Independence in the 20th century, the independence journey to Breuer in 2026
Hours after the Independent 20th Century Art Fair, the fair announced that Sotheby’s will host its 2026 edition at the auction house’s upcoming flagship headquarters in Manhattan’s historic Breuer building. This move is first of all New York Times, For the art market, the fair and first collaboration between art fairs and auction houses in the modern era will be a major expansion.
Founded in 2022, the spotlight of the independent 20th century was neglected and famous artists and was transformed by curated programs that transformed the movement from women in surrealism to Arab modernism. It moved to a milestone in Breuer (a modernist architecture designed by Marcel Breuer, recently renovated by Herzog & de Meuron with PBDW Architects – which will allow the fair to greatly expand its footprint to over 50 galleries.
“It’s not just a new venue, it’s how we hope to imagine memorable exhibitions of the 20th century, for informed audiences and a new generation of collectors,” Independent founder Elizabeth Dee said in a statement. “The independent 20th century will create a museum-caliber exhibition experience that supports extraordinary galleries and brings its curatorial and market expertise into new ways.”
Once home to the Whitney Museum of American Art and later served as the Metropolitan Museum and Met Breuer and Frick Madison, Brewer will now be an independent intimate, non-transactional environment. Matthew Higgs, a consultant for the fair, said the goal remains to “create an environment that allows the art to be seen with the best light” rather than replicating the “trade-equity-like aesthetic” of large events.
Although the alliance with Sotheby’s highlights the ever-changing artistic landscape, independence emphasizes its autonomy. “Sotheby’s will not have any curatorial voice in our exhibition,” Dee said, noting that the partnership is “mission-driven” and aims to expand audiences of 20th-century art through shared programming and new public programs.
For Sotheby’s, which will officially occupy Breuer later this year, the collaboration is in line with its efforts to reposition its buildings as cultural venues rather than auction-only sites. “With the 20th century independent of the 20th century, we wanted to create a dynamic environment in Breuer,” said Madeline Lissner, global art director at Sotheby’s.
The fair will be held from September 24 to 27, 2026, and the lineup is expected to have more than 50 exhibitors, up to 31 of the latest versions in Casa Cipriani.
