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Florence International Biennale of Antiquities 2026: Art and History at Palazzo Corsini
19/09/2026
From September 26 to October 4, 2026, Palazzo Corsini once again brings together art, history, and collecting with the XXXIV Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze. If your trip to the cradle of the Renaissance coincides with the Florence Biennale of Antiques, you have nine days ahead to discover one of the great international events dedicated to ancient art in the heart of Florence.
What is the Florence BIAF and how to visit the 2026 edition
The Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze (BIAF) gathers an international selection of antique dealers and galleries in Florence every two years. The 2026 edition is held at Palazzo Corsini and is open to the public from September 26 to October 4.
Its history dates back to 1959 and it has been held in spaces such as Palazzo Strozzi and Palazzo degli Affari. Since 1997, Palazzo Corsini has been its home, a setting especially linked to the Florentine artistic heritage.
Ancient art, galleries, and antique dealers under one roof
The BIAF moves between cultural heritage and the international art market. Participating galleries present selected works, and the organization applies a scientific vetting process that examines aspects such as authenticity, provenance, quality, and state of conservation.
In 2026, exhibitors from various Italian cities and abroad are participating. The itinerary brings together different disciplines of ancient art and can be visited without being a collector or a professional in the sector.
Important: the BIAF should not be confused with the Florence Biennale. The Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze is dedicated to ancient art and antiques and celebrates its 34th edition at Palazzo Corsini in 2026. The Florence Biennale is another event, dedicated to contemporary art and design.
Dates, opening hours, and tickets for BIAF Florence 2026
The day of September 25 is reserved for VIP Card holders and the preview by invitation. Opening to the public begins on the 26th.
WHAT TO SEE: from Renaissance painting and classical sculpture to furniture, jewelry, and decorative art objects spanning from antiquity to the 20th century.
DATE: from September 26 to October 4, 2026.
HOURS: every day, from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
TICKET OFFICE: closes at 7:00 PM.
LOCATION: Palazzo Corsini, Florence.
PRICE:
General admission: €25.
Residents of the Metropolitan City of Florence: €10.
Organized groups: €10 per person for groups of at least 12 people, with mandatory reservation.
Free admission: children under 15, people with disabilities and one companion, and VIP Card holders.
RESERVATION: mandatory for organized groups.
EXTRA FACT: The day of September 25 is reserved for VIP Card holders and the preview by invitation. Opening to the public begins on the 26th.
OFFICIAL BIAF 2026 HOURS AND TICKETS: https://www.biaf.it/
If you are traveling to Florence for cultural interest, you can include the fair in your itinerary without belonging to the collecting world. It is a great opportunity to access pieces that are normally only seen in museums or private collections.
Access rules for BIAF 2026
Before heading to the fair, there are some conditions of access to keep in mind. Entry with animals, cameras, umbrellas, or large bags and backpacks is not permitted.
Also, works of art, antiques, or other objects cannot be brought in to request a valuation or appraisal. If you are going to spend the whole day exploring Florence, take these restrictions into account when preparing what you will carry with you.
Palazzo Corsini: when the setting is also part of the visit
The venue adds another layer of interest to the BIAF. Palazzo Corsini rises next to the Arno, between Ponte Santa Trinita and Ponte alla Carraia, and its halls bring together the exhibited pieces with the very history of the building.
The property passed through the Ardinghelli and Medici families before reaching the Corsinis. Maria Maddalena Machiavelli, wife of Marquis Filippo Corsini, acquired the property in 1649, and its transformation required decades of work.
A Baroque palace by the Arno
Palazzo Corsini features a late Baroque style recognizable in its architecture and decoration. On the piano nobile, there are spaces such as the Galleria Aurora, the Salone, and the ballroom. Artists commissioned to decorate these rooms include Anton Domenico Gabbiani, Alessandro Gherardini, and Pier Dandini.
Paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts thus arrive in rooms that possess their own artistic value, making the building another part of the visit.
How to get to Palazzo Corsini
Palazzo Corsini is at Via del Parione, 11, in the heart of Florence. The Santa Maria Novella station is about a 10-minute walk away, according to the directions published by the BIAF itself.
From other points in the center, you can arrive on foot and link the fair with other historic settings of Florence. The Arno, Ponte Santa Trinita, and the area around Via de’ Tornabuoni are also just a few steps away.
#TipCasual: leave Palazzo Corsini and treat yourself to a walk along the Arno. After several hours among masterpieces, Florence takes care of continuing the exhibition in the open air.
How to make the most of BIAF 2026 and keep discovering Florence
A visit to the International Biennale of Antiques of Florence can become the starting point for a broader cultural getaway. Between one day and another, Florence continues to put art in churches, squares, palaces, and museums.
