With pitched neck and studious brow, art's elite makes it biannual pilgrimage to Miami (December 2nd - 5th) and Basel (June 13 - 17th) outposts of this acclaimed art festival. Throughout the event, the two host cities are abuzz with special events and performances throughout local parks, museums and cultural institutions -- not to mention the lavish private parties thrown by private collectors in their penthouse condos and South Beach villas.
Tips
Try to secure VIP entry, as collectors and VIPs are allowed in one-day prior to everyone else. By the time the doors actually open, most of the prized works are long-snapped up by well-versed buyers and dealers.
Last Word
Collectors and galleries from around the world assemble within a festival-atmosphere displaying prized modern works of the 20th and 21st Century. Not limited to paintings, the show includes sculptures, drawings, installations, photographs and audio-visual displays. With over 300 dealers participating in the festival, name-brand art houses like Gagosian Jan Krugier use the event for headline-grabbing sales of new and secondary works from coveted artists. Many artists, especially midlevel up-and-comers, are encouraged to create entire collections specifically for the event.
