Events during Art Basel 2026

Date: June 15–21, 2026
Location: Hauptbau, Neubau & Gegenwart

We look forward to welcoming you every day during Art Basel from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (On Thu: Hauptbau & Neubau open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Gegenwart open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m). Here is an overview of our current exhibitions and the events this week.

Conversations | Nairy Baghramian: The life of sculpture

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., Event Halle Basel, Messeplatz, Booking is required.

Best known for her large-scale abstract sculptures, Berlin-based artist Nairy Baghramian has developed a distinct language of combining loosely organic forms with geometric support structures in works that invites viewers to reconsider their sense of self, space, object and site. A Gold Awardee in the Established Artist category of the Art Basel Awards in 2025, she has been entrusted with Art Basel’s annual commission for Messeplatz.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nairy Baghramian will no longer be able to deliver this talk. It will be replaced by a panel discussion on her practice, featuring Paulina Pobocha, Chair and Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago, and art historian André Rottmann.

Book Launch "High Waters: An Oral History of the Venice Biennale"

Thu, June 18, 11.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m., Neubau, Participation free of charge, ticket required via ticket link

On the occasion of the release of his book of interviews "High Waters: An Oral History of the Venice Biennale", published by JRP|Editions, Massimiliano Gioni will moderate a distinguished panel bringing together Cecilia Alemani, Francesco Bonami, Bice Curiger, and Adriano Pedrosa. These five former artistic directors of the Venice Biennale will exchange views on their curatorial approaches to one of the world’s most important and long-standing international art exhibitions.

Skaters bring the "Cao Fei" exhibition to life

Wed, June 17, 2026, 4–6 pm, Gegenwart

On the occasion of the "Cao Fei" exhibition and in reference to the artist’s connection to pop and street culture, local skaters will enliven the entrance area with tricks and music.

Current Exhibitions

Neubau, St. Alban-Graben 20, 4052 Basel
Helen Frankenthaler until August 23, 2026
The First Homosexuals. The Birth of New Identities 1869–1939
until August 2, 2026

Hauptbau, St. Alban-Graben 16, 4051 Basel
Collection presentation

Gegenwart, St. Alban-Rheinweg 60, 4051 Basel
Cao Fei. Testimonies to the Near Future until October 11, 2026

Opening hours during Art Basel (June 15–21, 2026):
Mon: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tue: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wed: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Thu: Hauptbau & Neubau 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Gegenwart 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sun: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

The shop will be open during Art Basel at the museum's opening hours.

Special bistro hours during Art Basel
Monday, June 15, 2026: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17, 2026: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday, June 18, 2026: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Special offers during Art Basel
Free admission with Art Basel VIP First Choice Pass
Free admission with Art Basel Artist VIP Pass
Discounted admission with Art Basel Preview VIP Pass
Discounted admission with Liste Art Fair Basel Ticket