The title says it, and you are already imagining it; think about the sound of the ocean waves, the warm temperatures even in the winter months, about some amazing contemporary and modern art, and you can feel like you are already there!
Art Basel Miami
The title says it, and you are already imagining it; think about the sound of the ocean waves, the warm temperatures even in the winter months, about some amazing contemporary and modern art, and you can feel like you are already there!
Miami Beach is a south Florida island city, connected by bridges to mainland Miami, and every year it hosts one of the world’s most famous art festivals. It is called: ‘Art Basel Miami’. Keep reading to discover all that this show at Miami Beach has to offer:
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, in the city centre. Unofficially, the show starts on Wednesday, December 5th 2019, with a Private Day event that can be attended by invitation only.
Another limited access event is the Vernissage, which takes place the following day. The Art Basel Public Days run from Thursday, December 5th to Sunday December 8th, 2019.
Art Basel is an international art fair where galleries showcase and sell work to collectors, museum directors, and curators.
It attracts large international audiences of art aficionados and students, but also aims to provide an introductory platform to those who are not very familiar with the current art scene.
If you want to fully satisfy your curiosity, you can find out more about the original Art Basel show (the one in Basel!) and the other Art Basel in Hong Kong.
The show hosts leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa showing significant works of modern and contemporary art.
In 2015, the show hosted first-time collectors from Cambodia, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Romania, Togo, and Zimbabwe – a truly global artistic experience!
Art Basel Miami Beach attracts on average over 70,000 participants, whether they are visitors seeking the latest artistic experience or active members of the artistic and curating community.
The majority of works are on display in the main exhibition hall, however there are also large‐scale projects, films and performances that take over the city’s outdoor landscape at nearby Collins Park and SoundScape Park.
Each show is organised into sectors where you can appreciate work by established and emerging artists and galleries. Now, let’s take a look at these sectors:
In this sector over 200 of the world’s leading international modern and contemporary art galleries will set up displays.
You can admire paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films and videos, and digital-art. It provides an all-round melange of media and works the highest quality from over 4000 artists, whether they are emerging or established talents.
As the name would suggest, this section features never-before-seen work straight from the artists’ studio. Here, galleries introduce up to three artists who are showing their latest works.
This sector allows one artist to present one major work. Here curators, critics, and collectors can discover ambitious new talents.
Leading publishers of works and prints showcase their collaboration with renowned artists. Visitors have the opportunity to see significant and rare publications.
Galleries have a separate space to present an exhibition from an artist of their choosing. Curated concepts range from thematic group exhibitions, art-historical showcases or solo shows for new talents.
Art historical projects find their place here. Survey hosts solo presentations by individual artists, juxtapositions and thematic exhibits by artists from a range of cultures, generations or artistic approaches.
This sector is curated by Philipp Kaiser, independent curator and critic, and is produced in collaboration with local institutions, such as Bass Museum of Art. Held at nearby Collins Park, you can see large-scale sculptures and installations by leading and rising international artists.
An outdoor film screening program is held at SoundScape Park. Films and videos are projected onto the 7,000-square-foot wall of the New World Center.
Another special event is delivered by New York-based film curator Marian Masone, who selects a feature-length film to be screened at the Colony Theatre.
Single-magazine stands or collective booths display art publications from around the world. Editors and publishers of the magazines attend the show and contribute to presentations in the Conversations sector: a series of lectures and discussions.
This sector offers a series of lectures and discussions led by prominent members of the art world. Conversations focus on topics relevant to the global contemporary artscape. Dialogue panels presented by eminent art practitioners, scholars, lawyers, gallerists and architects offer listeners unique and informed views on producing, collecting, and exhibiting art.
The box office for the 2018 is not yet open, but if you are wondering about the costs, the previous edition of the show had Day tickets for 60$ (50$ if purchased online) and Permanent Tickets, which give you access for the whole week, at 130$ (120$ if purchased online).
