Renowned for its dynamic fusion of creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange, Art Basel Miami Beach marks its triumphant 21st anniversary, attracting artists, collectors, A-list celebrities, and enthusiasts from around the globe. From December 8-10, 2023, the Miami Beach Convention Center will host over 270 galleries from 35 countries, featuring works by masters of Modern and contemporary art alongside a new wave of emerging talent. Coinciding with Miami Art Week, the city transforms into an international hub for art and culture as museums, hotels, eateries, and public spaces host avant-garde events and exhibitions that redefine the boundaries of artistic expression within the art world.
Where to Stay
The Goodtime Hotel
Conceived from music legend Pharrell Williams and hospitality guru David Grutman, The Goodtime Hotel beckons guests with its French meets Hollywood Regency style décor and millennial pink-themed swim club and bar. Nestled in the heart of Miami Beach, the hotel boasts around 260 whimsical yet modern rooms adorned with bespoke furnishings and tropical accents that marry sophistication and comfort. With its exquisite dining venues, outdoor spaces, and Instagram-worthy rooftop pool, The Goodtime Hotel embodies the essence of Miami’s spirited lifestyle, promising guests an unforgettable stay and, shall we say, a good time.
Arlo Wynwood
After making its debut in 2022, the Arlo Wynwood stands as a gateway for guests eager to immerse themselves in the city’s flourishing art scene, diverse culinary landscape, and vibrant nightlife. As the neighborhood’s first boutique hotel, this 217-room, nine-story property pays homage to Wynwood’s eclectic spirit with hand-painted murals and over 250 pieces of artwork dispersed around the rooms, rooftop pool deck, and cocktail lounge—with around 80% being commissioned by Florida-based artists. On December 6th, the hotel will unveil a new mural by artist ThankYouX as the hotel’s ongoing commitment to creating immersive events (or happenings) so guests can leave feeling like they’ve had an authentic Miami experience.
Where to Eat
Queen Miami Beach
Built in 1945 by famed Art Deco architect Henry Hohauser, the iconic Paris Theatre in Miami Beach has been restored to its original glory with over-the-top 21st-century glamour. The interiors were revitalized by Carlos Rodrigues, whose interior design vision was centered around echoing the soul of the building, while executive chef Mitchell Hesse and Michelin-starred Chef Julien Jouhannaud meticulously crafted the Japanese grill-inspired menu. The overall grandeur in both décor and entrees lends as a piece of art within itself, making the Queen Miami Beach a must-visit for Art Basel week.
MILA
Only a few blocks away from the Miami Convention Center, Michelin-recommended MILA stands as a culinary oasis, blending innovative gastronomy with sweeping vistas of South Beach. Perfect for discerning travelers seeking an elevated dining experience, Mila provides a sensory journey through Omakase offerings and “MediterrAsian” inspired entrees with bold flavors that dance off the plate. The restaurant’s striking ambiance, outdoor terrace, ornate bar, and sultry lounge exude elegance, transporting patrons somewhere exotic for dinner or the ever-so-popular Sunday brunch.
Where to Drink
1-800-Lucky
Nestled in the heart of Miami’s Arts District, 1-800-Lucky is a buzzing Asian food hall and entertainment hotspot celebrated for its diverse culinary options and colorful nightlife. From sushi to Dim Sum, this dynamic hotspot features a variety of Asian food stands that stay open till as late as 3 AM on the weekends. Beyond its gastronomical appeal, the outdoor entertainment venue hosts an impressive lineup of DJs who play everything from hip-hop to EDM at this hip-industrial hangout.
The Living Room
Situated in Mid Beach, The Living Room Bar at the Faena Hotel presents an alluring space for guests to unwind, mingle, and savor expertly crafted cocktails. From plush tiger upholstered sofas to red velvet ottomans sitting under grandiose chandeliers, the lounge here often draws a queue as eager tourists and locals alike come to see the live music, DJ sets, or special events hosted within the glamourous Hollywood meets Art Deco setting. Notably, during Art Basel, the hotel proudly showcases several pieces of modern artwork from emerging artists and art from years past, including the iconic ‘Gone But Not Forgotten’ by Damien Hirst– a captivating 24-karat-gold woolly mammoth installation that resonates with the opulent grandness synonymous with the Faena Hotel.
Where To Visit
Art Basel Miami Beach held at the Miami Beach Convention Center
Art Basel Miami Beach, held annually at the Miami Beach Convention Center, is a dazzling convergence of artistic brilliance and culture exchange. The Convention Center undergoes a metamorphosis each year, becoming a vibrant space that ignites inspiration, sparks conversation, and offers visitors an immersive experience during this globally acclaimed event. Notably, the exhibition will feature seven distinct sectors, showcasing a diverse spectrum of artistic endeavors–from monumental artworks to galleries spotlighting historically significant artistic practices as well as solo presentations from emerging artists.
Art Miami + CONTEXT Art Miami
Art Miami, in tandem with its sister fair CONTEXT Art Miami, will kick off Miami Art Week by highlighting boundary-pushing artists at the forefront of the contemporary art scene. Recognized as one of Art Basel’s largest satellite fairs, this eagerly anticipated event promises a captivating array of investment-grade paintings, drawings, sculpture, video art, photography, and prints sourced from over 170 leading galleries spanning 31 countries. Renowned for its exceptional quality, depth, and global diversity, Art Miami, scheduled from December 5-10, will showcase one of the world’s most comprehensive 20th and 21st-century works by prominent contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter, Marcel Duchamp, Willem de Kooning, and Jackson Pollock–to name a few.
Art Museum Miami
Located along the waterfront in downtown Miami, the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) stands as a pivotal cultural institution in the city’s vibrant art landscape. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, its striking architecture not only provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for art enthusiasts but also offers panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Beyond its contemporary and diverse exhibitions, the museum hosts a range of engaging events and educational programs, serving as an inviting space for both seasoned art aficionados and newcomers to explore, learn, and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of art.
Wynwood Walls
The Wynwood Walls in Miami are the neighborhood’s most identifiable outdoor art exhibit, showcasing vibrant and larger-than-life murals alongside captivating graffiti art. Crafted by world-renowned artists, this open-air museum is essential for those fascinated by contemporary street art and keen on understanding the neighborhood’s transformation from an industrial outskirt to the vibrant cultural hub as we know it today. For this year’s Miami Art Week, Goldman Global Arts has unveiled an exciting lineup of acclaimed artists, featuring a reimagined subway car, two monumental sculptures, live artistic demonstrations, and the addition of seven fresh murals in resonance with the overarching theme of “The Power of Purpose.” This iteration promises to elevate the artistic experience further and highlight Wynwood’s enduring role as a testament to purpose-driven creativity.
