Highlights from BRAFA, the World's Oldest Art Fair

EVENTS | HAPPENINGS | WORLD OF CABANA 

The 71st edition of Belgium's Brussels-based BRAFA Art Fair was the biggest in the event's history and welcomed an unprecedented number of exhibitors. Elizabeth Bennett explored the fair for Cabana and shares a dispatch, highlighting 'best in show' moments, notable dealers and galleries, and the exciting, contemporary energy from a city with one of the youngest populations in Europe.

BY ELIZABETH BENNETT | HAPPENINGS | 6 FEBRUARY 2026

The 71st edition of Belgium's BRAFA Art Fair, Brussels, is the biggest in the event's history. Pictured: Laurent Schaubroeck's stand © Elizabeth Bennett.

On a blue-sky January morning in Brussels, the world’s oldest art fair is about to open its doors to record numbers. The 71st edition of Belgium's BRAFA Art Fair is the biggest in the event's history and, explains chairman Klaas Muller, organisers will this year welcome an unprecedented number of exhibitors. “Nearly 150 galleries from 18 different countries [are taking part]," Muller says, "including a host of prominent international names, some of whom will be taking part for the first time".

The first major art fair in the yearly calendar, BRAFA is beloved for its eclectic mix of art and objects. For dealers and keen collectors, there are ample opportunities for cross-collecting: here, galleries exhibiting old master paintings sit next to those presenting modern objets d’art and everything from fine antique furniture to contemporary tapestries (and all manner of treasures in between). Three essential elements remain at the heart of the fair, Muller shares. “The exceptional quality of the galleries, the diversity of specialities and the fact that BRAFA remains on a human scale,” he says.

Brussels itself has never been a better backdrop. The Belgian capital is having an art moment with The KANAL–Centre Pompidou opening in 2026, spaces like Fondation CAB going from strength to strength and a crop of exciting happenings, like Zaventem Ateliers, a paper factory-turned-art-space for 26 independent artists and craftspeople.

Brussels' creative spirit spans far beyond its art and architecture © Edoardo Colombo

Home to one of the youngest populations in Europe, Brussels’ creative spirit spans beyond its art offering. There’s a vibrant food and drink scene, whether you're searching for a terrace bar serving up natural wine, a restaurant with an inventive zero-waste menu, or a forward-thinking chocolaterie for gifts. It’s a far cry from the bureaucracy the capital of the EU is often associated with. A very walkable city, with a patchwork of architecture spanning Neoclassical palaces and Art Nouveau townhouses, Brussels is a very easy-to-explore cultural capital and well worth making a weekend of. 

Back at BRAFA, there is (naturally) a strong show of Belgian galleries, given the country has a longstanding and passionate approach to collecting. While many of these specialize in Old Masters and 20th century art, there are others bringing the lively, contemporary energy that fills the city. Objects With Narratives, a relatively new gallery with a spectacular space in a Beaux-Arts townhouse in the Brussels art district, is a case in point. Representing an intimate group of international contemporary artists who put a modern spin on traditional techniques, their BRAFA space is dedicated to a solo show by Belgian craftsman, Ben Storms. His sculptural creations are a 2026 take on trompe l’œil, forcing viewers to question what is real, which feels particularly pertinent.

Laurent Schaubroeck's dark teal stand was a highlight, including a rare 1963 daybed by Brazilian architect Jorge Zalszupin © Elizabeth Bennett. 

Elsewhere at the fair, a number of new exhibitors stand out. Young Belgian dealer Laurent Schaubroeck who specialises in 20th century design, and eschews the traditional gallery model to sell privately via his warehouse in Ghent, took a fresh approach to his BRAFA space. Color drenching the stand in dark teal – painted by him no less – his pieces were raised at different heights with tabletops hung like paintings on the walls.

Specializing in sculptural furniture and unusual woods, Schaubroeck's highlights included an extremely rare daybed designed by Brazilian architect, Jorge Zalszupin, which dated from 1963 and was one of only two ever made. 

Another dealer exhibiting at BRAFA for the first time was UK-based Joe Chaffer, founder of Vagabond Antiques, which deals in European fine antiques. Making a statement on his stand: a Vestal Virgin sculpture by Eleanor Coade, one of a few female artists to see lasting success in the 18th century and perhaps best known for her secret formula (and super durable) Coade Stone, which can withstand the coldest winters.

A Vestal Virgin sculpture by Eleanor Coade, exhibited by UK-based Vagabond Antiques Ì BRAFA.

Meanwhile, longstanding exhibitors like N. Vrouyr, an Antwerp-based rug and textile dealer in business for over 100 years, brought fresh finds to BRAFA 2026. Fourth-generation dealer Naïry Vrouyr was excited to share a new collaboration with multidisciplinary Belgian-Syrian artist, Mekhita Garabedian. Inspired by Armenian medieval manuscripts, a country in which he has roots, the two carpets explore the fragility of heritage and showcase his work in a new and exciting format.

It was a prime example of where this art fair truly excels – conserving both tradition and craft while nurturing the ideas of the future. An exciting start to the art calendar.

Longstanding exhibitors like N. Vrouyr, an Antwerp-based rug and textile dealer in business for over 100 years, brought fresh finds to BRAFA 2026 © BRAFA