Each summer, the East End becomes one of America’s premier destinations for collectors, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. This July, the Hamptons Fine Art Fair celebrated its 20th anniversary with its most ambitious edition yet, bringing together more than 130 galleries and exhibitors from 10 countries for four days of exceptional art, special exhibitions, and exclusive events.
Held July 9–12, 2026, at the Southampton Fairgrounds, the fair occupied an expansive 70,000-square-foot exhibition complex spread across 17 picturesque acres in the Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning Pavilions. With more than 10,000 visitors, the event has become one of the signature cultural experiences of the Hamptons summer season.
A Landmark Celebration of Art
Visitors discovered an impressive selection of museum-quality works spanning:
- Contemporary and modern paintings
- Photography
- Prints and works on paper
- Glass art
- Ceramics
- Wood turning
- Indoor and monumental outdoor sculpture
Collectors had opportunities to explore both primary and secondary market works presented by leading international galleries, making the fair equally appealing for seasoned collectors and first-time buyers.
America 250 Took Center Stage
One of this year’s most anticipated attractions celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.
Greeting visitors at the entrance was a 10-foot bronze artist’s proof of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s original Statue of Liberty model, offered at $1 million. The sculpture represents the final available work from a limited edition of twelve artist proofs created from Bartholdi’s historic plaster model preserved at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris.
The monumental sculpture offered visitors an opportunity to view an exceptionally rare piece connected directly to one of America’s most recognizable national symbols.
Additional America 250 programming throughout the fair included:
- The British Are Coming, Again, showcasing distinguished contemporary galleries from the United Kingdom.
- Special exhibitions exploring American identity, heritage, flags, and patriotic iconography.
- Trailblazers of Hamptons Abstraction, celebrating the artists who helped establish the Hamptons as a center of Abstract Expressionism during the 1950s through the 1970s.
Marilyn Monroe at 100
Another major attraction commemorated the centennial of Marilyn Monroe with Marilyn @ 100: The Hamptons Marilyn Monroe Centennial Tribute – The Last Sitting™.
Presented by The Trust of Bert Stern, the exhibition featured five celebrated photographs from Bert Stern‘s legendary The Last Sitting™, photographed for Vogue at the Hotel Bel-Air during June 1962—just weeks before Monroe’s untimely death.
These unforgettable images became some of the most famous celebrity portraits ever created and remain a defining chapter in twentieth-century photography while continuing to influence both fine art and popular culture.
VIP Events Throughout Opening Day
Opening day offered several exclusive experiences for collectors and art patrons.
Thursday, July 9
- VIP First-Look Opening Preview (12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.), benefiting the Southampton Arts Center.
- VIP Preview & Red, White & Blue Party (5:00 p.m.–9:30 p.m.), benefiting the Parrish Art Museum.
On Friday, July 10, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., the popular Young Collectors Party returned, bringing together members from many of New York City’s leading museums and arts organizations.
Beyond the Galleries
In addition to world-class artwork, visitors also enjoyed:
- An expansive Outdoor Sculpture Garden
- Local food vendors
- VIP hospitality lounge
- Two full indoor bars featuring wine and spirits
- Opportunities to meet gallery owners and artists from around the world
The fair continued to provide one of the East End’s richest cultural experiences while celebrating two decades of bringing exceptional fine art to the Hamptons.
Celebrating Twenty Years
The 2026 edition also marked twenty years since founder and director Rick Friedman launched the region’s first major summer art fair. His vision helped establish the Hamptons as an important destination on the international art calendar, attracting galleries, collectors, and artists from around the world.
Dates, Hours & Tickets
Hamptons Fine Art Fair
Dates: July 9–12, 2026
Location: Southampton Fairgrounds
Hours: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (July 10–12)
VIP Opening Day (July 9):
- First-Look Preview: Noon–5:00 p.m.
- VIP Evening Preview & Red, White & Blue Party: 5:00–9:30 p.m.
Admission
- VIP Preview (July 9): $200
- General Admission (July 10–12): $70 Day Pass
Visit the official Hamptons Fine Art Fair website or browse the 2026 exhibitor list.
Seen at the Show
Editor’s Note
The Hamptons Fine Art Fair has grown into one of the East End’s defining summer traditions, offering an impressive balance of blue-chip works, emerging artists, museum-quality exhibitions, and engaging public programs. This year’s 20th anniversary edition was especially ambitious, combining international galleries with meaningful America 250 programming and the rare opportunity to view historically significant works that are seldom accessible to the public.
If you want to be part of next year show, mark your calendar for July 8-11, 2027