Tvoi ConciergeBIAF 2026: the Florence Antiques Biennial for serious collectors
Italy's leading international antiques fair at Palazzo Corsini, with an art advisor, private previews and full purchase support from first viewing to shipping.
BIAF brings the world's finest dealers, collectors and serious buyers to Florence for museum-grade art and antiques. Every piece is scrutinised by expert vetting committees, so the cost of a mistake is high. We handle everything, from private access and negotiation to export, insurance and paperwork, so you can focus on the one thing that matters: acquiring well.
When BIAF takes place
The 2026 edition runs from 26 September to 4 October at Palazzo Corsini on the Arno. It is one of the fixed points of the international art calendar, so the best hotels and private viewings fill up early. We recommend planning your visit 2 to 4 months ahead.
How to attend and see previews
Beyond fair admission, we arrange private previews where available and introductions to dealers before the general opening. You are accompanied by an art advisor and an interpreter, and we agree a shortlist of lots and makers in advance so your visit is focused and purposeful rather than a general walkthrough.
Where to stay in Florence
We place guests in historic palazzi and leading hotels within easy reach of Palazzo Corsini and the city centre. We match the residence to your needs, quiet suites for meetings or spacious apartments for the family. Transfers, restaurant reservations and the wider Florence itinerary are all part of the service.
What we arrange for collectors
Art advisor
An independent specialist walks the stands with you, assessing provenance and condition, filtering out the questionable and keeping you focused on the pieces genuinely worth your attention.
Private previews
Where available, we secure access to viewings before the public opening and to private appointments with dealers, so you see the key lots first, without the crowds or the rush.
Interpreter
A seasoned interpreter handles negotiations with dealers in Italian and English, conveying the nuances of price, guarantees and terms so you deal on equal footing.
Transport and shipping
We coordinate museum-grade packing, customs clearance and export, then delivery of your acquisitions anywhere in the world through trusted fine-art logistics partners.
Insurance and purchase paperwork
We take on insurance, export permits and all documentation for the sale, so your acquisition is legally clean and protected at every step.
How your visit is structured
Day 1
Arrival, check-in and a briefing with your art advisor. We define goals, budget and a priority list of lots, then plan the route through the stands.
Day 2
A private tour of the biennial with your advisor and interpreter, assessing provenance and condition, with first negotiations with dealers on the pieces you want.
Day 3
Closing deals, completing the paperwork, and setting shipping and insurance in motion. If you wish, we extend the programme across Florence and Tuscany.
When to start planning
For private previews, the best hotels and unhurried provenance work, we advise reaching out 2 to 4 months before the opening. Starting early gives time to build your shortlist, engage the right advisor and align the logistics. Write to us and we will begin the preparations now.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy at BIAF without antiques expertise?
Yes. Our art advisor checks provenance and condition, leads the negotiation and guides you on a fair price, so you decide on expertise rather than instinct.
Do you help with export and shipping of what I buy?
Yes. We coordinate museum-grade packing, export permits, insurance and delivery anywhere in the world through trusted fine-art logistics partners.
How far in advance should I get in touch?
Ideally 2 to 4 months. That allows time for private previews, booking the best hotels and calmly preparing your shortlist and logistics.
Attend BIAF 2026 with a personal art advisor
Tell us what you are looking for and we will prepare a private visit to the biennial with an advisor, an interpreter and full purchase support.