Art Basel Miami Beach Week 2022: A Guide to the Best Events

On the eve of Art Basel Miami Beach - this year celebrating its 20-year anniversary

Inviting guests from all corners of your network is the key to a good party. It's important to hit up a bit of all the week has to offer in order to put together the best itinerary. There are openings in galleries, museums, and installations throughout the city, as well as several satellite fairs. Then there are the fashion parties, the photography exhibitions, the unveiling of new high-end concept cars, the open bars, some dinners, more than a few places to dance, and maybe even a massage or yoga somewhere along the way.

ART: A detailed guide of what exhibitions to see this Art Basel Miami Beach and Art Miami 2022 Edition


On the eve of Art Basel Miami Beach - this year celebrating its 20-year anniversary - I couldn't help but reflect on the major impact Art Basel has made on the city of Miami. As a native Miamian, I have watched this city grow from being known as the mecca of Cocaine Cowboys and Miami Vice to becoming an international destination for all who want to immerse themselves in a cultural melting pot that is unique to Miami, replete with cutting edge architecture, high fashion, cuisine, nightlife - and, of course, art. 


Buoyed in part by Art Basel choosing Miami as its only US location two decades ago, luxury brands, developers, and philanthropists have invested in building this city to where it is now- one of the most important cities in the US, if not the world. 


This year's edition marks the fair's largest showing yet, with nearly 300 galleries participating from all over the world, including 26 first-time participants. Art Basel Miami Beach is open to the public December 1-3, with preview days happening on November 29 and 30 for VIPs.

This year's Art Basel's French house will be displaying works from some of its favorite artists at the main fair, and it has become known for its collaborations with artists.


Thirty years after it was first published, challenged culture, and redefined the image of one of the world's most famous women, Madonna's Sex book is coming back to Miami, the city where many of its most famous images were taken. An exhibition of 25 unpublished photographs from the original sessions will be open to everyone 18 years of age and older. tote bags and t-shirts will be for sale.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is celebrating Art Week and its 70th anniversary. A 3D-printed sonic sculpture will be displayed in the lobby. An invite-only concert will be held on Tuesday night when musicians from the Miami symphony orchestra will play the sculptural instrument with a performance assist from the Miami City Ballet.


One of Miami's biggest power couples, Craig andJackie Soffer, were both the subject of Andy Warhol portraits before they met. Two of the Same Kind, juxtaposing works from the artists, is an exhibition that will be presented by Robins this year.


The Buick Building is located on NE 2nd Ave. This is the sixth year that Gagosian and Deitch are teaming up in Miami. This year's exhibit will feature contemporary artists' work that represents the sweeping cultural and environmental changes of the past century. The works of Refik Anadol, Theaster Gates, Douglas Gordon, Tom Friedman, Austin Lee, Jamian Juliano Villani, Rick Lowe, Keiichi Tanaami, and Taryn Simon will be displayed.


“Lastly, we’re kicking off the week with ‘Selections from the Elizabeth Margulies Collection. Art advisor Elizabeth Margulies is debuting her first major exhibition of her collection at the Warehouse (check the website for public hours). It’s an exciting time for the next generation of collectors and artists to see themselves and be inspired in such a prolific space and we’re toasting in the ABMB VIP lounge with ‘Arkive’ – a new decentralized museum platform building community through its collection. Arkive’s mission is to curate, own, and create culture. They offer a fresh perspective on technology, and how it can support cultural communities." There are so many amazing projects – this is by no means a complete guide, but visiting these gems will absolutely take your Art Basel experience to the next level.


Amidst the glamorous parties and luxury brand special previews, there are incredible art exhibitions open across Miami. The Baer Faxt’s lead consultant Vajra Kingsley offers up these tips for curating a memorable art fair experience this year... "There are different ways to experience Art Basel Miami Beach, and the key to an elevated/educational experience during such a wild time is knowing what will resonate for you personally. In my opinion, what's most interesting these days is not the big-ticket art items that are shipped in from every mega gallery, but the hidden gems like a new art nonprofit called Art in Common by Curator Zoe Lukov and Cultural Producer Abby Pucker – launching with ‘Boil, Toil + Trouble’, a group show focusing on the mysterious, often misunderstood feminine powers of water. Also, the two must-see booths at Design Miami are Carpenters Workshop Gallery and my friends over at The Future Perfect. Another must is the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), a nonprofit dedicated to the cultivation, support, and advancement of new voices in contemporary art. Here are some of my favorites: 56 HenryEmbajadaM.LeBlancShoot the Lobster, Nina JohnsonKate Werble Gallery. It’s about finding those individuals who are using the opportunity to take risks and showcase works that offer a new look into contemporary art." Vajra continues, Untitled Art is also a great find. Guided by a mission to support the wider art ecosystem, this leading independent art fair takes place within the same timeframe as Art Basel Miami Beach (November 29 through December 3). Untitled offers an inclusive and collaborative platform for discovering contemporary art by emerging artists and historical figures.”