A fire caused damaged at the Marx Halle exhibition centre this weekend, just days before the opening of the Viennacontemporary art fair. Officials say the fire was started deliberately and followed a burglary. Gallerists report that the fair organisers contacted them on Monday to warn that the event might not be able to go ahead. They have since been reassured however that it will open 21 September as planned.
The 20,000 sq m Marx Halle was originally built in 1877 as a cattle market, but renovated as an exhibition and concert venue in 2006 having remained derelict for many years. Over 110 galleries and institutions from 27 countries will take part in Viennacontemporary.
13 September 2017
