Art is a way of bringing people together. Art Basel also began in this way over a conversation in a pub. At least that is what legend would have us believe. Art Basel has been described as the ‘Olympics of the Art World’. Approximately 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa show the work of more than 4,000 artists, ranging from the great masters of Modern art to the latest generation of emerging stars. Basel is uniquely situated at the border between Switzerland, France and Germany. With its world-class museums, theaters, concert halls, medieval old town, and new architecture, it ranks as one of Europe’s most alluring cultural cities.
The show’s individual sectors represent every artistic medium: paintings, sculpture, installations, videos, multiples, prints, photography, and performance. Each day offers a full program of events, including symposiums, films, and artist talks. Further afield, exhibitions and events are offered by cultural institutions in Basel and the surrounding area, creating an exciting, region-wide art week.
Art Basel draws tens of thousands of visitors – collectors, gallerists, artists, curators, art enthusiasts – from across the globe who come to experience the highest quality Modern and contemporary art, including works by well-known artists and newly emerging artists.