Art Basel Miami Beach

Art Basel Miami Beach, North America’s largest and most prestigious international contemporary art fair, returns to the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) in South Beach December 5-7, with over 280 galleries from more than 40 countries showcasing works by thousands of emerging, mid-career, established and blue-chip artists. Since its inception in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach has drawn more than 80,000 visitors each year, from art dealers to artists, collectors and art aficionados. It’s become the splashiest cultural event on Miami’s social calendar, with parties and events galore attended by celebrities and tastemakers.

And while Art Basel Miami Beach is the singular fair at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Art Week, December 1-7, features dozens of satellite fairs for a whirlwind week filled with art and parties perfectly suited for sunny Miami.

Ticket Information

Art Basel Miami Beach kicks off December 3-4 with invitation-only VIP previews and a vernissage celebration on December 4. The fair is open to the public December 5-7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

There are a number of ticketing options, which can be purchased online in advance of the show or onsite at the MBCC. First-access tickets ($105) grant access to the fair for a single day. Day tickets ($88) are timed tickets for a single day with slots available from noon to 4 p.m. Reduced day tickets ($68) grant access for a single day to Miami Beach residents, seniors and veterans. Art Basel & sister fair Design Miami combination tickets are available for $130.

There are also premium ticket packages (from $850) that include VIP access to the Thursday evening vernissage, an all-access pass to the fair, admission to select area museums and other perks.

Exhibitors and Sectors

At Art Basel Miami Beach, the exhibition space at the Miami Beach Convention Center will be comprised of sectors, which include Galleries, Meridians, Nova, Positions, Survey, Kabinett, Magazines and Conversations. These sectors divide the fair into separate curatorial spaces. Galleries serves as the centerpiece of the show and is where the majority of the fair’s international galleries showcase the work of the artists they represent.

Meridians, curated by Yasmil Raymond, is Art Basel Miami Beach’s platform for large-scale works that push the boundaries of the traditional art fair, while Nova focuses exclusively on new works created within the last three years, and Positions brings together select solo presentations by emerging artists represented by young galleries.

Kabinett and Survey both take a historical approach to curation. Kabinett features thematic group exhibitions and art historical showcases as well as solo presentations, while Survey is dedicated to galleries highlighting artistic practices of historic relevance. Magazines is where editors and publishers display international art publications. Conversations features panel discussions and lectures by inspiring cultural leaders and artists.

Parking at Art Basel

Both valet parking and self-parking will be available at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Valet parking can be found on both the west and east sides of the building, with pickup and drop-off taking place on Washington Avenue, Convention Center Drive, and 19th Street and Convention Center Drive.

There’s an 800-space parking garage onsite with a $20 flat fee for self-parking, several municipal and private parking garages and street parking available throughout Miami Beach.

Check out our full guide to transportation and getting around during Art Basel Miami Beach.

Discounted Stays at Miami Beach Hotels

When planning your visit to Art Basel Miami Beach, you can’t go wrong with a stay at one of the fair’s three official hotel partners: W South Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach and Grand Beach Hotel Miami Beach.

W South Beach is a perennial favorite amongst scenesters and celebrities and is only a few short blocks from the Miami Beach Convention Center. It features luxurious accommodations with oceanfront balconies, and its lobby bar, Living Room, boasts an impressive contemporary art collection, with works by Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and George Condo.

Situated oceanfront at the foot of Lincoln Road, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is close to the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Untitled and SCOPE art fair tents on the beach. The classic luxury hotel, originally designed by iconic mid-century Miami architect Morris Lapidus, is also home to DiLido Beach Bar, which is now under the care of celebrity chef José Andrés. It’s one of South Beach’s most-alluring oceanfront restaurant lounges, perfect for a post-fair Champagne clink.

The beauty of the all-suite oceanfront Grand Beach Hotel Miami Beach is its residential appeal. The resort features plush, modern accommodations with oversized guestrooms, most featuring a separate living area, two bathrooms and a balcony. When it’s time to unwind after a busy day at the fairs, head to their spacious poolscape.

By: Shayne Benowitz | September 8, 2025