The Independent 20th Century art fair will move to the Breuer Building in New York, soon to become Sotheby’s headquarters, for its 2026 edition running September 24–27. The fair, previously held at Casa Cipriani, will expand to accommodate over 50 galleries. Sotheby’s acquired the landmarked building in 2023 and has made subtle renovations led by Herzog & de Meuron, with the new headquarters opening November 8.
This relocation represents a rare collaboration between a commercial fair and an auction house, signaling innovation amid a softening art market. Both sectors face economic headwinds—fair sales dropped from 42% to 31% of dealer sales since 2019, and Sotheby’s sales fell 23% last year. The move also follows Independent’s contemporary fair shifting to Pier 36, highlighting broader logistical and strategic changes in New York’s art fair landscape.