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The ABCs of Art Basel Week 2014

Artsy Editorial
Jun 10, 2014 7:46PM

Do Your Homework:

Heading to Basel for the art fairs? Use Artsy’s online preview to plan your visit and organize the best approach to seeing all of your favorite pieces. Before the fair opens, browse the preview and contact the gallery directly via the inquiry window found beside each artwork. In your inquiry, ask about the price of the work, if it may be placed on hold, and make plans to see it in person. This is also a great opportunity to provide context about yourself and your collection. Download our iPhone app to keep your favorite artworks handy and see them organized by booth, which will help you determine how much time you may need at each fair. 

Navigate Opening Day:

When the crowds are at their biggest, allow for extra time, especially if you want to speak with a gallery’s director, as you will not be the only one. Design Miami/ Basel and Art Basel are housed in convention center pavilions across the street from one another. LISTE is located closer to the Rhine, about a 15-minute walk away from Art Basel. Plan to visit Design Miami/ Basel in the morning and tour Art Basel in the afternoon. 

Visit Other Events:

Dedicate a separate day to LISTE, one of the world’s most important fairs for young artists. If you have time, take a trip to the Fondation Beyeler museum, which is an oasis for art, landscape, and great food. You’ll also want to visit the eternally compelling Schaulager museum, which currently features an exhibition on Paul Chan and has special visiting hours during Art Basel. 

Bring Your Visa Card!

Basel is not AmEx friendly: Very few places, if any, take AmEx in the town of Basel. Diners Club, even, but no AmEx. Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but cash is king. 

Explore Buying Art: The Fine Print.

Images from Design Miami/ Basel 2013 courtesy of Word Red Eye

Artsy Editorial