ARCOmadrid 2025: A Global Celebration of Contemporary Art

From March 5 to 9, 2025, Madrid will transform into the international capital of contemporary art as the 44th edition of ARCOmadrid takes place. This prestigious event, organized by IFEMA MADRID, promises to be a landmark in the global art calendar.

Dates and Venue

ARCOmadrid 2025 will be held in Halls 7 and 9 of the IFEMA MADRID exhibition centre. The fair is reserved for trade visitors on the first three days, with the public welcome starting on Friday, March 7 at 15:00. The public can enjoy the exhibition until Sunday, March 9, with varying opening hours and ticket prices ranging from 20 to 40 euros[1].

Global Participation

This year's edition features an impressive lineup of 214 galleries from 36 countries, including 178 galleries in the General Programme and 43 in curated programmes. The curated sections include "Wametisé: Ideas for an Amazofuturism," which explores new modes of creation representing hybrid existences between human, vegetal, physical, and metaphysical bodies. This programme is curated by Denilson Baniwa and María Wills in collaboration with the Institute for Postnatural Studies[1].

Curated Programmes and Forums

In addition to the General Programme, ARCOmadrid 2025 includes several curated sections. The "Opening" programme introduces new galleries with no more than 7 years of experience, showcasing new artists and scenes. The "Collecting Forum" will host open sessions for the international art community to exchange ideas on art collecting, featuring prominent figures such as Rosina Gómez-Baeza, Karen and Christian Boros, and Maria Wills[1].

The "Wametisé Forum" will delve into the central theme of amazofuturism, with sessions led by the Institute for Postnatural Studies. The "Artists’ Forum," organized by MAV Mujeres en las Artes Visuales, will include participants like Marina Vargas and Marta C. de la Dehesa. ArtsLibris will also be present, featuring presentations of publications, artist books, and other editorial initiatives[1].

Awards and Recognitions

ARCOmadrid 2025 will see the presentation of several awards, including the Lexus Award for the Best Booth, Cervezas Alhambra Award for Emerging Art, illy SustainArt Award, and the ARCO/BEEP Electronic Art Award, among others. Institutions such as the Museo Reina Sofía, Es Baluard Museu d’Art Contemporani de Palma, and the Region of Madrid will also make purchases from the fair[1].

Design and Architecture

The spatial design of the common areas is the work of the Pedro Pitarch studio, with a project titled "A Trade-Fair Metropolitanism: Object-Oriented Urbanism - vol. 2." The Guest Lounge, designed by the Mesura studio in collaboration with the Leading Brands of Spain Forum, will offer a unique meeting space for gallery owners, collectors, and special guests. Other notable spaces include the illycaffè area, the Lexus lounge, and the Ruinart Terrace[1].

Additional Initiatives

ARCOmadrid 2025 is supported by various private companies and institutions, including Acción Cultural Española, AECID, Fundación Banco Santander, and Lexus. The event will also feature a food court with a gastronomic offer catered by Artigot and a presentation room designed by L.A Studio for hosting various events[1].

This year’s fair promises to be an enriching experience, fostering dialogue, discovery, and artistic research, making it a must-visit event for art enthusiasts and professionals alike.