The Armory Show has unveiled the first details of its expanded 2026 edition, returning to New York’s Javits Center from 24th–27th September with around 230 galleries from more than 30 countries. This year’s fair builds on its long-standing focus on the Americas with expanded sections for emerging and solo presentations, while its curated programme turns to the Caribbean and its diasporas as a lens through which to explore movement, exchange and contemporary artistic practice.
Taking place later in September than previous editions, the fair strengthens its position at the heart of New York’s autumn art season, bringing together leading international galleries, ambitious curatorial projects and citywide Armory Week programming. Under the direction of Kyla McMillan, this year’s edition places particular emphasis on emerging galleries, solo exhibitions and artists whose practices reflect histories of movement, migration and cultural connection.
The fair will once again be anchored by its core Galleries section while significantly expanding both Presents, dedicated to emerging galleries, and Solo, which showcases focused presentations by individual artists. Both sections have grown by more than 20 per cent, reflecting The Armory Show’s continued investment in new voices and ambitious presentations.
This year’s curated sections draw inspiration from the Caribbean Sea and its surrounding regions. Platform, curated by SculptureCenter curator Jovanna Venegas, will present large-scale installations exploring themes of reconstruction, resilience and self-determination through artists including Hew Locke, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Margarita Cabrera and Lucia Hierro
Meanwhile, Focus, curated by María Elena Ortiz, brings together solo and dual-artist presentations examining the Caribbean as a centre of artistic exchange and diaspora. The section features galleries from across the region alongside international exhibitors presenting artists whose work engages with Caribbean histories and identities.
Across the fair, visitors can expect a strong presence from New York galleries including 303 Gallery, Sean Kelly, Yossi Milo and Garth Greenan Gallery, alongside major international exhibitors such as Victoria Miro, Templon, Mennour, Ben Brown Fine Arts, Alison Jacques, Nature Morte and Johyun Gallery.
The fair’s entrance presentations have also been reimagined as curated moments introducing visitors to different aspects of The Armory Show’s identity. Solo presentations by artists including Kathia St. Hilaire, Shara Mays and Bernard Childs, together with group presentations of Cuban artists and projects celebrating New York’s artistic legacy, will frame visitors’ arrival at the fair.
The expanded Solo section will feature around 25 single-artist presentations, including projects by Ayako Rokkaku, Monilola Olayemi Ilupeju, Betsabeé Romero and José Bechara, while Presents grows to approximately 55 galleries, introducing a new generation of exhibitors alongside returning participants.
Continuing its commitment to the wider arts ecosystem, The Armory Show will also welcome museums, print studios and non-profit organisations, with El Museo del Barrio receiving this year’s Armory Spotlight presentation, featuring work by artist Lulu Varona.
“The Armory Show has always reflected New York’s openness: to artists, galleries and ideas from across the Americas and the wider world,”
said Kyla McMillan.
“This year… the work of our curators traces histories of movement, exchange and cultural connection through the Caribbean.”
Returning with one of its strongest international line-ups in recent years, The Armory Show 2026 continues to position itself as New York’s principal meeting point for contemporary art from the Americas and beyond.
The Armory Show 2026, September 24th-27th, 2026, Javits Center
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