Attendees at Art Chicago 2009; a circa-1960s Tiffany brooch from New York jeweler Camilla Dietz Bergeron, at the International Antiques Fair
 

The Merchandise Mart blooms with activity at this time of year. First off, DreamHome opens for an eight-month run under the theme “Cool Elegance” with a preview party April 15, followed by general viewing April 16 through December 11; $5 admission. The International Antiques Fair comes at the end of the month, April 30 to May 3, coinciding with Art Chicago and the emerging artists exhibition NEXT, $15-$25 ticket price includes admission to all events. This year’s Antiques Fair will feature room vignettes by designers Anne Coyle, Sanjay R. Singhal, and Erik Kolacz, 312-527-3209, mmart.com. For more antiques, hit the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques and Garden Fair April 16 through April 18, featuring garden furnishings, botanical art, and more from some 100 dealers from Europe and the United States. Tickets are $15 at the door; $12 in advance; $10 in advance for members. Interior designer Alessandra Branca will speak at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 16, followed by a signing of her new book, New Classic Interiors. Cost is $35 in advance ($45 at the door), which includes a day pass to the fair. chicagobotanic.org
 

DREAMHOME
April 16-December 11
$5

INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR/ART CHICAGO/NEXT
April 30-May 3
$15-$25

CHICAGO BOTANIC ANTIQUES AND GARDEN FAIR
April 16-18
$15 at door, $12 in advance