SOFA CHICAGO, the world-renowned art fair dedicated to Sculpture, Objects, Functional Art and Design returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall on November 5-8.
Now in its 22nd year, SOFA CHICAGO is the must attend art fair of the year, attracting more than 32,000 collectors, museum groups, curators, and art patrons from around the globe to view museum-quality works of art from 70+ galleries. SOFA CHICAGO recently placed #7 in the USA Today Reader’s Choice 10 Best Art Events, after a nationwide competition.
Critically acclaimed and continuously running since 1994, what distinguishes SOFA from other top art events is its focus on three-dimensional artworks that cross the boundaries of fine art, decorative art and design. SOFA is noted for its exceptional presentation, with an elite selection of international dealers presenting for sale one-of-a-kind masterworks in handsome, custom-designed gallery exhibits.
With a strong educational emphasis, SOFA CHICAGO includes an acclaimed lecture series and special exhibits exploring the artworks on view and surveying new trends in the art world. A VIP program includes exclusive events tailored to high-profile gallery clients and collector/museum groups. SOFA has evolved into a dynamic international marketplace and community – a confluence of perspectives where art, design and people intersect.
New this year, SOFA CHICAGO will unveil a revamped floorplan created by Chicago architects Cheryl Noel and Ravi Ricker of Wrap Architecture.The re-envisioned design will create a more open and cohesive show layout, allowing visitors to explore the fair in a more engaging way. Changes include a new, centrally located main entrance, as well as moving the popular SOFA CHICAGO Lecture Series to the show floor, making it more accessible and visible. Other exciting changes include a second café, additional lounges, and a redesigned Partner Pavilion.
The Opening Night Preview on November 5 is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year, and offers attendees the first chance to explore and acquire featured artwork from exhibiting galleries. The evening is truly a must-attend event for members of the art and design communities, collectors, and patrons.
SOFA CHICAGO is open Friday and Saturday 11 am – 7 pm; and Sunday 12 pm – 6pm. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, and they allow access to all aspects of SOFA CHICAGO. Tickets for Opening Night are $150 for the 5pm-9pm VIP Preview + three-day pass; $75 for the 7pm-9pm Public Preview + three-day pass; and $50 for the 7pm-9pm Public Preview. General Admission tickets are $20 for single-day pass; and $30 for three-day pass. Students and senior (with ID), and group (10 or more) are $15. SOFA CHICAGO VIP programming will begin Thursday, November 5, and runs through Sunday, November 8. Tours and events include a visit to Crab Tree Farm as well as private collections and museum exhibitions throughout the city.
SOFA CHICAGO was inaugurated at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers in 1994, with 58 exhibitors and 14,000 persons attending. In 1995, SOFA Chicago moved to Festival Hall at Chicago’s historic Navy Pier. Since then, the fair has grown steadily in the number of exhibitors, averaging 85-90 galleries in recent years, and attendance has increased over 100%. The attendance has increased to 35,000 people attending over four days in recent years.
