Throngs of visitors will return to the Swiss city of Basel this June for the marquee art fair. But there are lots of other fairs taking place in the city then too. To help you plan your agenda, we’ve rounded up the highlights you can’t miss to help you navigate the fair week.
Art Basel
June 16–19, 2022
Art Basel 2021. © Art Basel
When: VIP opening (invitation only) Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; vernissage (invitation only) Wednesday, June 15: 5 p.m.–8 p.m.; public days Thursday, June 16–Sunday, June 19: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Messe Basel: Messeplatz 10 4058 Basel, Switzerland
How much: CHF 65 ($65.74)
What to know: Now that travel restrictions are loosening, Art Basel could look a lot more familiar this year than it did in 2021, when American collectors were conspicuously absent from the tony fair. The flagpole event, which is returning to its June time slot, will feature 289 international art galleries from 40 different countries (19 of which are newcomers, including OH Gallery from Dakar, Mariane Ibrahim from Paris and Chicago, and Proyectos Ultravioleta from Guatemala). In addition to the main event, expect excitement out of the Unlimited section, where large-scale installations and standalone works that literally cannot fit into a regular booth are on display. This year, Art Basel has also introduced Unlimited Night, when the fair stays open late.
Liste
June 13–19, 2022
The entrance to Liste Art Fair. Courtesyof Liste.
When: Preview (invitation only) Monday, June 13: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; public opening: 6–8 p.m.; Tuesday, June 14–Saturday, June 18: 12–8 p.m.; Sunday, June 19: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Messe Basel, Hall 1.1
How much: CHF 20 ($20.23)
What to know: The beloved satellite fair that spotlights emerging talent is returning once again with 82 galleries from 37 countries. In the wake of Russia’s war on Ukraine, New York- and Moscow-based Fragment and Moscow-based Osnova are ceding their booths to Ukrainian galleries. Kyiv’s The Naked Room, which produced the country’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and Voloshyn Gallery will have participation fees waived. The fair also noted that none of the participating galleries will show work by Russian artists this year as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine.
Volta
June 13–19, 2022
Volta Art Fair, 2019.
When: Private view (invitation only) Monday, June 13: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; public vernissage: 2–8 p.m.; Tuesday, June 14–Saturday, June 18: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, June 19: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: ELYS, Elsässerstrasse 215A, 4056 Basel
How much: CHF 25.90 ($26.20)
What to know: Since its debut edition in 2005 as a collaboration between art dealers and friends, Volta has expanded into a platform for international dealers to bring the best of their artists’ work. It holds editions in Switzerland and New York, and returns in 2022 for its 17th fair in Basel.
Design Miami/Basel
June 13–19, 2022
Friedman Benda’s booth installation at Design Miami/Basel. Courtesy of Friedman Benda.
When: Collectors Preview (invitation only) Monday, June 13: 12–6 p.m.; VIP Preview (invitation only): 6–8 p.m.; public days Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Thursday, June 16–Sunday, June 19: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Hall 1 Süd, Messe Basel Switzerland
How much: CHF 35 ($35.42)
What to know: The 16th edition of the fair returns with 34 galleries and 18 unique presentations in the Curio section. Design Miami/Basel will be organized by Maria Cristina Didero, who is helming the fair as curatorial director. The theme is “The Golden Age: Rooted in the Past,” and celebrates the “flexibility, resilience, and adaptability of humanity.”
June Art Fair
June 13–19, 2022
June in Basel. Photo: Flavio Karrer.
When: VIP preview (invitation only) Monday, June 13: 1–8 p.m.; public days Tuesday, June 14–Saturday, June 18: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, June 19: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Riehenstrasse 90B
What to know: The newest fair on the docket was founded in 2019 by Christian Andersen and Esperanza Rosales. June in Basel, as it’s aptly called, is distinct for its highly selective group of participants in a tightly curated presentation. Some might describe it as the Swiss version of the Independent, but located in an “iconic concrete bunker,” the inside of which was designed by Herzog and de Meuron.
Photo Basel
June 14–19, 2022
Installation view at Photo Basel. Courtesy of Photo Basel.
When: Private view Monday, June 14: 12–8 p.m.; public hours Tuesday, June 14–Saturday, June 18: 12–8 p.m.; Sunday, June 15, 12–6 p.m.
Where: Volkshaus Basel, Rebgasse 12-14
How much: CHF 20 ($20.24)
What to know: Perhaps the only art fair in Switzerland dedicated to photography, Photo Basel is a must-see while in Basel. Described as a “compact alternative for lighter, more subtle encounters,” the event will surely be an antidote to the throngs of crowds at the main fair.