For nearly five decades, the Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF) has served as the cornerstone of Russia’s literary and publishing industry. Founded in 1977, it is the oldest and largest book fair in Russia, evolving into a vital hub where publishers, authors, readers, and industry professionals converge to celebrate the written word and shape the future of the book market.
The 39th edition of the MIBF is scheduled to take place from September 2 to 6, 2026, at the historic Gostinyy Dvor exhibition centre in the heart of Moscow. This central location positions the fair as a key cultural and business destination.
A Grand Stage for the Book Industry
The scale of the MIBF is impressive. It brings together over 300 publishers and booksellers from Russia and more than 10 foreign countries, showcasing more than 70,000 books. The exhibition is expected to span 35,000 square metres and attract around 30,000 visitors, with 614 exhibitors participating. The fair’s rich cultural and business programme features over 400 events, including author meet-and-greets, book presentations, lectures, and industry discussions.
The MIBF serves as a key meeting point for all industry players:
- Visitors can discover new releases, meet their favourite authors, and enjoy a rich family and children’s programme.
- Publishers and exhibitors use the fair as a platform for sales, promotion, business networking, and establishing new contacts.
- Industry professionals benefit from a dedicated business programme, which includes discussions on copyrights, licensing, and state-of-the-industry conferences like the “Russian Book Market” conference.
- Media and bloggers find a wealth of content and a focal point for news and interviews.
A History of Venues and a Shift to Gostinyy Dvor
The fair has a storied history, having moved between several iconic Moscow venues over the years. For its 38th edition in 2025, the fair returned to its historical home at the VDNKh (All-Russian Exhibition Centre), a venue it had previously occupied for many years before various relocations to the Manege, Gostinyy Dvor, and Expocentre. The 2026 edition moving back to Gostinyy Dvor reflects the fair’s adaptability and its continued importance in the city’s cultural calendar.
Spotlight on the Guest of Honour: China
A major highlight for the 39th MIBF in 2026 is the participation of the People’s Republic of China as the guest of honour. This special status will open a unique window into China’s rich literary culture, publishing market, and modern humanities projects for Russian visitors and the professional community. The guest of honour programme will be a central part of the international track, creating a valuable platform for fostering collaboration between Russian and Chinese publishers, authors, translators, and literary agents. This follows India’s role as the guest of honour at the 38th fair in 2025, highlighting a tradition of strong international participation.
The MIBF is not just an exhibition; it is the key industry event in Russia that connects the past, present, and future of books. It remains an unmissable opportunity for anyone looking to engage with the country’s vibrant literary scene and its dynamic publishing market.