Art Basel also offers several other ticket combinations which will allow you to save money depending on your needs and length of stay. Tickets are available online and upon arrival and can be purchased directly on the East side of the Miami Beach Convention Center (Washington Avenue).
Art Basel Miami Beach is an unmissable event that will surely enrapture you with its many exhibits and great installations, whether you are an art veteran or amateur. On top of this, it will also give you the best excuse to travel to one of the most wanted locations in Florida
The show runs every year, but should this not be enough of Art for you, you could even travel to the Swiss city or even to Hong Kong, where there is another edition of the show in March!
Head over to Art Basel Miami Beach this December, escape the cold of the winter months, and expect an amazing immersion into the world of contemporary art!
If you want to immortalise your experience of Art Basel Miami, remember that personal photography is permitted, however you must not disrupt the galleries or other visitors’ experience while doing so: leave your powerful flash at home!
Be aware of Art Basel’s Miami safety and security regulations, which subject visitors and their belongings to thorough inspections. There is a limit of one bag per person – backpacks, suitcases or trolleys are not permitted.
If your bag is on the larger side, it must be deposited at the Coat Check. Other restrictions include smoking or bringing pets, unless these are certified service animals for visitors with disabilities. Consult the show’s website for further information on their regulation so as to avoid any disappointments!
Art Basel is also kid friendly! Art Kids offers a free kindergarten and playroom for children aged 4-12. Staff from Miami Children’s Museum engages kids in arts and craft activities, art history and storytelling. You can tour the show or benefit from guided tours, knowing that your children are also learning and exploring art.
The weekend of Art Basel becomes a major buzz for Miami. Parties, side fairs and other events are held in parallel with the show, so bring your fancy clothes and dancing shoes! Plan your Art Basel weekend in advance if you want to enjoy these side events. Also, budgeting for these outings is another thing we recommend!
Miami Beach is a great holiday destination, and many celebrities believe that as well. Though most of them reside in Miami city, given the buzz created by Art Basel and the side events and parties, you might want to keep your eyes open for any celebrities walking about, attending the various shows.
The Convention Center is just off 17th Street, which takes you from the show straight to the sandy beach for a sunbathing getaway. The Convention centre is also a stone throw away from the Botanical Garden; you can take a small break from the art events and feast your eyes on nature’s flora exhibits. So whether you are by car or foot, you can make a quick and relaxing escape from all the artistic buzz.
If the idea of swimming and sunbathing is a good enough excuse to extend your trip beyond the days of the show, then you might find Miami’s wide beaches very appealing.
There are plenty opportunities for a promenade by the shore, or for a relaxing picnic in one of the parks along the shore-line, such as palm-lined Lummus Park.
Miami Beach’s southern stretch, South Beach, is not only a good celebrity-spotting area, but it also hosts impressive 20th century architecture nestled in the historic Art Deco District.
If your pockets allow for a little spending spree, head over to Lincoln Road Mall, a pedestrian road running east-west parallel between 16th Street and 17th Street. It’s just a few minutes away from Art Basel.
There you will find a wide selection of brands, restaurants, cafes, food stalls as well as antique and collectible market stalls. Lincoln Road is a great place for people watching while sipping on a refreshing cocktail or grabbing a bite. You can also enjoy great sunset views at the Juvia Rooftop.
Lincoln Road Mall though isn’t the only pedestrian stretch. Española Way is just as beautiful, with a bustling nightlife, but perhaps more quieter, and quainter during the day. It’s also within walking distance from the Art Basel main hall – just 600m away and worth checking out!
If you’re more adventurous, then check out the Miami Super Saver deal, where you can explore the city and Everglades National Park wildlife in a day. This combo includes a Miami City tour and an exciting Everglades Airboat tour! Yes, Airboat! Get your explorer groove on and watch out for alligators as the airboat steers through narrow passageways.
Booking.com
If you travelling with a group of friends and prefer a budget friendly stay without compromising on quality and fun, The Hostel in South Beach is the place for you.
