Art Basel 2025 is set to unfold in Basel, Switzerland, from June 19 to 22, transforming the city into a global nexus for contemporary art. This year’s event promises to be a defining moment, showcasing a diverse range of extraordinary artworks and reinforcing its position as one of the most influential events on the global art calendar.
The Art Fair of the Year
Held annually at Messe Basel, Art Basel is the premier art fair for modern and contemporary art. The 2025 edition will feature over 290 leading galleries from 42 countries, presenting works from more than 4,000 artists across various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and digital pieces.
Collectors and investors alike will have unprecedented access to works spanning the entire spectrum of modern art – offering not just cultural cachet, but investment-grade opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or looking to diversify your alternative asset portfolio, Basel remains the gold standard in high-yield, tangible cultural capital.
High-Value Artworks to Watch
For collectors with a discerning eye and a substantial portfolio, Art Basel 2025 offers an array of high-value artworks that are poised to make headlines:
- Oscar Murillo’s “Disrupted Frequencies”: This large-scale installation comprises a woven panorama of paintings that explore themes of globalisation and cultural exchange. Murillo’s works have previously fetched prices in the high six figures, and this installation is expected to attract significant attention from collectors and institutions alike.
- Katharina Grosse’s “CHOIR”: Known for her immersive, site-specific installations, Grosse transforms unconventional spaces with bold, prismatic sprays of colour. Her work “CHOIR” is expected to be a highlight at Art Basel 2025, showcasing her unique approach to contemporary painting.
- Robert Irwin’s Final Works: The late American artist’s final exhibition before his passing includes eight wall-based fluorescent works and a monumental sculpture. Irwin’s contributions to the Light and Space movement have been highly regarded, and his final works are anticipated to be among the most sought-after pieces at the fair.
The Art Market Landscape
According to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2025, global art market sales reached an estimated USD 57.5 billion in 2024, reflecting a 12% decrease year-on-year as the market continued to recalibrate following its post-pandemic resurgence in 2021 and 2022. However, the report also highlights a significant shift towards lower-priced artworks, with sales of works under $50,000 rising in both volume and value. This trend indicates a broader base of buyers entering the market, reshaping the art world from the bottom up.
That said, the appetite for blue-chip names – Basquiats, Picassos, and Richter canvases remains insatiable at the top end of the market. With private equity players and sovereign wealth funds increasingly entering the space, art is no longer a passion asset; it’s part of a larger wealth preservation strategy.
Navigating Art Basel 2025
For those planning to attend, Art Basel offers a range of ticket options, including day passes and evening tickets. Premium passes provide exclusive access to VIP areas and events, ensuring a seamless and luxurious experience.
In addition to the main fair, Basel’s Kunstmuseum will host special events during Art Basel, including exhibitions and artist talks, providing further opportunities to engage with the art world.
Conclusion
Art Basel 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the art world, offering collectors unparalleled access to some of the most coveted artworks by leading contemporary artists. Whether you’re looking to acquire a masterpiece or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene, Basel promises an unforgettable experience.
For ultra-high-net-worth individuals, Art Basel is more than a cultural pilgrimage – it’s a sharp, strategic play at the intersection of taste, legacy, and long-term capital gain.
Written by: Cathy Yin
Published: 13th June 2025