TEFAF Maastricht is reinforcing its position as a premier destination for high-end collectors by increasingly integrating 20th-century secondary market material alongside its traditional Old Masters and antiquities. Despite a period of leadership instability—marked by the recent departure of managing director Dominique Savelkoul after less than a year—the fair remains a critical fixture for 276 exhibitors. This year's edition highlights a diverse range of objects spanning 7,000 years, from Neolithic pottery to contemporary photography and high jewelry worn by celebrities like Helen Mirren.
The fair's strategic shift toward the 20th century reflects a broader market trend where contemporary galleries are seeking more stable, historically significant inventory amidst global economic uncertainty. While the frequent turnover in executive leadership presents a challenge for long-term institutional planning, the fair's operational continuity and specialized focus on connoisseurship continue to attract major museum partners and elite dealers, maintaining its status as a bellwether for the international art trade.