Art Basel Miami Beach
Considered one of the most sought-after meticulously planned events on the American art world calendar, the Art Basel Miami Beach iteration features significant work from the masters of modern and contemporary art, as well as a new generation of emerging stars. Professionally it stands out as the year’s biggest opportunity to connect with global buyers. For both the casual attendee and honest art buff however, there’s equal doses of intriguing, clever, shocking and beautiful sights to lap up and absorb.
The official showings are held in the Miami Beach Convention Center, however unofficial satellites are as highly anticipated as the show, amping up the event energy in the process. Art Collecting provides an impressive overview detailing the selection on offer in Miami over fair time. SCOPE, Pulse Miami, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Wynwood Arts District, Design Miami and Untitled are all worth a look.
Will there be open displays of schmoozing? Yes. Will the dress code be indecipherably cool? Yes. Big money? Yes. All of these things, along with great weather, art deco neighbourhoods and cool restaurants that play into the design and arts scene too.
WORDS OF WISDOM
- Skip the heavy public entrance cost and pre-register as a VIP collector or art enthusiast on individual fair websites. One will be required to fill out simple information, along with details on owned art work or items of interest. Each site differs on what information they require, however most just want to know they are sending out a pass to someone who is part of their crowd and isn’t going to sell a pass onto a stranger in exchange for the highest sum of cash.
- Make early dinner reservations to avoid missing out on the best haunts in town. Fair attendees always eat late. Notable eateries to book for include intimate Casa Tua, Cleo for shared plates of wood fired origins and The Broken Shaker, a laidback craft cocktail bar housed within high-end hostel, The Freehand.
- Stay: The iconic beachfront Raleigh Hotel is the pick for glamour minus the attitude with one incredible swimming pool. It’s also the place to find out about the hottest parties and gatherings that spin Art Basel into the late hours. For young enthusiasts wishing to spend all coin on the art, The Freehand (mentioned above) is a worthy place to bed down in, and close to all the action as well.
Visit Art Basel Miami Beach
