Now in its 11th year, The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair™ continues to be considered the premier antiques show in the Midwest, showcasing top quality antiques and fine art from around the world. As part of Artropolis, Chicago’s celebration of art, antiques and culture, the Spring Antiques Fair is another opportunity for collectors to shop from a world-class assortment of objects d’art and unique treasures.

More than 130 of the top national and international antiques and fine art dealers will exhibit in the Fair. Dealers will be displaying the finest in 20th Century Design, Architectural Design, Asian Art & Antiquities, Barometers, Ceramics, Coins, Decorative Arts, Folk Art, Furniture, Glass, Jewelry, Paintings, Posters, Prints, Rare Books and Maps, Sculpture, Silver, Textiles, Tribal Art and more. Collectors, connoisseurs, designers and the general public are invited to experience The Spring Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair.

Continuing the tradition of the popular 2007 Fair component, the 2008 Fair will once again showcase dealers from the world famous Marche aux Puces and members of LAPADA, Britain’s hallmark of quality antiques dealers.

Antiques Fair Opening Presentation
What's Next
A Conversation with Michael Bruno
Presented by Traditional Home
Friday, April 25
10–11a.m.

The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair is pleased to welcome Michael Bruno as the Fair’s Opening Presentation Speaker. It’s been said that as soon as a trend is identified as “in,” it’s out. But 1stdibs.com founder and president Michael Bruno actually has his finger on the pulse of antique dealers and design professionals’ sales activity, and is most likely to truly predict what’s next in design. Join Bruno, along with Senior Arts and Antiques Editor Doris Athineos of Traditional Home, for a lively conversation about the popular trend toward Modernism, the treasures of London and Paris, and the role of interior designers shaping the interiors we crave.

Michael Bruno founded web site 1st dibs.com in 2001 after moving to Paris following a successful career with Sotheby’s real estate division in San Francisco. 1st dibs was created to provide the design trade access to the world’s best upscale antiques and decorative arts dealers. Its value as a source for stellar material is equal to its educational benefits.

April 25-28, 2008
Preview Night: April 24, 2008

Thursday, April 24, 2008	6-9 p.m.
Party to Benefit the Women’s Board of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC)
Friday, April 25, 2008	11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, April 26, 2008	11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, April 27, 2008	11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Monday, April 28, 2008	11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tickets are $20 each and grant admission to the weekend’s other Artropolis events including Art Chicago, Next, The Artist Project and Intuit. Tickets are $15 a piece for groups of 10 or more, seniors and students.

For Preview Party information and tickets, contact the Women’s Board office at 312.238.6023 or visit womensboard.ric.org. Tickets for the Preview Party are $500, $250 or $150.