Art Basel Miami Beach: The Global Contemporary Art Event

The Basel Art Fair (held in Switzerland in mid-June) has established itself over the years as an important international event not only for the art market but also for genuine artistic research.

Today, the echo of Art Basel reaches more than 2,500 artists, ranging from the great masters of modern art to the latest generation of emerging stars, represented in various sections of the event. The exhibition includes every form of artistic expression such as painting, drawing, installation, photography, performance, and video art.

This fair hosts the booths of nearly three hundred international galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, and also dedicates space to site-specific art projects. It was only in 2002 that the fair also began holding a winter edition every year in December in the USA, called Art Basel Miami Beach.

History of Art Basel Miami

The Beginnings: From the Heart of Switzerland

The original art fair was born in Basel back in 1970. Created by the Swiss gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner and Balz Hilt, with the specific intent of "courting" a new wave of art buyers and collectors, the first fair attracted more than 16,000 participants and was an immediate success in the art world: there was room to expand internationally.

It was only in the early 2000s that this was realized, when the fair organizers set their sights on Miami Beach and its distinctly multicultural spirit. Thanks to the fair's confidence in Miami's potential, as well as the encouragement of local leaders and a number of private collectors, Art Basel expanded to the USA with its first twin fair, Art Basel Miami Beach, in 2002.

In the inaugural year of the Miami event, 160 galleries from 23 countries showcased their works, attracting 30,000 participants. Art Basel Miami Beach provided a special touch that only the Florida city could offer: art enthusiasts from around the world were more than excited to combine a sunny vacation with the appreciation of contemporary art.

Several key individuals played a significant role in bringing Art Basel to Miami Beach. Among them are Norman Braman, car dealer and art collector, Mera and Don Rubell, whose impressive collection is displayed at the Rubell Museum, as well as other private collectors including Martin Margulies.

Not Just a Festival: Satellite Fairs, Fun, and More

The celebration of this event in Miami now extends beyond the classic Convention Center: satellite fairs, parties, and activations by various brands now take place throughout the designated area during what is now known as Miami Art Week.

The most popular "satellite fairs" include Scope and Untitled Art, held in pavilions on the sands of South Beach, and Design Miami, which features museum-quality exhibits of 20th and 21st-century furniture, lighting, and objects.

Additionally, there are incredible public artworks in and around the Miami Beach Convention Center; for example, on the southeast corner of the building's exterior wall, the vibrant mural "About Sand" by German artist Franz Ackerman stands out, while inside the center, you can admire a dramatic neon installation (with text) called "Located World" by Joseph Kosuth.

The Growth of the Greater Miami and Miami Beach Art Scene

With the advent of Art Basel Miami Beach in 2002, Greater Miami and Miami Beach suddenly emerged as a full-time art destination. Art is now on display in various neighborhoods, with highly acclaimed art institutions and private museums (especially in the Miami Design District, Wynwood, and Downtown Miami).

One of the city's most important cultural institutions, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), also relocated to downtown Miami in 2013. Situated facing the beautiful Biscayne Bay and adorned with hanging gardens, the design building today houses an exciting collection of 20th and 21st-century art focused on the cultures of Latin America, the Caribbean, and the African diaspora.

As if that weren't enough, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA) opened in December 2017 within a design building boasting three floors of permanent collections and exhibitions, as well as a lovely sculpture garden. Another burgeoning neighborhood with an art scene worth exploring is Allapattah.

Art enthusiasts won't want to miss the next edition of Art Basel Miami Beach in December, but they will also find many opportunities to appreciate and enjoy art and culture in Greater Miami and Miami Beach throughout the year!

How to Reach Art Basel Miami

From the Airport

This vibrant Miami event is conveniently located near both Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Both facilities are well-served by transportation and shuttles to reach Art Basel Miami.

Ground Transportation Options

For those already in the city, here are the available options.

• Miami Beach Bus
The Miami Beach bus service runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:40 PM, seven days a week, between the MIA Metrorail station (a short ride from the MIA Mover) and Miami Beach (from 41st Street to South Pointe Drive). The fare is 2.25 USD each way.

• Free Trolley
You can hop on the free Miami Beach city trolley to reach the MBCC and area services. Just visit the service's webpage to find the routes and operating hours, and the service also offers a free app.

• Ride Share Services
Uber or Lyft are other great options available to reach this Miami event. For real-time information, you can consult the interactive FDOT map in addition to the specific apps.

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