Events

What is the Frieze Art Fair?

A bustling hub of global art.

As London wraps up another Frieze Art Month, you might be asking – what makes this event so significant in the art world?

Every October, Regent’s Park, London, transforms into a hive of creativity, with Frieze at its core. This annual fair doesn’t just attract art lovers and collectors, it sparks a city-wide wave of exhibitions and events, filling London with artistic energy.

But what exactly is Frieze, and why should it matter to you? Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just beginning to explore contemporary art, this guide will help you understand Frieze’s impact on the art market and discover something personally meaningful in this landmark event.

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Installation View, Swing Low, 2024 · Nengi Omuku · Oil on Sanyan · 219h x 195w (cm) · Artist-to-Artist, Frieze London, 2024 · Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery · Artwork © Nengi Omuku

"Frieze London is known for championing era-defining, critically engaged work, produced by today’s most significant artists."

— Eva Langret, Director, Frieze London

What’s Frieze all about?

Since its debut in 2003, Frieze London has grown into a major gathering point for artists, galleries, collectors, and art lovers. Later expanding to include Frieze Masters and Frieze Sculpture, it now boasts editions in New York, Los Angeles, and Seoul. With the UK fair alone featuring hundreds of artists from over 270 galleries across 43 countries, Frieze is the annual destination to discover fresh talent, spot trends, and see where the art world is heading.

Standing alongside global giants like Art Basel and the Venice Biennale, Frieze is a true market shaper. Artworks here find their way into top collections and set industry trends. For emerging artists, a Frieze debut can be career-defining, whilst collectors see it as a rare opportunity to find standout pieces for their collections.

Frieze’s influence even extends to museum collections, with institutions like Tate and the Arts Council acquiring works to keep public exhibitions fresh and attuned to today’s cultural landscape.

 

What could Frieze mean to you?

You don’t need to be a museum curator or private collector to enjoy Frieze. The fair offers a refreshing way to engage with art, whether you’re exploring the works at Frieze London and Frieze Masters, or admiring the open-air Sculpture exhibition in Regent’s Park.

For newcomers, the fair can be a revelation, showcasing how artworks interact with the world, and how history shapes contemporary artists.

There are ticket options for everyone – from exclusive VIP access during the week to reduced and student rates over the weekend, with free entry to the Sculpture Park and satellite events.

With tours and talks adding additional layers of insight, Frieze is an ideal day out and a must-visit for anyone who loves art or is looking to experience something new.

A Forest Landscape with Diana discovering Callisto's Pregnancy, and a View of the Abbey of Groenendael, c. 1568 – Brussels - 1625/6 (Cropped) · Denis van Alsloot · Oil on canvas · 148 h x 219.5w (cm) · Johnny Van Haeften Gallery, Frieze Masters, 2024 · Image courtesy Johnny Van Haeften

Installation View, ‘The Dancer’ (El Bailarín), 2011 · Leonora Carrington · Bronze · Frieze Sculpture, 2024 · Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery · Artwork presented by rossogranada 

The Three Faces of Frieze

Frieze provides a rich, multi-layered experience with three distinctive segments, each highlighting a unique facet of the art world.

 

Frieze London

At the heart of the fair, Frieze London is dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. With works by living artists and those active in recent decades, it’s a platform for fresh trends and experimental pieces across diverse media.

The atmosphere is dynamic and lively – a bright, expansive arena where gallery booths create intimate zones for visitors to engage closely with the featured artworks.

Frieze London also features specially curated sections like Artist to Artist, showcasing solo shows by emerging talents who were selected by established names; Focus, a platform for younger galleries; and Smoke, a ceramics presentation exploring diasporic and indigenous histories.

These sections add another dimension to the art fair, creating a beautiful, thoughtful dialogue between artists, artworks, and visitors.

 

Frieze Masters

In contrast to the lively buzz of Frieze London, Frieze Masters offers a more relaxed setting, , inviting visitors to explore art history in depth.

This elegant space spans ancient artefacts, Renaissance paintings, and modernist masterpieces, creating a museum-like blend of the old and new.

Combined with Frieze London, it places contemporary works in a broader context, tracing art’s evolution and recognising the historical influences shaping today’s creators.

 

Frieze Sculpture

Frieze Sculpture brings art outdoors with a free exhibition in Regent’s Park, running for 4-6 weeks.

With large-scale sculptures and installations set against the park’s landscape, this segment offers a refreshing blend of art and nature.

Hosting 20-25 pieces each year, alongside site-specific art performances, Frieze Sculpture provides a relaxed, accessible way for all ages to experience contemporary art.

How to enjoy your day at Frieze

Inspired to schedule a visit? Here are some tips to make the most of your Frieze experience:

 

1. Preparation is key

Start planning before you arrive. Check out fair programmes and viewing rooms online before the event to prioritise galleries or artists that interest you most.  You can enjoy Frieze Masters in half a day if you’re short on time, while Frieze London is worth a full day to explore. The Sculpture Park, right next door, can be explored in anything from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

 

2. Pace yourself

Frieze can get intense, especially on weekends. When you arrive, start with a relaxed walk to get a feel for the layout. Give yourself the time and space to explore at your own pace – you never know what might catch your eye. There are plenty of cafés for a quick break, so rest, recharge, and dive back in when you’re ready. If bright lights or crowds affect you, packing essentials like water, sunglasses, and a handheld fan can keep you comfortable throughout the day.

 

3. Try it alone

Art is a deeply personal experience, and sometimes it’s best enjoyed solo. If you’re with friends, try taking some time to explore separately, then meet up to share your thoughts and discoveries. It’s a wonderful way to make the experience your own whilst still enjoying it together.

 

4. Document your experience

Bring along a camera, sketchbook, or journal to capture your favourite moments. Whether taking photos, jotting notes, or sketching the artworks, slowing down to document your experience will help you savour it and create lasting memories.

Installation View, Brenda's Sister, Barbara Jean, 1977 · Barkley L. Hendricks · Oil, acrylic and Magna paint on linen canvas · 52 1/4 x 52 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches (framed) · Jack Shainman Gallery, Frieze Masters, 2024 · Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery · Artwork © Barkley L. Hendricks Estate

Above all, have fun and enjoy the journey.

Frieze is about discovery and inspiration, so let yourself wander, get lost in the art, and soak up everything that catches your eye. Whether you’re uncovering old favourites or feeling the buzz of the new, make it a day that feels special to you.

 

 


 

Header Image:
Installation View, Noé Martínez, 2024 · Ceramic · Installation by Patron Gallery · Smoke, Frieze London, 2024・Photo © The Thomas-Ferdinand Gallery · Artworks © Noé Martínez

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