Bruno Botticelli, the newly appointed General Secretary of the Florence International Antiques Biennale (BIAF) since April, officially announced the dates for the historic 34th edition. The Biennale will take place from Saturday, September 26, to Sunday, October 4, 2026, maintaining its prestigious home at Palazzo Corsini in the heart of Florence.
Botticelli expressed his honor in confirming the return of BIAF, a globally recognized platform for Italian art and antiquities since 1959. “My ambition is for BIAF to become an indispensable event for Florence, an occasion not to be missed,” stated Botticelli. He drew parallels to other iconic Florentine celebrations such as the Scoppio del Carro at Easter, the grand premieres of the Maggio Musicale, the Calcio Storico in Santa Croce, Pitti events, and major exhibitions in Florentine museums. He emphasized that BIAF, alongside these cultural cornerstones, attracts an international audience of art, antiquity, music, and beauty enthusiasts to Florence. This endeavor, he added, is made possible through the support of institutions, long-standing sponsors, new potential partners, and the development of ever-stronger collaborations with the city’s economic and cultural sectors.
Unique as the only fair of its kind held within an actual historic building – Palazzo Corsini – in the heart of Florence, BIAF traditionally welcomes a distinguished gathering of collectors, institutions, and passionate art lovers. Since its inception in 1959, the Biennale has served as the premier international showcase for Italian art and antiquities, bridging historical excellence with new synergies within Florence’s vibrant cultural and economic fabric.
Under the direction of its new General Secretary, Bruno Botticelli, the 2026 edition promises to draw a global audience appreciative of fine art and antiquities. The event will be fortified by ongoing institutional backing, generous sponsorship, and increasingly robust partnerships, further solidifying Florence’s revered status and pivotal role in the global art world.