It’s that time of year again when the less frenzied, but equally exciting fair known as Art Basel is just around the corner. The original edition of the fair empire is based in one of Switzerland’s formidable pharmaceutical cities. The next few weeks will bring a flock of well-heeled art collectors and gadflies to Basel to see art, guzzle champagne, and complain about the fair (see The 25 Best Booths at Art Basel 2014; Art Basel in Basel 2014 Sales Report; Art Basel 2014 in Pictures).
Whether its your first time or your 46th time, some travel tips for the out-of-towners are below.
Must-See Museums:
Fondation Beyeler.
Photo: fondationbeyeler.ch.
Fondation Beyeler
The private Renzo Piano-designed museum founded by Swiss art dealers Hildy and Ernst Beyeler is just 12 minutes away from the fair. This summer the museum will showcase a solo exhibition of South African-born painter Marlene Dumas. Also on view—until June 28th—will be a show of Paul Gauguin paintings. However, the foundation’s one-time special guest speaker Keanu Reeves will not be there (see Keanu Reeves to Give Talk on Gauguin—Say What?).
Hannah Weinberger at the Kunsthalle Basel (2011).
Photo: via Mousse Magazine.
Kunsthalle Basel
This is one of the first institutions in Switzerland to showcase international and Swiss contemporary art. During the fair, Korean artist Anicka Yi will take over the institution’s entire first floor, filling it with canvases painted with perishable materials such as flowers, milk, potato chips, and snail excretions. In addition, San Francisco-based sculptor Vincent Fecteau will show new works for his first solo show in Switzerland and his largest exhibition to date.
Tinguely Museum.
Photo: via Floornature.
Tinguely Museum
The museum, which contains a permanent collection of works by Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely, will have a site-specific work by London-based artist Haroon Mirza. The artist who creates immersive experiences through sound, color, and light, will bring his largest installation to date to the museum that will open on June 10, days before the opening of the fair. If it’s anything like his piece we saw at Independent Projects in Lisson Gallery’s booth—it will be a sure must-see. (See Yves Klein’s Never-Before-Performed Work at Independent Projects).
Culinary Delights:
Volkhaus.
Photo: via volkhaus-basel.ch
Herzog & de Meuron-designed Swiss French eatery Volkhaus is a definite spot to rest your legs and cure that fair-tigue. The space has three sections: a brasserie, a biergarten, and a bar, so you can maneuver through all three if you’re feeling indecisive.
Sukhothai restaurant.
Photo: via thairestaurant.ch.
If you’re in the mood for some Thai food while in the country, look to Sukothai. This family-run restaurant caters to those who don’t always wish to be dressed in dinner jackets.
Schloss Bottmingen.
Photo: via weiherschloss.ch
If you are tickling for dinner in a castle atmosphere, however, Schloss Bottmingen is the place for you. The 14th century restaurant has changed many hands over the centuries and it currently enjoys monument status by the Swiss Confederation and the cantons of Basel-Landschaft and Basel-City. There’s French cuisine for lunch or dinner at this historic venue, which has a moat and prerequisite bridge.
Der Teufelhof Basel hotel restaurant.
Photo: via booked.net
Atelier restaurant serves traditional Swiss meals in a local atmosphere where guests are also invited to participate in artistic initiatives. Housed in a self-proclaimed “art hotel” called Der Teufelhof Basel where invited artists redesign the nine rooms at regular intervals, the restaurant also includes an unfinished mural by Basel-based artist, Tarek Abu Hageb. Restaurant and hotel guests can contribute to the work in an ongoing project.
Chez Donati.
Photo: via Troisrois.com
Chez Donati is where all the heavy-hitting blue chip dealers can be spotted. The restaurant serves Piedmont cuisine to those who can dish out more than 100 francs on a good meal. Be prepared to see, and be seen.
In the Evening Hours:
Trois Rois restuarant.
Photo: via troisrois.com
The cream of the crop head to Trois Rois for their overnight stay, as well as for dining purposes, during the fair. The five star hotel displays old world charm, 101 regal rooms, several dining rooms, a cigar bar, and balcony for a nightcap. Here, you’ll find a heavy concentration of the art world elite.
Bar Campari at the Kunsthalle.
Photo: Kunsthallebasel.ch.
The Kunsthalle Basel houses a restaurant and two bars. Visitors can expect French and Italian inspired dishes while they sip their beers or spritzes at the Bar Campari, where all the young and hip artists, curators, dealers, and collectors will head to at night.
Prepare to Pack:
Norman Parkinson, The Art of Travel (1951).
Photo: via artnet.com
Besides common sense items like your clothing, phone charger, and underwear, make sure to read up on our tips for traveling and how to navigate the hijinks of art fairs (see 10 Tips for Traveling the Art World in Style and 10 Tips To Make Art Fairs More Fun).
Cover of the Issue 24.
Photo: via Kaleidoscope.
Travelers can also use their time spent in the airport and the plane catching up with their art world reading list. Before jetting off, make sure to grab the latest copy of Kaleidescope, Mousse, Even, Art in America, or Artforum. (See Kevin McGarry On the Future of Art Criticism According to Jason Farago).
In terms of books, we recommend exciting new reads including The Contemporaries by Roger White, The Art of Forgery by Noah Charney, The Art of the Con by Anthony Amore, and some guilty pleasure reads like China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan or Orient by Christopher Bollen (see Christopher Bollen’s Art Murder Mystery Spoofs Jerry Saltz).
And some non-recent books worth your time: Jeff in Venice by Geoff Dyer, Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thorton (or her newer book, 33 Artists in 3 Acts), Leo and His Circle: The Life of Leo Castelli by Annie Cohen-Solal, and Konrad Fischer: Okey Dokey, where Brigitte Kolle is a contributor.
Cover of Christopher Bollen’s novel Orient.