WHAT IS BRAFA?
BRAFA is one of the most prestigious art fairs in Europe; an exceptional 8-day event in which rare works, ranging from antiquity to the twenty-first century, are exhibited in a refined setting at Brussels Expo. Since 1956, the year of its creation, its taste for excellence has contributed to its constant evolution. Over time, it has grown, internationalised and changed venues several times without losing its charm, pursuing one simple objective: to offer the most qualitative of art fairs in order to satisfy the desires of collectors in search of treasures.
The quality of the galleries
Each year, 130 international galleries occupy the 21,000 m² of Brussels Expo’s Halls 3 and 4. Be it ancient or modern painting, tribal art, jewellery, silverware or design, the most qualitative galleries in each specialty are carefully selected for each edition. Upon arriving at BRAFA, visitors are embarked on a journey throughout the aisles which boast a mix of eras and styles, enabling the gaze to remain alert. The variety of specialties on display also offers collectors the possibility of opening up to other fields.
The authenticity of the works
Before the opening of the Fair, two days are devoted to the vetting. Works of art and objects are analysed by more than 80 international experts; a meticulous verification of authenticity, quality and state of conservation, carried out with great rigour and completed by the presence of a scientific laboratory and Art Loss Register (ALR). Collectors can therefore buy at the Fair with complete confidence.
The BRAFA community
Every year, more than 65,000 visitors come from Europe and abroad to discover the new edition of the fair. Whether you visit alone, as a couple, with friends or with family, BRAFA is an opportunity to exchange, learn, share, be inspired, or simply fall in love with an exceptional work. BRAFA delights in sharing its passion for art with its visitors and presents traditionally a special theme or guest of honour, daily conferences on the stand of the King Baudouin Foundation and guided tours in several languages.
Eco-BRAFA
BRAFA strives to work in a circular and environmentally-friendly manner with its partners and suppliers. In addition to the optimal repurposing of materials from year to year and the use of LED lighting on the stands and in the aisles, the carpet throughout the fair is produced by the Danish firm EGE, first carpet manufacturer in the world to work in a 100% environmentally-friendly and sustainable way. Electric minibuses shuttle from Parking C to the entrance of Hall 4 and the fair is easily accessible by public transport. The invitations and the catalogue are printed on eco-friendly paper and the bags distributed at BRAFA are made of organic cotton canvas.
Charity support
BRAFA regularly contributes to charity projects in a variety of fields. In 2013, the Fair organised an auction of works by internationally renowned artists in order to raise funds for the Centre d’Œuvres de Merode, which runs educational and social projects particularly in the Marolles district of Brussels. In 2015, a painting by Paul Delvaux was put up for silent auction, with the proceeds going to Télévie, which raises money for the Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS) to make progress in the struggle against childhood and adult cancer, and to the Friends of the Institut Jules Bordet. In 2020, for its 65th edition, BRAFA chose to mark its anniversary in a unique way with an exhibition and the exceptional sale of five segments of the Berlin Wall, the proceeds of which went towards cancer research, the integration of people with disabilities and the preservation of artistic heritage. The proceeds from the sale of the splendid Surrealist décor from the 2024 edition of the Fair enabled a student to access top-level training at the Mosa Ballet School in Liège, an international classical and contemporary ballet school.