Art Week in Basel
- Monica Ray
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
June in Basel means one thing: art, art, and more art. Each year, during one week in June, Basel becomes a full-blown international art hub. Collectors, curators, artists, and curious visitors pour in from around the world. And while Art Basel at Messeplatz is the main event, there’s so much more going on — from satellite fairs to gallery pop-ups and creative happenings all over town. To help you keep track, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide to the key art fairs — what they’re about, how they differ, and what it’ll cost you to get in.
📍 Messe Basel 💰 Day Ticket: 69 CHF 🗓️ June 19 - 22 (public days)
This is the fair. It’s the world’s biggest contemporary art fair, with editions in Hong Kong, Miami Beach, Paris, and soon Qatar (launching in 2026). But it all started right here in Basel.
Founded in 1970 by local gallerists Ernst Beyeler (yes, from Fondation Beyeler), Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, the idea was simple: create a space for galleries to show and sell contemporary art, and connect artists with collectors. Over the years, Art Basel has grown into a global brand, working closely with museums, cultural partners, and institutions to shape the art scenes of its host cities.
Over 200 galleries from around the world show blue-chip contemporary and modern art - think Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, Yaoyoi Kusama, and co. Even if you're not planning to buy a painting, it’s worth it just to experience the scale and spectacle. Expect a polished vibe and serious collectors, depending which day you decide to go. It is also an excellent place for people watching! There are many ticket options depending on when you would like to visit, but if you are a resident of Basel Stadt, Riehen or Bettingen you are eligible for the 'Reduced Day Ticket' for 58 CHF.
📍 Messe Basel, Hall 1.1 💰 Regular Ticket: 25 CHF 🗓️ June 16 - 22
This fair is the cooler, younger sibling of Art Basel. Liste is where you’ll find edgier, emerging artists and smaller, more experimental galleries. It’s a bit more relaxed, a bit more raw, and a great place to see what’s next in the art world.
📍 Messe Basel Hall 4.U 💰 From 25 CHF - and free for Basel residents*! 🗓️ June 19 – 22
Celebrating its 20th edition this year, Volta focuses on contemporary art and features both established and emerging talent. It’s a friendly and accessible fair, and if you’re a Basel resident - good news - entry is free for you on Friday 20th June. Their new location is at Messeplatz, so easy to get to after visiting the other two fairs.
📍 Volkshaus Basel, Rebgasse 12 -15 💰 Tickets: 20 CHF 🗓️ June 17-22
Switzerland’s first and only fair dedicated entirely to photography. From classic black-and-white prints to conceptual photo art, this fair is all about lens-based work. Intimate, focused, and perfect for photography lovers.
📍 Ackermannshof St. Johanns-Vorstadt 19/21 💰 Day ticket: 25 CHF 🗓️ June 16 - 22
A brand new addition to the line-up of art fairs happening in Basel this year! Africa Basel will bring together artists, curators, and galleries with ties to the African continent and diaspora. We’re just as excited as you are to see this fair’s debut event.
📍 Hvye Hostel, Gempenstrasse 64 💰 free entry, art talks and workshops from 15 CHF🗓️ June 18 – 22
Looking for affordable art you can buy — or want to make your own? Basel Art Summer Camp is part art fair, part creative playground. Nine emerging artists take over the Hvye Hostel lobby, turning it into a temporary art gallery with workshops, talks, and coffee chats. Laid-back, friendly, and fun - perfect if white-cube galleries aren’t your thing.
📍 Riehenstrasse 90 B 💰 free entry 🗓️ June 16–22
June is a small, curated art fair with a thoughtful vibe. It’s a gallery-led art fair that’s been around since 2019. With its smaller scale, but convenient location, it’s a great addition to your tour around the Messeplatz area. Entrance is free but you need to RSVP.
📍 Kaserne Basel 💰 Free entry 🗓️ June 18–21
Prefer books and zines to paintings? I Never Read is Basel’s art book fair - a relaxed, free event, full of independent publishers, zines, artist books, prints and printed matter of all kinds. Fun to browse, great for picking up something unique, and a good place to hang out in the evening.
That’s a wrap! Whether you’re a seasoned art fan or just in it for the people-watching and free drinks, Basel’s Art Week has something for everyone. So grab a tote bag, wear comfy shoes, and dive in. See you on the art trail!
Monica Ray Scott
Monica works in tech by day and explores the art world by night. She creates accessible spaces for emerging artists and budding collectors - through tongue-in-cheek TikTok videos, group museum visits, and curated art events. Monica is the founder of Basel Art Summer Camp, a Frieze New Writers alum and Swiss Museumspass Ambassador, passionate about making art for everyone.
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