Expo Chicago Names Exhibitors for 2026 Edition

Expo Chicago has confirmed more than 130 exhibitors for the upcoming Expo 2026 at Navy Pier, April 9-12.

Last November, when the fair announced the promotion of Kate Sierzputowski to director and the appointment of Essence Harden as curator, it also promised a smaller floor plan. This is confirmed by the just-released exhibitor list, which is nearly 25% smaller than the 2025 show. The streamlined show is designed to offer “a more focused, intentionally expanded format designed to deepen engagement among experienced collectors, first-time visitors and regional audiences,” according to a press release.

Exhibitors lined up to attend the show include leading galleries such as Karma, Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, Nara Roesler, Night Gallery, Vielmetter Los Angeles, Monique Meloche, Patron, Bockley Gallery and Tern Gallery.

The 2026 show will also introduce a partnership between Expo Chicago and the Obama Presidential Center (OPC), which will open later this year. As part of the collaboration, OPC Museum Director Louise Bernard will curate two sections at the show: Embodiment, which is “inspired by the architecture and commissioned artists of the Obama Presidential Center,” and Evolution, which will present “an exhibition of archival materials drawn from the Center’s Arts Council,” according to a press release. The embodied component will be comprised of five galleries: Gray, Sean Kelly, Anton Kern, Wendi Norris Gallery and Regen Projects.

As with other Frieze fairs, the Exposure section of the fair has been renamed Focus. Curated by Katie A. Pfohl, associate curator of contemporary art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the exhibition takes the Mississippi River Basin as its starting point and is titled “The Gathering of Water.” Galleries that have been in business for 12 years or less are eligible, including 56 Henry, Embajada, Good Weather, Hesse Flatow, Magenta Plains, Rivalry Projects and Chris Sharp Gallery.

Harden will curate the profile section, which includes 47 Canal, Corbett vs. Dempsey, ILY2, Charlie James Gallery, Jessica Silverman and Mindy Solmon Gallery.

Last year, Expo Chicago formed a partnership with the Galleries Association of Korea (GAoK), attracting 20 Korean galleries to the show. The partnership agreed upon by GAoK and Frieze will continue in 2026, although this year only 12 galleries will participate.

“As we move toward Expo 2026 Chicago, our top priority is to refocus the show on what it has always been: curatorial rigor, civic collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to artists,” Sierzputowski said in a statement. “Over the past year, we have shaped an environment where thoughtful, high-quality presentations can take shape. Our goal is to create a show that is intentional, artist-centered, and reflective of Chicago’s creativity.”

The complete list of exhibitors is below.

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Detailed implementation

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