It’s back! Art Basel Miami Beach is returning in December 2023, and it’s one of the year’s biggest events. It’s amongst the largest events in North America and one of the most anticipated contemporary art shows on the planet.
Beyond giving you an insider’s look into the contemporary art scene, Art Basel is the perfect excuse to explore the city. Whether you want to soak in the summer sun during Miami Art Week or live it up in Miami’s famous nightclubs, you can name your adventure here in the Magic City.
Ready to hit the ground running? Here is your complete guide to everything you need to know to make the most of every moment at Art Basel Miami Beach.
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What is Art Basel Miami Beach?
Art Basel Miami Beach is a comprehensive celebration of contemporary art that brings over 250 galleries from 35 countries to the warm shores of Miami Beach every December. With thousands of people and the whirlwind of smaller fairs and celebrations this event brings to the city, there is much to discover and enjoy.
This event is all about modern and contemporary art. It draws from galleries worldwide to ensure a diverse array of works from the world’s most famous collectors, museums, and curators are represented. The mission of Art Basel is to create artist-led experiences while strengthening the local art scene.
Where is Art Basel Miami Beach Held?
Art Basel Miami Beach is one of four major art fairs held under the Art Basel label. Miami hosts alongside Hong Kong, Basel, and Paris.
The first Miami Beach Art Basel was held in 2002, and each year since, the show has grown in scale and popularity. Art Basel is peppered with a burst of parties, events, satellite exhibits, and celebrations all around Miami, collectively known as Miami Art Week. With so much to enjoy, Art Basel Miami Beach is an event you can’t miss!
The focus and center of Art Basel Miami is at the Miami Beach Convention Center in the heart of Miami Beach (South Beach), with quick access to some of the best restaurants and attractions in the city.
With such a large structure to work with, the Miami Beach Convention Center can fit thousands of attendees and pieces. The exhibits are separated into curated sections, like galleries, solo exhibitions, show prints, and editioned works for visitors to take in and explore.
How to Find the Art Basel in Miami Beach Venue Location
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
For Art Basel Miami Beach parking, the Miami Beach Convention Center Parking Garage is your most straightforward option. They charge a $20 flat fee. You can enter the parking garage from either of the following locations:
- 1901 Convention Center Drive
- 2000 Washington Ave
If you’re planning to go out after the event and want to park in another spot, you’ve got a range of options that are an easy walk from the convention center. Here are the best picks:
- 1909 Meridian Avenue
- 581 17th Street
- 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue
- 640 17th Street
- 1735 Meridian Avenue
- 1662 Meridian Avenue
- 1550 Collins Avenue
You can check out a map of the parking for Art Basel Miami Beach on the convention center’s official website.
What Are the Dates for Art Basel Miami 2023?
Art Basel in Miami Beach is held in December each year. In 2023, the public events will run from December 8 to 10 (Friday through Sunday). There are also invite-only events starting earlier. Here’s a look at the complete schedule.
Art Basel Miami Beach Hours
Private Days (by invitation only)
- Wednesday, December 6, from 11 am to 7 pm, First Choice VIP cardholders
- Wednesday, December 6, from 4 pm to 7 pm, Preview VIP cardholders
- Thursday, December 7, from 11 am to 7 pm, First Choice and Preview VIP cardholders
Vernissage (by invitation only)
- Thursday, December 7, from 4 pm to 7 pm
Public Days
- Friday, December 8, from 11 am to 6 pm
- Saturday, December 9, from 11 am to 6 pm
- Sunday, December 10, from 11 am to 6 pm
Insider Tip: Wondering how to get a VIP Card for Art Basel Miami Beach? Get the inside scoop on ArtNet.
How Do I Get into Art Basel Miami Beach?
For Art Basel Miami Beach tickets, head to the official website and buy them in advance. You’ll need to log in or register, and then you’ll be able to get them online. It’s important to note that tickets aren’t available on-site, so be sure to get them in advance.
Note: Bookmark this page and check back or follow us on Instagram for Art Basel updates and other must-see Miami events.
What Does Art Basel Miami 2023 Cost?
Art Basel Miami ticket prices vary depending on which option you prefer, as well as your eligibility for a discount. While we are waiting on 2023 Miami Art Week ticket prices, here’s the pricing from last year to give you a sense of what to expect:
- General Admission Day Ticket: $65
- Senior or Student Discount for General Admission Day Ticket: $50
- General Admission Evening Ticket: $50
- Miami Resident Discount for General Admission Day Ticket: $50
Admission is free for children 12 and under with an accompanying adult.
If you decide to attend unaffiliated satellite events or parties, plan to pay any associated fees and fulfill any required RSVPs.
How Much Are Art Basel VIP Tickets?
Want the complete Art Basel Miami Beach experience? The VIP passes are well worth considering. Typically, these passes are offered to collectors and other prominent figures in the art world. Fortunately for us commoners, some of these selected few VIPs opt to resell their tickets, making these much sought-after rarities available to anyone who can pay the right price.
Due to the rarity of the passes, their prices can range drastically. You can expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000 for a VIP pass (though you might see varying prices depending on market conditions and how close to the event date).
What is There to Do at Art Basel Miami?
