ARTe Kunstmesse Dortmund 2026

From October 9 to 11, 2026, the ARTe Art Fair Dortmund will present 80 selected galleries and artists for the third time, right near the city center. Across 1,800 square meters of exhibition space in Hall 2 of the Dortmund Exhibition Center, visitors can expect a creative showcase for visual arts in the Ruhr region—presented by established artists and emerging talents. The art fair is once again supported under the patronage of Ina Brandes, Minister of Culture and Science for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Amid an open and airy booth layout, the sales fair offers a platform for contemporary art and classical modernism. Visitors can discover paintings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and more. The art experience is enhanced by musical accompaniment and culinary offerings. In the 600-square-meter foyer, guests will also find a packing station for purchased works.

Visitors can learn more about the art-historical background of the works during one of five free guided tours led by art historian Anette Ochsenwadel. Registration is recommended and can be done via the ARTe Art Fairs website.

With pleasant fall temperatures, the ARTe Art Fair in Dortmund invites visitors to explore, linger, and engage in direct dialogue with the galleries and artists. As a unique marketplace for artistic diversity, it offers enjoyment and a carefree atmosphere, while also providing the opportunity to purchase the exhibited works on the spot.

A special highlight among the exhibitors is the Kunst Atelier Werkstattarbeit of the WAD (Werkstätten der Arbeiterwohlfahrt Dortmund GmbH), which will have its own booth at the art fair. The project offers people with various disabilities who are eligible for a workshop placement a space to discover and develop their artistic skills. Artists with and without prior experience work completely freely and without guidelines—supported, if needed, by their group leader, who also offers technical courses. Together, the studio and WAD organize exhibitions, excursions, and other projects, collaborate with the graphic design department, and participate in competitions. All works created are available for purchase, and some pieces can be bought directly at the ARTe Art Fair in Dortmund.

Until September 9, 2026, early bird tickets are available online for the first time at a special price of €9. After that, discounted tickets will still be available online for €12. All tickets purchased online are valid for the entire fair weekend, unlike those bought at the box office. Groups of four and eight people can also look forward to a group discount.

Anyone who arrives right at the start of the opening night on October 9, 2026, is cordially invited to enjoy free admission. Afterward, regular tickets for €15 for that day’s fair will be available at the box office. Free admission applies to accompanying children under 16 years of age. The reduced admission price of €12 is available to high school students, college students, retirees, and people with disabilities (including one accompanying person for those with a “B” disability designation).

Buy tickets:https://arte-store.de/shop/tickets-arte-kunstmesse/digitale-eintrittskarten-arte-kunstmesse-dortmund/  

Opening hours: 

• Friday, Oct. 9: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, Oct. 10: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 
• Sunday, Oct. 11: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Venue: Hall 2, Messe Dortmund, Rheinlanddamm 200, 44139 Dortmund 

Guided tours: 

• Oct. 10: 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. 
• Oct. 11: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
• Register at:https://arte-kunstmessen.de/fuehrung-buchen/?veranst=arte-kunstmesse-dortmund-2026