Frieze buys The Armory Show & EXPO CHICAGO

The acquisition of two of the longest-running art fairs in the United States demonstrates Frieze’s firm commitment to the US market and confidence in its continued strength. Both fairs will continue to operate under their existing brands and with their current teams.

Nicole Berry (Executive Director, The Armory Show) and Tony Karman (Founder, President and Director, EXPO CHICAGO) will work alongside the international team of Frieze Directors; Nathan Clements Gillespie (Director, Frieze Masters), Eva Langret (Director, Frieze London), Patrick Lee (Director, Frieze Seoul) and Christine Messineo (Director of Americas, Frieze).

Founded in 1994, The Armory Show plays an important role in New York City’s position as a leading cultural capital through its programming, curatorial initiatives, institutional partnerships, and activations. The fair also hosts Armory Off-Site, a high-profile program of large-scale artworks in the city’s parks and public spaces, including the US Open. Additionally, it features a year-round series of talks and the annual Curatorial Leadership Summit. The next edition of The Armory Show takes place at the Javits Center, September 8th–10th, 2023, with a VIP Preview on September 7th.

Founded in 2012, EXPO CHICAGO is rooted in the cultural ecosystem of Chicago and its vibrant creative community. Building on Chicago’s legacy as the site of the first international art fairs in the Americas, the fair activates a rich network of artists, museums, curators, galleries, and collectors through investment in rigorous programming—both onsite and citywide—that shines light on Chicago’s collaborative spirit while catalyzing international collaboration and global discourse. The next edition of EXPO CHICAGO takes place April 11-14, 2024, at the city’s Navy Pier. Closing of the EXPO CHICAGO transaction is expected later this quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.