There are a plethora of things to do during Art Basel Miami Beach. The event is split into eight different categories to provide a diverse experience. Here’s what to expect from each type:
- Galleries: The best works from the top galleries
- Meridians: Large-scale pieces that push boundaries
- Nova: Pieces released within the past three years
- Positions: The top emerging artists
- Survey: Pieces using historically significant artistic practices
- Edition: Works from editions, prints, and multiples
- Kabinett: Curated pieces in a range of presentation types
- Magazines: International art publications
You can check out more info on the categories on the Art Basel site.
Other Things to Do During Art Basel Miami Beach
Home to a thriving cultural scene, Miami has some of the best galleries and museums in the country. Here are a few must-see attractions you’ll want to check out during Miami Art Week.
- Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA)
- The Bass
- Frost Art Museum
- Miami Children’s Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami
- Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
- The Wolfsonian
Can Anyone Go to Art Basel Miami?
The Art Basel in Miami Beach welcomes any ticket holders to enjoy the venues and galleries offered during the three-day event. Whether you are an art connoisseur or just want to find unique things to do in Miami, Art Basel is well worth it.
Attending Art Basel Miami Beach with Children
Younger visitors (ages four to 11) are invited to the complimentary kindergarten and playroom to participate in arts and crafts, art history, and storytelling activities while their adult companions tour the show.
Planning Tip: Pre-registration is required, so visit the guest information page from Art Basel to sign up in advance. If you prefer to explore the venue as a family, please note that an adult must always accompany children under 16. Kids under 12 get free admission when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.
Accessibility at Art Basel
Miami Beach Convention Center is equipped with complimentary amenities like wheelchairs and scooters to ensure everyone can enjoy the event.
Where to Stay During Art Basel in Miami Beach
With Art Basel in Miami Beach falling just between Thanksgiving and Christmas, plan to avoid getting caught up in the busy holiday travel. Choosing a good hotel in Miami and making reservations ahead of time is a smart way to get ahead of the pack; luckily, there are plenty of great options.
- Mondrian at South Beach: The Mondrian is a great choice if you want to stay where the locals are. This hotel offers easy access to the Miami Beach Convention Center and a gorgeous view of downtown Miami.
- The Standard Miami Beach: This gorgeous adults-only hotel is within the Convention Center and offers amenities like a topless pool and a beautiful bay view.
- W South Beach: A few short blocks from the Convention Center, the Marriott is a luxurious option with a beautiful pool to enjoy.
How to Get Around Miami During Art Basel
The often-heavy traffic in the city can make getting around Miami during Art Basel intimidating. Fortunately, there are multiple options to navigate the Magic City.
If you can book a hotel near the Miami Beach Convention Center, it is a simple walk there. Prefer to stay a bit farther away? You’ve still got plenty of options.
Free Art Week Shuttle
The free Miami Beach trolley is free all year round and makes special accommodations during Art Basel. Rather than arriving every 30 minutes like it usually does, the 2023 Miami Art Week trolley service will arrive every ten minutes and take you all over town.
Rider Share or Taxi Service
Lyft or Uber are options for direct transport, or you can call a local taxi service such as:
Miami-Dade Public Transit
If you prefer public transportation, the Miami-Dade transit department offers three options for public transport: the Metromover, Metrobus, and Metrorail.
- The Metromover is a free elevated train system with three partial loops and a complete city loop and runs most of the day through the whole week.
- The Metrorail provides service from the Miami International Airport to many Miami destinations and operates most of the day through the entire week.
- The Metrobus offers services through Miami Beach and across Miami-Dade County and is designed to intersect with Metrorail stations to provide easy access within Greater Miami.
Helpful Tip: The easiest way to plan your journey is with Google Maps. It’ll provide you with real-time schedules and information on which lines to take and where to get off. We recommend having the GO Connect app on your phone so you can buy tickets easily (though you can also get them in person at sales outlets around the city).
Citibike: Miami’s Bike Share Program
Miami also offers a CitiBike program, which allows rentals of bikes to be picked up and returned to stations for easy transportation. You can opt for a monthly rental ($15-25 per month) or rent a bike for 30 minutes for $4.95.
Check out the full map of locations on their site or download the app.
What Should I Wear to Art Basel Miami 2023?
There isn’t a specific dress code for Art Basel in Miami Beach, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress to impress! From the world-famous Miami nightlife getups to spectacular celebrity ensembles, everyone seems to bring their best to Miami — and you can, too.
Combining a flashy print or incredible silhouette with a polished approach is a great way to stand out. For footwear, you combine comfort and stylishness to ensure foot pain won’t keep you from enjoying all-day shows (and afterparty!)
If you’re looking to mimic Miami fashion, our Miami packing list essential guide is an excellent place to start.
Where to Party in Miami During Art Basel
From nightclubs to VIP parties, there are many options to enjoy the best of Miami nightlife during your Art Basel trip. Check out our guides with the go-to nightlife destinations in the city:
- Locally renowned Miami bars and lounges with a lively vibe and great cocktails.
- Nightclubs in Miami offering the best DJs, dance floors, and prime celeb-spotting experience.
- Rooftop bars to take delight in its panoramic views while enjoying the city’s warm weather.
Planning Art Basel Miami Beach 2023
Whether you are a culture vulture or just looking for a one-of-a-kind Miami experience, Art Basel is well worth the trip. After exploring the world’s greatest art, you can explore the best of the Magic City.
Lost in a sea of options? We’ve got you covered! Our expert Miami travel planners can help you curate the perfect 2023 Miami Art Week experience. Let us know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and we’ll make it happen. We offer no-obligation chats, so give us a shout today, and we’ll make your planning stress-free.
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