To organize those days without filling the schedule until the last minute:
- Reserve several hours for Palazzo Corsini: the diversity of galleries and disciplines invites you to tour the fair at your leisure, especially if you are interested in painting, sculpture, furniture, or decorative arts.
- Leave the large museums for another slot of the trip: The Uffizi and the Accademia Gallery have enough entity to dedicate their own space to them.
- Explore the center on foot: from Palazzo Corsini, you can continue towards Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, or the Duomo and complete the tour with other essential places to see in Florence.
- Check the program before traveling: BIAF accompanies the fair with cultural activities and special appointments. The organization also has a space dedicated to Fuori Biennale events.
And when you leave Palazzo Corsini, there is still plenty of Florence left. Trattorias, markets, and Tuscan specialties expand the options for eating in Florence, while the itinerary can be adapted if you decide to travel alone to Florence or discover Florence with children.
Where to stay for the Florence Biennale of Antiques: Casual Rinascimento Firenze
If you are traveling for the Florence Biennale of Antiques, staying in the center allows you to combine Palazzo Corsini with the rest of your plans without spending too much time traveling.
Casual Rinascimento Firenze is in Via dell’Anguillara, in the heart of the historic center, a few minutes' walk from Santa Croce, Piazza San Firenze, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio.
And here the artistic connection continues upon returning to the hotel. Frescoes, references to Leonardo, and a contemporary reinterpretation of the Renaissance accompany rooms from 22 to 95 m². Under the building, on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater, there is also a heated pool and sauna.
After a day among centuries of art at Palazzo Corsini, your particular Rinascimento can continue a little longer. Ci vediamo a Firenze!
Frequently asked questions about the Florence BIAF
What is the Florence BIAF?
The Biennale Internazionale dell'Antiquariato di Firenze (BIAF) is one of the most prestigious international fairs for ancient art and antiques in the world. Each edition brings together specialized galleries and pieces of great artistic value at the historic Palazzo Corsini, many of them exceptionally exhibited to the public.
When is the Florence BIAF 2026 held?
The 2026 edition will take place from September 26 to October 4 at Palazzo Corsini, on the banks of the Arno River. If you are traveling to Florence on those dates, it is worth booking a few hours to discover one of the great cultural events of the Italian autumn.
What is the difference between the BIAF and the Florence Biennale?
Although their names may seem similar, they are two distinct events. The BIAF is dedicated to ancient art, antiques, and collecting, while the Florence Biennale focuses on contemporary art and design. If you are traveling in autumn to enjoy the city's artistic heritage, it is advisable to check which of the two coincides with your dates.
Do you need to be a collector or an art expert to visit the BIAF?
Absolutely not. The BIAF is open to the public from September 26 to October 4, so you can tour the participating galleries and discover the selected works even if you are not a collector or a professional in the art market. And Palazzo Corsini adds to the visit the appeal of touring one of the great historic palaces next to the Arno.
How much time is needed to visit the BIAF?
It is best to reserve between two and three hours to tour the different spaces calmly. Afterward, you can continue the walk through the historic center, cross the Ponte Vecchio, or discover other essentials of Florence just a few minutes' walk from Palazzo Corsini.
Is it advisable to buy the ticket in advance?
If you plan to visit the BIAF during the weekend or on dates with the highest influx, buying the ticket in advance will allow you to better organize the trip. If you are traveling in a group, remember that prior reservation is mandatory to access the special rate.
What can I visit near Palazzo Corsini on the same day?
The location is perfect for continuing to discover Florence without wasting time traveling. From Palazzo Corsini, you can walk to the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Duomo, or complete the day with a good trattoria and a walk along the Arno.
What is changing in the BIAF 2026?
The 34th edition arrives with Bruno Botticelli as the new Secretary General and reinforces the Biennale's relationship with the cultural heritage of Florence. Among the new features, there is a collaboration network with institutions such as Fondazione CR Firenze, Casa Buonarroti, Opificio delle Pietre Dure, and Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, with initiatives related to art, conservation, and restoration.
Where to stay to visit the BIAF comfortably?
If you want to make the most of the Biennale and walk around the historic center, staying near Palazzo Corsini is the most practical option. At Casual Rinascimento Firenze, you will be a few minutes from the fair, Santa Croce, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio, with rooms inspired by the Renaissance and a spa with a pool and sauna to top off a day surrounded by art.
Note: this guide is updated with information collected in August 2026. The schedules, prices, reservations, or conditions of the establishments may change. Before going, always verify the current information on their official websites.
