Art Toronto returns to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from October 29 to November 1, 2026, bringing together 105 exhibitors from Canada and around the world for the 27th edition of the country’s leading international fair for modern and contemporary art. This year’s event will feature rare photographs by Edward Burtynsky, large-scale installations, international galleries and a series of new programs designed to make art collecting more accessible.

Under the direction of Emily-Jean Alexander, who takes the helm for the first time this year, Art Toronto will showcase thousands of works spanning painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, installations and new media. More than half of the participating exhibitors are Canadian galleries, joined by galleries and organizations from the United States, Latin America and Europe.

“For my first Art Toronto, I wanted to think about what it means to build the future of an art fair, and for me, that starts with the next generation of collectors,” said Alexander. “Canada has extraordinary artists, galleries and institutions, but a strong art market also depends on people feeling that collecting is something they can participate in.”

Edward Burtynsky’s The Vault Collection

One of the major highlights of Art Toronto 2026 will be The Vault Collection, presented by Nicholas Metivier Gallery. The exhibition brings together rare and significant photographs by internationally recognized Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, whose work has documented the relationship between industrial activity and the natural landscape for more than four decades.

The presentation features photographs dating from 1985 to 2016, including artist proofs from Burtynsky’s personal archive and legacy prints of some of his most recognizable early works.

Visitors will also be among the first to see two new photographs from Burtynsky’s forthcoming project, Mining: For the Future. Created following a 2025 trip to Western Australia, the images examine mining operations producing materials such as lithium, copper and cobalt, which play important roles in emerging energy technologies.

The two photographs will make their world premiere at Art Toronto on October 29.

Galleries and Artists From Around the World

Art Toronto’s 2026 exhibitor lineup includes established Canadian galleries such as Bau-Xi Gallery, Daniel Faria Gallery, Patel Brown, Olga Korper Gallery, Blouin Division and Galerie de Bellefeuille, alongside emerging spaces and first-time participants.

Nearly one-third of participating galleries will present work by Indigenous artists, continuing the fair’s focus on Indigenous artistic practices and perspectives.

The popular Arte Sur section returns for its second edition, curated by Karen Huber. Featuring 11 galleries from Mexico, Central and South America, New York and Toronto, the section highlights contemporary artistic practices from across the Americas.

Visitors can also explore the return of Solo, a dedicated section featuring focused presentations of individual artists. Returning after a six-year absence, Solo will include work by artists such as Ursula Johnson, Audie Murray, Don Yeomans, Sameer Farooq and Karin Jones.

Immersive Installations Beyond the Gallery Booths

In addition to traditional gallery exhibitions, Art Toronto will feature installations throughout the convention centre that explore relationships between art, nature, memory and the environment.

Among the featured works is Joy is a Resistant Bacteria (The Living Room) by Karine Giboulo, presented by Art Mûr. The installation imagines a domestic environment abandoned following an unknown catastrophe. Within the damaged furniture and scattered objects, miniature figures rebuild their surroundings as vegetation begins to return.

Visitors will also encounter Abraham Anghik Ruben’s Danish Shaman, Kathy Slade’s monumental tapestry Sinking in the West, and Sarah Tompkins’ Athanor.

In the fair’s lobby, Ottawa-based artist Rich Loen will present Databells, a free immersive sound installation featuring 99 individually controlled bells. The installation translates statistical data into an evolving soundscape, allowing visitors to experience information through movement and sound.

Additional exhibitions in the fair’s Bistro and Café spaces will explore Canadian forests, waterways and the ways landscapes influence artistic expression.

Making Art Collecting More Accessible

A major focus of this year’s fair is encouraging new collectors to explore the contemporary art market.

The new Ready to Collect Art Advisory Desk will connect visitors with professional art advisors who can recommend galleries, artists and works based on their interests and collecting goals.

On Friday, October 30, Art Toronto will host its first Emerging Collectors Evening from 5 to 9 p.m. The event combines music, cocktails and opportunities to meet gallery representatives with discussions about purchasing artwork.

At 6 p.m., art advisor Nico Epstein will lead Top Picks to Start a Collection With, followed at 7 p.m. by Megan Patterson’s This Is How I’d Spend $5,000 for You, which explores how an emerging collector might approach purchasing artwork with a specific budget.

Visitors can also access The Insider’s Eye at Art Toronto, a free digital learning module offering practical guidance on navigating art fairs, speaking with gallerists and purchasing artwork.

Artist Talks, Curator Tours and Conversations

Throughout the weekend, Art Toronto’s Platform Talks will bring together artists, collectors, curators and gallery owners for discussions about the contemporary art world.

On Friday, October 30, entrepreneur and collector Steve Wilson, co-founder of 21c Museum Hotels, will discuss building and sharing an art collection, including how private collecting can contribute to broader public engagement with contemporary art.

Other discussions will examine the business of running art galleries, the growing presence of Latin American art in Canada and the importance of collaboration between artists and cultural institutions.

A four-part series organized with Kate Wong, founder of SITE Toronto, will consider the relationships between artists, galleries, collectors, arts organizations and the communities that support them.

Curator-led tours will also be available throughout the weekend, including daily Arte Sur tours at 4 p.m. and special tours focused on printmaking, contemporary artistic practices and participating Canadian galleries.

Opening Night Supports the McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Art Toronto officially opens on Thursday, October 29, with its annual Opening Night Benefit supporting the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

The evening begins with Collectors First Look from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the Opening Night celebration from 6 to 10 p.m.

Proceeds from Opening Night tickets will support the McMichael as it undertakes a major redevelopment of its building and grounds.

Art Toronto 2026 Dates, Hours and Tickets

Art Toronto takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, located at 255 Front Street West in downtown Toronto.

Public hours:

• Friday, October 30: Noon to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, October 31: Noon to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, November 1: Noon to 6 p.m.

Ticket prices start at:

• General admission: $35
• Emerging Collectors Evening: $40
• Premium Fair Pass: $55
• Opening Night: $320
• Collectors First Look: $410

Whether visitors are experienced collectors, emerging artists or simply interested in discovering contemporary art, Art Toronto offers an opportunity to explore work from across Canada and beyond, meet the people behind the exhibitions and learn more about the artists shaping today’s cultural landscape.

For tickets, the full exhibitor lineup and additional programming information, visit Art Toronto’s official website.