Miami Art Fairs: A Primer
‘Tis the season for design in Miami, fa la la la la….
As many of you know, the most design-forward celebration week of the year in Miami is almost here. From fairs to installations, we have a lot to see and just a few condensed days to take it all in. While some companies lean heavily into the parties and the night-side of design week, we consider ourselves creatures of the daytime and lovers of what the fairs are really all about — gorgeous art & design.
With that in mind, here is our overview of the fairs and some suggestions on how to plan your visits.
Art Basel
The Swiss fair that started it all for Miami in 2002. There’s a lot to take in, but its always an inspiring stop during design week. Download the app to have the fair’s activities, lectures, and spotlight artists at your fingertips. Image via Art Basel.
Who attends? Buyers, serious art admirers, celebrities, and people looking to be seen.
Scheduling tip: As the signature fair, this gets a bit crowded. If you can, go earlier in the week and avoid the masses. Also, for a fun game, predict what piece will be the 2024 banana. IYKYK.
Alcova Miami
The Italian oggetto fair returns to Miami and will pop-up at Miami’s River Inn in Little Havana. Visitors can view global artisan work from over 40 international artists, including our own featured Caleb Engstrom of Los Angeles and local artist Lily Mustelier, alongside Miami’s Arrived Aliens. Image via Dezeen.
Who attends? International object makers and buyers, indie art fans, alternative art thinkers and collectors.
Scheduling tip: Pair Alcova with Pinta for a nice ‘mainland afternoon’ of fairs. Give yourself extra time at Alcova to have a drink at Casa Florida and admire the restored River Inn, which holds the title as the oldest hotel in Miami.
Design Miami
Conveniently situated across the parking lot from the main fair at Art Basel, Design Miami is a must-visit for anyone who wants to drool over incredible furniture and interior styling. This year’s fair in Paris has us excited for what’s coming to Miami Beach, and the theme “Blue Sky” is making us optimistic for our collective design future. Image via Design Miami
Who attends? Interior designers and stylists, architectural designers, aesthetes.
Scheduling tip: Combine Design Miami with Art Basel and a pop over to the Great Migration at Faena for a packed day on the beach.
Miami Design District
When it comes to public art, few do it better than the DACRA team and luxury retailers at Miami Design District. If you’re in town early, installations are already being built out. Popover to the neighborhood early and beat the rush. Neighborhood map and itinerary are up on the website.
Who attends? Anyone and everyone. The public art installs are so accessible and free for viewing, including the neighborhood’s flagship contemporary art museum, which is hosting a plastic repurpose project in partnership with Lexus and Whitewall.
Scheduling tip: Flexible, if you’re attending any specific events or openings in the neighborhood, give yourself some time before or after to explore. And definitely pop into Elastika & The Hotel at the Moore for some fresh design inspo.
NADA
Over in Wynwood’s Ice Palace Studios, NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance) focuses on contemporary art and the conversations that are advancing the growth of this art sector. The Miami fair brings over 150 galleries together alongside a packed series of interesting lectures.
Who attends? Gallery curators, serious buyers, and people looking to understand contemporary art.
Scheduling tip: Head to NADA before or after checking out the Miami Design District, as they are neighbors.
Pinta Miami
Located in Coconut Grove, Pinta is the design fair dedicated to Ibero-American art. Guests will immerse themselves in expert panels in the FORO (check out Saturday’s deep dive into selecting art for interior design) along with viewings from over 45 global galleries. Image via Pinta
Who attends? Art fans and buyers from Spain and Latin America, interior designers, and local Miami residents looking to participate in art week without having to deal with traffic on the east side of town.
Scheduling tip: See above, combine with Alcova.
UNTITLED Art
Now in its 13th year, UNTITLED, also known as the fair literally on the sand, brings the curatorial focus of “East Meets West” to this year’s edition. Expect to see more Asian art than ever, including the broader geography of The Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Eastern Europe. Fun fact: the fair works with the City of Miami to ensure they leave no environmental impact behind. Image via Untitled.
Who attends? Collectors looking to discover emerging global artists, curators, aficionados of Miami’s art scene, and people who live on South Beach and can walk over.
Scheduling tip: Tricky because it’s on its own at 12th and Ocean, but you can make an early afternoon of it (opens daily at 11am) and check out nearby installs at The Betsy Hotel and The Wolfsonian Museum before heading onto your evening adventures.
