COSMOSCOW 2025 – Moscow’s Premier Contemporary Art Fair
Discover COSMOSCOW, Moscow’s leading contemporary art fair. Explore dates, venues, galleries, satellite events, and tips for collectors and art lovers.
EVENT/SPECIALTRAVEL LIFERUSSIACELEBRATION/FESTIVALS
Kim Shin
10/14/20253 min read
In recent years, Moscow has steadily risen as a global hub for contemporary art, and at the heart of this movement lies COSMOSCOW, the city’s premier international fair of contemporary art. Far more than a sales platform, COSMOSCOW has evolved into a cultural ecosystem—bringing together artists, galleries, collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Founded by philanthropist and collector Margarita Pushkina, the fair has grown into an event that not only showcases cutting-edge artistic practices but also supports long-term development of the art scene through educational programs, non-commercial initiatives, and year-round projects.
What is COSMOSCOW?
COSMOSCOW is an annual contemporary art fair held in Moscow that serves as a marketplace, cultural forum, and creative laboratory all in one. It brings together established and emerging galleries, curated sections, special projects, and satellite events to foster dialogue between Russian and international contemporary art.
The fair focuses on three key principles:
Global exchange—connecting Russian artists with the international art market.
Educational mission—making contemporary art more accessible to the public.
Cultural infrastructure—supporting artists and collectors even beyond the fair week.
When and Where
The fair is held every year in September at the Timiryazev Centre in Moscow, a spacious venue that allows for large-scale booths, curated exhibitions, and special installations. The 2025 edition will run:
Public Days: September 12–14, 2025
Preview (by invitation): September 10, 2025
The venue covers over 15,000 m² and hosts around 100 gallery stands plus partner and non-commercial projects. Alongside the main event, COSMOSCOW also organizes blazar, a satellite fair dedicated to young artists and experimental formats.
Highlights of the Fair
1. Galleries & Curated Sections
COSMOSCOW showcases a carefully curated mix of galleries—both Russian and international. Sections are typically divided into:
Main Galleries—established names in the contemporary art world.
Focus—a thematic or geographic highlight (previous years have spotlighted Belgium, Italy, and other regions).
Frame—experimental or nomadic galleries, giving space to bold curatorial voices.
2. Non-Commercial Projects
Non-profit institutions and cultural organizations are an integral part of the fair, presenting exhibitions, research projects, and installations that highlight pressing cultural themes and experimental practices.
3. Public Programs
COSMOSCOW places strong emphasis on education and accessibility. Guided tours, talks, lectures, and workshops allow both beginners and seasoned collectors to engage deeply with contemporary art.
4. Satellite Event – blazar
Running parallel to COSMOSCOW, blazar is a fair designed for emerging artists, art schools, and independent studios. It acts as a launchpad for fresh talent and allows new collectors to start building their collections at a more accessible level.
Beyond the Fair: Year-Round Initiatives
COSMOSCOW is not just a three-day event—it’s a year-round cultural ecosystem that includes:
Cosmoscow Foundation (est. 2017): Supports artists, philanthropy, and integration of Russian art into the international stage.
Collectors Club: A private program for art patrons to access exclusive events, networking, and curated guidance in building collections.
TEO (The Expanded Object): An online marketplace where artworks undergo professional curation before reaching buyers.
This structure ensures that COSMOSCOW continues to nurture artists and collectors long after the fair ends.
Why COSMOSCOW Matters
For Collectors: It provides access to vetted, high-quality works with guidance from experts.
For Artists: It creates visibility, sales opportunities, and long-term support networks.
For the Public: It makes contemporary art approachable, transforming an intimidating market into an inspiring cultural festival.
For Moscow: It positions the city as a serious player in the global art scene, fostering dialogue between Russian and international creativity.
Tips for Visitors
Plan at least two visits—one for exploring broadly, one for making decisions.
Attend guided tours—they enrich your understanding of contemporary works.
Don’t miss the bazaar—this is where future stars of the art world often begin.
Check the program in advance—talks and events can fill up quickly.
Engage with non-commercial stands—they often reveal curatorial trends before they enter the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is COSMOSCOW only for professional collectors?
No, it’s designed for both experts and newcomers. Educational tours and programs make it beginner-friendly.
Q. How many galleries participate?
On average, 90–100 galleries plus additional partner projects are showcased at the fair.
Q. What makes COSMOSCOW unique?
It's a combination of a fair, a foundation, a collectors’ club, and an online art marketplace.
Q. What is the “Focus” section?
A curated highlight dedicated to a particular country or theme.
Q. What is a blazar?
A satellite fair running in parallel, dedicated to young and independent artists.
COSMOSCOW has transformed from a simple fair into a living cultural platform, shaping Moscow’s identity on the global art map. Whether you’re an experienced collector, an emerging artist, or simply an art enthusiast, the fair offers an inspiring gateway into the world of contemporary creativity.
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