Last week, it finally happened: Art Basel transformed the city of Basel into the creative heart of the art world and I finally got to experience it for myself. Visiting Art Basel had been on my bucket list for years, but somehow I never managed to make it happen. Looking back now, I honestly can’t believe I waited this long.

I have often wondered where my growing fascination with art comes from. Maybe it started with the museums I visited together with my mum and friends over the years. Those experiences slowly introduced me to a world that felt unfamiliar at first but has become more and more inspiring with every exhibition I visit. To be honest, I never expected that looking at art could be this much fun. Art isn’t simply a painting hanging on a wall. It can be absolutely anything – a sculpture, an installation, an experience or even an emotion. Art Basel reminded me of that once again.

Exploring Art Basel for the First Time

The fair was spread across three exhibition halls. We started with ‘Unlimited’, the section dedicated to monumental, large-scale installations that simply wouldn’t fit into a traditional gallery booth. Afterwards, there were two more halls filled with hundreds of galleries, incredible artists and countless remarkable artworks.

I arrived right on time for the Opening Hour at 11:00 a.m., convinced that an entire day before my evening train would be more than enough to see everything. A good friend from Basel – who had already joined me earlier this year for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition (thank you again!) – came along, and together we entered the first hall. It was the first Art Basel experience for both of us.

Two hours disappeared in what felt like minutes. The funny part? We had barely finished exploring the first hall.

Neither of us had fully realised how enormous Art Basel actually is. It honestly felt like an endless labyrinth filled with creativity. Every corner revealed another gallery, another artist, another installation that made us stop and look a little longer. There were so many exhibitors, so many impressions and so much to discover.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see absolutely everything. Towards the end, we found ourselves speed-walking through the remaining halls just to catch a glimpse of as much as possible before I had to leave for my train (which, in hindsight, was slightly ambitious… 😂). But every second was worth it.

My Art Basel Highlight

Without a doubt, my favourite artwork was Flowers that Bloom in the Cosmos by Yayoi Kusama – surprise, surprise, haha! If you have been following me for a while, this probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Kusama’s magical, immersive universe never fails to make me smile.

Is Art Basel Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Art Basel was such a special experience and I am already sure it won’t be my last visit. I think what surprised me the most was how much fun it was to simply walk around, discover new artists and let myself be inspired without needing to understand every single piece.

You don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy it – sometimes it is just about finding something that catches your eye, makes you curious or creates a feeling. Art Basel reminded me once again that art can be so many things: exciting, strange, beautiful, emotional or even a little confusing (in the best way).

I left with so many impressions and definitely the feeling that there is still so much more to discover. My first Art Basel experience was unforgettable – and I am already looking forward to coming back.

---

Art Basel – the world’s premier modern and contemporary art fair
18 – 21 June 2026

Messe Basel
Messeplatz 10
4005 Basel, Switzerland
artbasel.com