As part of Art Basel 2025, the city once again presents itself as a leading cultural metropolis of international standing. This platform for diverse and visionary art brings together key figures in the contemporary art world: collectors, artists, and 289 galleries from 42 countries will transform our halls at Messeplatz into a hotspot of the global creative scene from June 19 to 22.
Modern masters and emerging artists
As the heart of Art Basel, the Messe und Congress Center Basel has made a name for itself as a recurring hotspot for major international events – a place where global economy meets local lifestyle.
It serves as the central stage for galleries, installations, talks, and networking events all centered around the world of art. In Hall 2, the fair’s main sector, visitors can experience a wide range of works by modern masters alongside pieces by contemporary artists – up close and in person. At “Unlimited” in Hall 1, once again curated by Giovanni Carmine, Director of the Kunst Halle Sankt Gallen, 68 monumental works await to captivate audiences.
Messeplatz, too, takes on a new look for this year’s edition: reimagined by artist Katharina Grosse, the square becomes an immersive world of color, transforming once again into a radiant destination for both visitors and local residents.
Parallel events add further highlights
Further high-caliber parallel events reinforce the city’s cultural momentum: From June 16 to 22, Liste Art Fair Basel celebrates its 30th anniversary in Hall 1.1 with an exciting mix of contemporary art. More than 100 galleries from 32 countries will showcase works by groundbreaking artists.
Also in Hall 1.1, the Swiss Art + Design Awards honor outstanding artists and designers from Switzerland. On display are works from a wide range of disciplines, including graphic, product, fashion, and textile design, photography, scenography, and more – admission is free.
In Hall 4.U at the Congress Center Basel, VOLTA Basel (June 19–22) once again shines a spotlight on emerging artists and socio-political themes. For its 20th anniversary edition, this meeting point for adventurous collectors presents a dynamic mix of established and up-and-coming talent. A dedicated pavilion offers insights into artistic practices from the Middle East and North Africa, while another spotlight focuses on Swiss galleries. These formats provide visibility to new voices and celebrate artistic diversity.
Radiating outward from the MesseQuartier, the area stretching from Clarastrasse to Münsterplatz transforms into an open-air gallery as part of this year’s Art Basel Parcours. Curated by Stefanie Hessler, Director of the Swiss Institute (SI) in New York, the Parcours – titled Second Nature – explores the interplay between nature and constructed environments.
Basel combines a rich museum landscape, internationally renowned galleries, and a highly engaged art audience, making it the ideal stage for the world’s leading art fair. The architecturally striking halls at Messeplatz not only provide space for top-tier presentations of modern and contemporary art, but also reflect Basel’s identity as an open, creative hub for global exchange.