Booking.com
Rated by guests, on sites such as booking.com, as providing the best value for money, this hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Breakfast and dinner are included, and guests can take advantage of the hostel’s games room, mingle and relax during a daily happy hour, have movie nights or various game tournaments.
If you like the sound of this accommodation but are not travelling in a group, there are also private rooms. The hostel is 1.7km away from the Convention Center, but it’s still very easy to reach it!
For a closer stay to the Convention Center, that also does not hurt your pockets, check out The Clay Hotel, a 3 star hotel built in 1925.
Booking.com
The Clay Hotel is 5 min from the beach and 12 mins from Miami Beach’s historical Art Deco District. In just 15 minutes you can make your way by foot to the Convention Center, or if you are running late, you can hop on a bus for a much shorter journey. Guests of The Clay benefit from complimentary beach chairs, umbrella, and towels. So take your flip-flops and bathing suits and head on to the beach!
If you want to be even closer to the city centre and budget is not an issue, the 4 star Plymouth Miami Beach is 500m away from the Convention Center.
Booking.com
If walking to the beach is unappealing after a long day at Art Basel, or you don’t want to get sand in your shoes, The Plymouth features an outdoor pool and sundeck; you could even take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary daytime transfer to private Plymouth Beach.
The Plymouth also provides luxurious drinking and dining experiences. You can delight in handcrafted cocktails at their poolside Plymouth Grill. The hotel also offers a good selection of Japanese cuisine, as their Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill is located on site.
Hurry up though, because the accommodations presented here are all popular choices. Remember, Art Basel draws over 70.000 participants in December!
There is a large variety of stalls, food chains or independent cafes and restaurants very close to Art Basel, on Lincoln Road Mall, or Española Way, that offer meat, vegetarian and vegan friendly options.
For more special dining experiences, check out vegan restaurant Full Bloom. It’s within walking distance from the Convention Centre and boasts a waterfront terrace serving a raw or cooked vegan take on global cuisine. Hardly you will find a place so vegan friendly in the rest of the world!
Another compelling dining option is CVI.CHE in South Beach, a Peruvian restaurant! This restaurant is decorated in an Incan style, has a pisco bar and a vertical garden, and most exciting of all, it serves authentic Peruvian food and the best Cheviche around Miami Beach!
It’s a 20 minute walk from Art Basel, and after an exquisite meal, you can take an extended promenade onto Lincoln Road Mall, on your way to the Convention Center.
If you don’t want to leave the fairground to grab a bite to eat, Miami Beach Convention Center offers self-service restaurants, food markets and cafes. In the Collectors Lounge you will find a seated restaurant, Michy’s, which is run by Miami star chef Michelle Bernstein. You can also grab some light meals outdoors, served at the Garden Café in the Botanical Garden across the street from the Art Basel.
Art Basel is conveniently located in the city centre, near Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
MIA is covered by a regular transport system to and from the airport. You can board an express bus, the Miami Beach Airport Flyer, (route 150), at the MIA Metrobus Station. This bus runs regularly between MIA and Miami Beach.
There are also shuttle services available at MIA. Blue SuperShuttle vans are found at the arrivals area, just outside baggage claim.
Miami Beach is easily reached by car with two convenient routes from MIA to the show venue. You can take the 836 East toward ‘Beaches’ and follow directions from South upwards. Or you can take the 112 East towards ‘Beaches’ and follow directions from North downwards.
After reaching the fair grounds via car, you can easily park directly at the Convention Center using their valet service at the entrance. There are also nearby city parking lots, with limited availability, on Convention Center Drive and on the 17th Street. Parking on the side of the road is also permitted in many locations around the Center.
As the name may suggest, Art Basel Miami started in Basel, Switzerland, back in 1970. The festival there has kept on growing over the years and, in 2002, Lorenzo Rudolf (Director of Art Basel from 1991-2000) conceived Art Basel Miami Beach, and Sam Keller (communications director and PR expert) launched it with great success.
It has since become the largest and most significant art show in America!
Recommendations for the Event