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The Art of Collecting in Basel This June

ASMALLWORLD

Basel is the place to be this June for culture enthusiasts, with a trio of fantastic fairs: Art Basel, Photo Basel and Design Miami.Basel. Whether you’re adding to your established personal collection or looking to begin curating it, you’ll find endless inspiration and keep your finger on the pulse of the latest trends in the art and design world. And don’t forget it’s an annual event so book well ahead for next year too. Here’s our round-up of the highlights.

Design Miami.Basel – 11–16 June

The fair returns to Messe Basel this year with more than 25 exhibitor presentations for its 18th edition. The gallery and curio displays present the very best in heritage and cutting-edge collectible design, and there are several first-time exhibitors this year including Galerie Eva Presenhuber (Zurich/Vienna), Maxime Flatry (Paris) and Objects with Narratives (Brussels).

Don't miss the collaborative gallery presentation in remembrance of Italian design pioneer Gaetano Pesce, whose work has featured prominently at Design Miami over the years. Located in the entrance hall, the vibrant presentation has been created in collaboration with Friedman Benda (New York/LA), Pulp Galerie (Paris), and downtown+ (Paris) with key works from the 1970s to 2020s.

Sunbather, 2023 by Barbora Žilinskaitė from Freidman Benda at Design Miami 2024. Image credit: Timothy Doyon

Art Basel – 13–16 June

Bringing together 200 leading galleries and more than 4,000 artists from five continents, you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your collection at Art Basel this year. Also hosted at Messe Basel, the Art Basel programme expands across the city this year with highlights including Agnes Denes’ installation Honouring Wheatfield - A Confrontation (2024) on the Messeplatz, which "redefines the dialogue between environment, land art, and the value of things”, says Maike Cruse, Director of Art Basel.

We're also looking forward to the launch panel discussion, where Swiss art critic Hans Ulrich Obrist will discuss worldbuilding and utopias with digital artists Rebecca Allen and Danielle Braithwaite Shirley, alongside architect Carlo Ratti.

Courtesy of Art Basel

Photo Basel – 11–16 June

Photo Basel is located at Volkshaus Basel, just 700 metres from the Art Basel exhibition centre at Messe Basel. For the 9th edition this year, there are 41 galleries from 15 countries, with more than 450 photographic artworks by 150 artists on display.

Basel-based photographer Kurt Wyss is celebrated this year with a special exhibition titled Eyewitness Kurt Wyss in Dialogue with Jean Dubuffet, the French painter and sculptor who Wyss photographed during a long-term collaboration in his studio. There’s also a spotlight on contemporary photography in Africa, reflecting the richness and diversity of the African continent and diaspora with four of the 41 galleries showing works exclusively by African artists.

© Kurt Wyss. Courtesy of Photo Basel

Where to Stay – Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and James Joyce by staying at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, which traces its history back to 1681 when an inn was built on the beautiful site. Overlooking the Rhine, it’s only a 15-minute walk from the exhibitions at Messe Basel (Design Miami.Basel and Art Basel) and 10 minutes from Volkshaus Basel (Photo Basel). Enjoy dinner at the 3 Michelin-starred Cheval Blanc restaurant conjured up by Chef de Cuisine Peter Knogl from the finest ingredients, before returning to your luxurious room – the best views are from the terrace of the rooftop suite.

Courtesy of Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

ASMALLWORLD Community

As an ASMALLWORLD member you benefit from an exclusive discount for Art Basel for the Vernissage+, Premium+, and Premium+ Discovery ticket categories, giving you a range of fantastic experiences. The Premium+ Discovery ticket will ensure you’re immersed in all the excitement – you’ll receive a four-day entry pass to the show and collectors lounge, as well as access to a privileged VIP programme.

On 15 June, join ASMALLWORLD members for a special dinner at the Heritage Basel Restaurant, which is just a few minutes away from the fairs at Messe Basel. The dinner will be hosted by art connoisseur and ASMALLWORLD Ambassador Detlef Schmidt and he will share his highlights from the fair as you enjoy a three-course dinner and aperitif with likeminded art lovers. Book your tickets today!

Art Basel

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