Modenantiquaria – High Antiques Exhibition

Modena: Capital of High Antiques

For almost forty years, Modenantiquaria has transformed the Emilian capital into the beating heart of the Italian ancient art market. Hosted at the ModenaFiere Exhibition Centre on Viale Virgilio, in the Municipality of Modena (Emilia-Romagna), the event is considered the most prestigious and visited market exhibition of High Antiques in the country: an eagerly awaited appointment for galleries, collectors, museum directors, and enthusiasts who flock to the city every February.

Over One Hundred Galleries and Strict Vetting

The core of the fair is the presence of over one hundred top-level Italian and international galleries, exhibiting ancient paintings, sculptures, antique furniture, decorative art objects, and collectible rarities. Everything presented undergoes scrutiny by a Vetting Committee composed of internationally renowned art historians and specialists, who verify authenticity, quality, and attribution before public opening. This guarantee of seriousness makes Modenantiquaria a benchmark for those who consider ancient art a safe haven and a secure investment.

A Bernini Symbol

The iconic image of the event is the bust of Francesco I d'Este by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, housed at the Galleria Estense in Modena: a direct reference to the extraordinary artistic heritage of the ducal city and the increasingly strong bond between the fair and the Modenese territory.

Exhibitions, Awards, and Meetings

In addition to the stands, Modenantiquaria annually offers a thematic "exhibition within the exhibition", art talks, and symposia with museum directors, historians, and journalists, as well as awards such as the Malpighi Prize for painting and the Milano Palace Hotel Prize for decorative arts. The program of author conversations brings the general public closer to the world of collecting, telling stories of artworks and gallerists.

A Fair in the Heart of Emilia-Romagna

Its location in Modena, a city of art and engines in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, makes Modenantiquaria much more than just a fair: it's an opportunity to discover the UNESCO World Heritage historic center, the local cuisine, and the entire cultural offering of the Province of Modena during the nine days of opening.