Miami Beach is buzzing with activity this week as art collectors, fashion lovers, sports and food fans, music enthusiasts, and crypto crowds flock to the sunny city to mingle, celebrate, and enjoy art. The annual Miami Art Week, featuring over 20 art fairs this December, is the main attraction. At its heart is Art Basel, wrapping up the year in its biggest market: the United States.
Although U.S. art sales dipped 9% to $24.8 billion in 2024, the region remains the leading market for the Art Basel fair series, with a 1% year-on-year increase and accounting for 43% of global art sales, according to the 2025 Art Basel & UBS Art Market report. This decline is less severe than the global average drop of 12%. The report partly attributes the U.S. slowdown to political uncertainty “surrounding the contentious presidential elections.”
Despite this, organizers and attendees are optimistic about the upcoming fair, which concludes 2025. Casey Lesser, chief curator at the online art marketplace Artsy, notes that Art Basel Miami’s reputation as the “culminating art market event of the year” stems from galleries that are closely attuned to current U.S. sales trends, allowing them to showcase their strongest offerings. Bridget Finn, Art Basel’s director, adds that the positive momentum from Art Basel Paris in October is expected to carry over to Miami. “The outcome in Paris was quite good for many of our galleries,” Finn says, expressing readiness to bring that energy to Miami.
Beyond Art Basel, its sister fair Design Miami is also happening this week, alongside the more than 20 other fairs that make up Miami Art Week. A packed art schedule is complemented by numerous events in fashion, sports, and food. Miami Art Week highlights the intersection of cultural industries and offers a space for younger audiences, who may be curious but not yet deeply knowledgeable about art, to explore—once they navigate the week’s bustling agenda.
Here’s what to know about this year’s Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB), running from December 3 to 7 (with VIP-only access on the first two days), and the broader Miami Art Week, which began on December 1.
The Miami Vibe
Miami’s warm, sunny weather is a major draw for collectors as winter sets in across much of the world, including most of the U.S. “It’s this incredible postcard of a place, but it’s also got such a rich arts community that has only gained strength and momentum over the last 23 years,” says Finn.
The relaxed atmosphere aligns with what many art collectors are seeking, according to Lesser. “Artsy’s data shows our buyers are gravitating toward pieces that offer calm, whether through color or subject matter; the great outdoors, reflecting a desire to ‘touch grass’; and even lots of food art,” she explains. Lesser adds that small works are selling particularly well—a sign of the current economic climate.
A U.S.-Centric Focus
ABMB’s emphasis on the U.S. is crucial amid market pressures. “Art Basel Miami Beach has a very distinct energy that you feel as soon as you walk in, and there’s a reason people come back to the fair year after year,” says Matthew Newton, director and art advisory specialist at UBS. “It’s global in scope, but driven by the power of the U.S. art market.” Two-thirds of exhibiting galleries come from the Americas, according to Art Basel.
Finn agrees this is key. “It really is the geographical, but also the cultural and emotional nexus point between North, South, and Central America,” she says. “The show itself is very representative of the full community of the Americas, and that’s a defining feature that adds this rich layer of depth.”
Youthful Energy
The art market today is more dynamic and open-minded than it has been in years.Ton notes a noticeable demographic shift among collectors dominating the market, particularly women and Gen Z, whose diverse tastes extend beyond traditional mediums and formats. He expects this trend to be evident at Art Basel Miami Beach (ABMB).
This year, Art Basel is relocating its youngest galleries to the east entrance to give them higher visibility, Finn explains. She adds that because the ABMB space is so large, booths tend to be bigger and more expensive, which can make participation difficult for newer voices. To help participating younger galleries, the fair has expanded its Nova and Positions sectors. Nova focuses on work created within the last three years, while Positions features solo presentations by younger galleries. “It’s the part of the fair where I always fall in love with new artists,” says Artsy’s Lesser about Positions. She is particularly eager to see Lisbon-based gallery Madragoa’s booth featuring young Italian painter Emilio Gola.
Art Basel aims to harness this youthful openness with the launch of Zero 10, a new platform for digital art that has been in development for 18 months. This marks a return of sorts; in 2022 and 2023, Art Basel was a hub for Web3 and NFT enthusiasts, but that interest waned in 2024. Now that the initial hype has subsided, Finn is confident the platform will connect those interested in digital art but unfamiliar with the traditional art world, and help those in the traditional gallery sector engage with the digital space. “There’s only going to be further growth in that arena, so this is a moment where it all kicks off,” she says.
Beyond Basel
While satellite events are now staples during major art fairs, Miami Art Week is in a league of its own. Alongside over 20 international art fairs, more than 1,000 galleries exhibit, museums host special shows and events, and numerous other activations pop up throughout the city. “Something unique to the Miami show compared to the others is that the entire city transforms,” Finn says, noting that events spread further across the city each year.
