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Frequently asked questions Print Email
 
About the Fair
+ 1. What does TEFAF stand for?
TEFAF stands for The European Fine Art Foundation, the organiser of the Fair. The Fair itself is also called TEFAF, The European Fine Art Fair, also known as The Maastricht Fair.
+ 2. When was TEFAF founded?
In 1985 the international antiques fair in Valkenburg and the international Pictura in Maastricht were merged to form Antiquairs International and Pictura Fine Art Fair. Pictura, which featured paintings, prints and drawings, had been set up in 1975, Antiqua had been running as an antiques fair since 1978. In 1988 the Fair moved its venue to the MECC in Maastricht and took its present name, TEFAF, which stands for The European Fine Art Fair. To find out more click on TEFAF, History.
+ 3. What does the TEFAF logo symbolise?
The falcon (valk in Dutch) refers to Valkenburg, a town some 12 km to the east of the city of Maastricht, home to Antiquairs International, the pallette and brushes to Pictura Fine Art Fair. These two international fairs merged in 1985 and became TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) in 1988. The logo was introduced in 1989. Click on TEFAF, History to find out more.
+ 4. How large is the Fair?
TEFAF The fair is split into nine sections representing every conceivable form of art and
antiques. The Fair is over 31,000 m2 which is roughly the size of seven football (soccer) fields.
+ 5. How many objects are offered for sale?
Circa 50,000 objects are offered for sale at the Fair. 
+ 6. What is the total value of the objects presented at the Fair?
This is unknown. Exhibitors at TEFAF arrange insurance for their art collection.
+ 7. Can I buy the works of art?
All works of art shown by exhibitors at the Fair (except for stand furniture) are for sale.
+ 8. How can I be sure about the quality and the legitimacy of the works of art offered at the Fair?
26 vetting committees, consisting of circa 165 international experts, specialised in the fields that are present at TEFAF, examine each object for its quality, authenticity and condition. Works of art that don't meet the high standards of TEFAF are removed from the stands and locked away until after the fair. Besides, the Art Loss Register, the world's largest database of stolen art, checks the objects against their lists of reported art theft. Thus enabling collectors to acquire works of art at the Fair with the highest level of confidence.
To find out more on TEFAF's vetting click on Introduction, Buying with confidence.
+ 9. How many exhibitors participate at TEFAF?
Circa 260 art and antiques dealers from 17 countries. Circa 85 % of the participants are non-Dutch. Six dealers exhibit in TEFAF Showcase.
+ 10. Who is exhibiting at the Fair?
Click on Exhibitors & Exhibits for detailed information.
+ 11. Which other fairs are organised by TEFAF?
TEFAF also organises PAN Amsterdam, an annual art and antiques fair with about 120 Dutch and Flemish participants, which takes place from 22-29 November 2009 in the RAI in Amsterdam. For more information, click on www.pan-amsterdam.nl
PRACTICAL FAIR INFORMATION 
+ 12. When will this year's Fair take place?
The Fair will take place from March 18 to 27, 2011.
+ 13. When is next year's Fair?
In 2012, TEFAF will be from March 16 to 25.
+ 14. What are the opening times of the Fair?
The Fair is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except for the final Sunday, when it closes at 6 p.m.
+ 15. What is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is € 55.00 including the catalogue, a double ticket is € 90.00 including one catalogue. For detailed information about prices, click on Practical information. To order in advance, please visit our online shop. 
+ 16. What is the MECC?
The MECC is the Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre, just outside the city centre of Maastricht along the motorway A2.
+ 17. Is there a concierge service at TEFAF?
TEFAF offers visitors a concierge service, which will take care of your needs and make your stay in Maastricht a wonderful experience. Please note that these services are not without charge. Click on Visitor Services, Concierge Service for more information.
+ 18. Are there wheelchairs at the Fair?
Yes, there are eight wheelchairs available. A reservation for a free wheelchair can be made in advance by calling the reception desk of the MECC, tel. +31 (0)43 383 83 83. The wheelchair can be collected from the MECC reception desk in the main entrance area of the fair on the left hand side, indicated with an "I". Companions of disabled visitors are allowed free entry to the Fair.
+ 19. Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not allowed at the fair.
+ 20. Are there lockers?
No, but there are manned cloakrooms
+ 21. Does the Fair have food and beverage facilities?
At the Fair a variety of catering facilities is available, ranging from served and sell-service terraces, champagne and coffee bars to an A la Carte restaurant (for reservations: please visit http://www.maisonvandenboer.com/tefaf or call +31 (0)43 30 88 444).
+ 22. How do I get the Fair catalogue?
You can buy/collect the Fair catalogue at the catalogue desk near the entrance of the Fair. If you want to receive the catalogue by post, click on Shop. The Fair catalogue is also online at www.tefaf.com from January (under Exhibitors & Exhibits).
+ 23. Can I just buy a catalogue without visiting the Fair?
Yes you can. Click on Shop, or collect your catalogue at the TEFAF information desk in the main entrance area of the MECC. The Fair catalogue is also online at http://www.tefaf.com from January (under Exhibitors & Exhibits).
+ 24. Can I still order Fair catalogues from previous years?
Yes, if they are still available. Click on Shop.
+ 25. Is there a list of all works of art represented at the Fair?
No, there isn't. The Fair catalogue lists each exhibitor with an illustrated example of their specialty.
+ 26. Who is responsible for the flowers at the Fair?
Ten Kate, Deventer, tel. +31 (0)570 61 22 73
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
+ 27. How to find the Fair?
When driving, follow the signs MECC when entering Maastricht. For detailed information, click on About the Fair, Travel.
During the Fair there is a free shuttle service to and from a number of hotels in Maastricht. The shuttle also stops at Maastricht Central Station. Please enquire at your hotel for departure times.
+ 28. Are there parking facilities at the MECC?
There is a parking garage, capacity 900 cars, which is connected to the MECC by an overhead tunnel. Surrounding the MECC buildings are another 1,600 outdoor parking spaces.
+ 29. How do I get from Zaventem Airport to the Fair?
The easiest way is to take a taxi. You might want to make a reservation in advance.
+ 30. How do I get from the train station in Liège to the Fair?
You can take a taxi (20 minute drive). You might want to make a reservation in advance. You can also take a train to Maastricht Randwyck Station from where it is a 4 minutes walk to the fair (please follow signs MECC).
During the Fair there is a free shuttle service to and from a number of hotels in Maastricht. The shuttle also stops at Maastricht Central Station. Please enquire at your hotel for departure times.
+ 31. How do I order a taxi at the Fair?
You can make your reservations for a taxi at the Transport Desk in the main entrance area of the Fair.
During the Fair there is a free shuttle service to and from a number of hotels in Maastricht. The shuttle also stops at Maastricht Central Station. Please enquire at your hotel for departure times.
+ 32. How do I get a hotel in Maastricht?
Click on About the Fair, Hotels & Restaurants for more information.
+ 33. How far is the shopping centre of Maastricht from the Fair?
The distance is about 2 km (1.3 miles). When taking the new pedestrian bridge over the river Meuse (just behind the Bonnefanten Museum) it is a 20 minutes walk. By taxi it will take about 8 minutes.