Despite ‘Significant Impact’ of Middle East Wars, Art Basel Parent Group’s First Half 2026 Revenue Climbed 12 Percent
MCH Group, the parent company of the Art Basel fair franchise, reported that operating revenue rose 12% in the first half of 2026 to CHF 248.8 million ($301.6 million), with EBITDA increasing to CHF 34.3 million ($41.6 million). The company attributed growth to the launch of Art Basel Qatar in Doha in February and to major events in its other divisions, including construction-industry fairs like CONEXPO and Swissbau. MCH said its business was “significantly impacted” by Middle East violence, with clients canceling live events from the beginning of March, though conditions gradually improved and activities returned to normal in the fourth quarter with a focus on local audiences. The statement also cited pressures from trade wars affecting booth-building costs and a slower art market, while noting a “successful” Art Basel Hong Kong edition in March and announcing on June 25 that MCH took a 20% stake in the new Jupiter Festival, set to debut in Miami in October.
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This story was covered in Museums Under Pressure, Markets Keep Climbing