Lesser always visits NADA Miami and Untitled Art Miami Beach, which she finds great for connecting with smaller galleries and discovering new artists. Museum shows she looks forward to include Woody de Othello at Pérez Art Museum Miami (which Finn has just seen and highly recommends), as well as Igshaan Adams at ICA Miami, whose tapestries she calls incredible, and Masaomi Yasunaga. The Rubell Museum is also a must-see, she adds: “There’s a solo presentation by rising painter Joanna van Son, who was just the artist-in-residence there, as well as a Thomas Houseago survey, which should be interesting.”
Industries Collide
Globally, fashion has cemented its place at art fairs, whether through direct partnerships with the fairs themselves or well-timed events. This was especially prominent at Art Basel Paris and shows no signs of slowing in Miami.
Marc Jacobs’s Joy artist capsule, featuring collaborations with artists like Derrick Adams, David Shrigley, and Hattie Stewart, will be on display at the fair. Pucci is returning for its second consecutive year. Hugo Boss is sponsoring the Art Basel Awards for the first time, with the ceremony taking place on Thursday, December 4. “Where better to have an award ceremony and a more formal, fun party-oriented presentation than Miami Beach?” Finn asks. “It reflects Miami’s loose and broader creative fabric. While we are so focused on the show and our primary clients, the galleries, it’s a lovely moment for us to pay homage to the greater infrastructure of the creative community.”The contemporary art world should take a moment to celebrate all its facets. Meanwhile, Zegna—its logo featured on Art Basel Paris VIP totes—is elevating its presence in Miami with the second U.S. edition of its Villa Zegna concept. (The brand is an Art Basel partner.) Miu Miu will mark the redesign of its Miami Design District store with an event on December 3. Jimmy Choo is presenting a Miami Art Week installation in collaboration with Crosby Studios founder Harry Nuriev at its Miami Design District boutique. JW Anderson has partnered with Miami-based retailer The Webster, curating a selection of objects and hosting a cocktail event.
Beyond fashion, sports—a less common presence in the art scene—will also shine. The Japanese women’s wrestling league Sukeban returns to Miami Art Week for the second year, while the NFL will feature the artwork of retired tight end Martellus Bennett through its NFL Artist Replay experience. Technogym will have a booth at Design Miami and a pop-up at The Edition hotel.
Culinary offerings will be plentiful as well, including a December 1–4 pop-up from the fashion-favorite culinary collective We Are Ona, in partnership with artist Sabine Marcelis. “Art Basel Miami felt like the perfect platform for us this year—it’s where creativity, design, and culture collide in an electric, sun-drenched way,” says We Are Ona founder Luca Pronzato.
These crossovers are exciting because they draw more potential collectors into the art world, notes Artsy’s Elena Lesser. “We’re at a moment where the art world has a real opportunity to grow—but only if we make it more welcoming,” she says. “To attract new collectors, we need to lower barriers to entry, whether cultural, financial, or simply the intimidation that still surrounds ‘the art world.’”
Miami Art Week’s embrace of cross-industry events offers a compelling model for how this can happen, Lesser adds. “The week is an incredible collision of culture—art, fashion, design, music, sports—and that mix draws people from all corners of contemporary culture. When someone encounters art alongside things they already love, they’re far more likely to engage, ask questions, and see art as something accessible to them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Guide to Art Basel Miami 2025 FAQs
General Information
Q What is Art Basel Miami Beach
A Its one of the worlds premier contemporary art fairs held annually in Miami It features leading galleries largescale installations and special events attracting artists collectors and art lovers from around the globe
Q When and where is Art Basel Miami 2025
A The main fair is typically held in early December at the Miami Beach Convention Center Exact 2025 dates will be announced closer to the event
Q Is Art Basel Miami the same as Miami Art Week
A No but they overlap Art Basel Miami Beach is the anchor event Miami Art Week refers to the entire week of satellite art fairs gallery openings parties and events happening across the city
Tickets Access
Q How much do tickets cost and where do I buy them
A Ticket prices vary by day and access level They are sold exclusively through the official Art Basel website once released Prices for 2025 will be announced later in the year
Q Whats the difference between a VIP pass and a general admission ticket
A A VIP pass grants early access entry to exclusive lounges and parties and sometimes curated tours General admission provides access to the main fair during public hours
Q Can I buy tickets at the door
A Its possible but tickets often sell out in advance especially for weekend days Buying online ahead of time is strongly recommended
Planning Navigation
Q Whats the best way to plan my visit
A First secure tickets and accommodation early Then use the official Art Basel app to browse exhibitors create a mustsee list and map out your day Prioritize the main fair and a few satellite events
Q How many days do I need to see everything
A You cant see everything The scale is massive For a focused experience 23 days is ideal one for the main fair one for key satellite fairs and one for public art and gallery shows