Each June, Basel transforms into the beating heart of the global art scene. From world-renowned fairs like Art Basel to exciting new contenders, these 10 must-see events highlight the very best of contemporary art in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an art lover exploring for the first time, Basel Art Week promises unforgettable encounters and bold artistic discoveries.
ANA Basel Reception
Art Network Africa, in collaboration with Africa Unlimited and FNB Art Joburg, proudly presents, Spotlight on African Champions, an exclusive drinks reception during Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland. Taking place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, the event unites global business leaders and influential figures in the African contemporary art scene for dynamic exchange and strategic collaboration.
Following the success of its 2024 debut. which welcomed over 200 guests representing more than 100 leading organizations, this year’s reception continues to champion African talent, creativity, and enterprise at the intersection of art, technology, and commerce. By invitation only, the evening creates a unique platform for collectors, gallerists, curators, and art enthusiasts to connect, share insights, and amplify Africa’s voice on the global stage.
Africa Basel
Africa Basel is an exciting new contemporary art fair that celebrates the vibrant and diverse artistic expressions emerging from the African continent. Founded by Sven Eisenhut-Hug and Benjamin Füglister, the fair offers a carefully curated platform where African artists and galleries connect with a global audience beyond market trends. The event features powerful works by renowned artists such as Amoako Boafo, Julie Mehretu, Otobong Nkanga, and William Kentridge. Curated by experts including Azu Nwagbogu, Michèle Sandoz, Serge Tiroche, and Dr. Greer Valley, it presents exhibitions, installations, discussions, and performances that highlight the richness of African art and culture.
Dates: 18–22 June 2025
Location: Ackermannshof, Basel, Switzerland
Art Basel 2025
Art Basel 2025, the flagship event of Basel Art Week, celebrates modern and contemporary art on a grand scale. The fair hosts over 300 prestigious galleries and more than 4,000 artists from around the world. Taking place at Messe Basel, it transforms the venue into a sprawling, temporary museum that attracts art lovers globally. In addition to spectacular exhibitions, visitors enjoy public art installations, engaging panel talks, and film screenings. Since its founding in the 1970s by gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, