.
1. Modern masters and global icons
In a historic moment for the Indian art scene, the world renowned Chinese dissident artist, Ai Weiwei debuts his first solo presentation in the country. Look out for his signature large scale Lego brick compositions, including Water Lilies and Surfing (After Hokusai).
A centerpiece of the Focus section, Bharti Kher will be seen showcasing her mastery of the bindi as a medium, featuring a monumental new sculpture and salon-style wall of intricate drawings.
For a dose of art history, head to DAG or Kumar Galley to see rare works by the Progressive Artists’ Group, including M.F. Hussain, S.H. Raza, and Tyeb Mehta.
2. New voices in the Young Collectors’ Programme
The Omens.Organism.Objects.Order exhibition is the place to discover the next big thing! Explore Deepak Kumar’s micro-museum of natural history modeled on roadside cabinets, along with Gaurav Tumbada’s contemporary interpretation of traditional Warli dances, where he wears a Waghboda or a tiger mask to tell stories of industrialisation and land loss.
Visitor’s guide to the India Art Fair 2026
To ensure that your experience at NISC Exhibition Grounds is seamless, here is everything you need to know-
1. Dates and timings
The fair is split into exclusive preview days and public access hours-
Thursday, February 5, 2026- BMW VIP Preview (3:00 pm- 7:00 pm)
Friday, February 6, 2026- Select VIP Preview (11:00 am- 7:00 pm)
Saturday, February 7, 2026- Public hours (10:00 am- 7:00 pm)
Sunday, February 8, 2026- Public hours (10:00 am- 6:00 pm)
It is important to note that the last entry is typically 60-90 minutes before closing.
2. Tickets and pricing
Tickets for the India Art fair 2026 must be booked in advance as they are fully digital and often sell out. Single day passes start from Rs 800, whereas the prices for the Preview pass typically range between Rs 3000-5000.
The tickets for the fair are available via the official India Art fair website or authorized partners like BookMyShow.