Art Basel Switzerland: Why Is It So Famous?
Interested in Art Basel, Switzerland, but don’t know enough about it? Then you’ve come to the right place because this detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about Art Basel!
It’s the largest art fair in the country, but also in other places throughout the world. But that’s not too surprising considering that Basel has some of the best art museums in Switzerland. Art Basel has a history of more than five decades, during which time it has grown to become one of the most prestigious art fairs in the entire world. Where it’s held, when to visit, and what to expect from the famous exhibition are just some of the questions answered in this guide to Art Basel!
History of Art Basel

The first Art Basel took place back in 1970. It was organized by three gallerists from Basel, namely Balz Hilt, Trudl Bruckner, and Ernst Beyeler. Since the inception of the art fair, its purpose was to promote artists and younger galleries from different countries, and this concept helped the art fair grow rapidly.
In the inaugural year, Art Basel had some 90 exhibitors and more than 16,000 visitors. In just five years, the contemporary art fair grew to 300 exhibitors and more than 37,000 visitors. Art Basel has continued to grow every year since its founding, and nowadays it’s the world’s leading fair for modern and contemporary works of art.
In 2002, Art Basel was held for the first time at Miami Beach. It was introduced to the US public by Sam Keller, the director who has been at the head of the fair since 1994. In 2008, Art Basel arrived in Hong Kong, and since 2022, the art fair will also be taking place in Paris. Read More…