Maastricht University at TEFAF 2026
From 14 until 19 March 2026, The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) will take place in Maastricht. TEFAF Maastricht is widely regarded as the world’s premier fair for fine art, antiques, and design, bringing together 7,000 years of art history under one roof. Featuring over 260 prestigious dealers from some 20 countries, TEFAF Maastricht is a showcase for the finest art works currently on the market.
TEFAF is not only visited by art dealers from all over the world, but also has a magnetic attraction for art lovers, academics and students who have an interest in the artworks on display as well as the art world.
Maastricht University is organising the following events at this year's TEFAF:
Guided tours: Heritage Unlocked
Explore Maastricht is organising guided tours along Maastricht University buildings in the city centre and Randwyck.
Art Business Conference: “AI and Vetting”
Friday 13 March, 8.45 - 13.30
Rachel Pownall will host a panel at the Art Business Conference.
For more information and the schedule, click here.
Executive Master in Cultural Leadership
Friday 13 March, 16.00 - 18.00
Rachel Pownall is director of the Executive Master in Cultural Leadership, a UM master's programme in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Arts in London. On Friday 13 March (16.00 – 18.00), she provides information on this master's programme at the Chapeau/Maastricht Region stand (stand #811).
TEFAF Summit
Monday 15 March, 9.00 - 14.00
TEFAF is honoured to present the second TEFAF Summit: an annual event hosted at TEFAF Maastricht in association with the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO. This distinguished event will delve into the theme ‘Beyond Economic Impact: Rethinking Culture in Public Policy’ with prominent thought leaders, experts, and influential stakeholders from the fields of cultural heritage, art, academia, government, and more.
Click here for more information and to register.
Executive Master in Cultural Leadership
Monday 15 March, 17.30 – 18.30
Rachel Pownall welcomes the current students of the Executive Master in Cultural Leadership. Dr. Tim Smith-Laing, previously co-director of the Programme at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, will also be there. If you are interested in this master's programme, you can join them at the Chapeau/Maastricht region stand (#811). You can talk to Rachel, Tim, and the current students.
Executive Master in Cultural Leadership
Monday 15 March - Sunday 23 March
The Executive Master in Cultural Leadership module welcomes its 8th cohort of executive students.
Executive Master in Cultural Leadership
Wednesday 18 March, 16.30 - 18.00
Rachel Pownall is director of the Executive Master in Cultural Leadership, a UM master's programme. On Wednesday 18 March (16.30 - 18.30), she provides information on this master's programme at the Chapeau/Maastricht Region stand (stand #811) together with the Master of Arts Management Students from Bocconi. Join for more information and a drink!
MACCH Conference
Thursday 19 until Saturday 21 March
The Maastricht Centre for Arts and Culture, Conservation and Heritage (MACCH) is organising a conference ‘On leaving: contemporary artists’ estates and legacies’.
Click here for the programme.
Click here for more information and to register.
Curator’s course
For the third time, UM and TEFAF organise the ‘Curator’s course’. The programme, designed by Rachel Pownall (UM) and Paul van den Biesen (TEFAF) brings together the academic world and the art market. It offers an exceptional opportunity for (emerging) museum curators and directors to gain expertise, insights, and networking. The course, in collaboration with Maastricht University, is a unique chance for participants to learn from seasoned international colleagues, members of the TEFAF Vetting community, and renowned art dealers who are experts in their specialised fields.
Please note: The application for the Curator’s Course 2026 is closed.
