A Guide to Experiencing as Much as Possible at Art Basel in Switzerland

If you're a lover of art, you've likely heard of Art Basel. For those who haven't, Art Basel is an extensive international art fair that happens annually in three separate locations, Basel, Switzerland; Miami Beach, Florida; and Hong Kong. And this year, I was fortunate enough to attend the fair in its birthplace Basel Switzerland. With so many participating galleries and hundreds of exhibits and installations, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. But by incorporating a few essential steps, you can focus on enjoying the immense beauty of the experience. Here is everything you need to know to see as much as possible at Art Basel Switzerland.

Look up the participating galleries and featured artists on the website before attending

If you plan on attending the fair in any location, Art Basel's website is an invaluable tool. On it is a list of participating galleries and featured artists and exhibits for the entirety of the fair. The fair is only open to the public for three out of nine days. Checking these lists out before you go is a perfect way to ensure you don't miss any artists you want to see.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the galleries open.

Before you enter the galleries, there is a COVID checkpoint and a security checkpoint. By arriving early, you're sure to be finished with all checkpoints before the galleries open. Additionally, the fair is only open for eight hours each day. And you'll want all eight of those hours to explore and experience.

Eat a big breakfast before you leave and wear comfortable shoes.

Art Basel is a full-day activity, and you should treat it as such. While there is food and drink available at Art Basel, the options are sparse and tend to be overpriced. And like most events, outside food and beverages are not allowed. So before you go, make sure you're comfortable, well-rested, and well-fed.

Grab a glass of wine to sip on while you roam the galleries!

In the center of Messe Basel, where the fair takes place, is a collection of vendors serving food, wine, and cocktails. And if you get a glass of wine, you're allowed to bring it back into the galleries with you! Masks are required at Art Basel while you're indoors, but you're allowed to slip them off to sip your drink or take a quick picture.

Budget time to explore the public artwork on Messeplatz

Outside the halls that host the artwork of Art Basel, you'll find a few interactive installations and art pieces. While I was there, they featured several intricately dressed performers dancing around the fountain. There were also performers in giant transparent balloons moving around the fountain and entrance in measured fluid movements. The performances lasted about an hour each and included sections where the dancers would interact with the audience. I highly recommend taking some time to watch them before you enter the galleries.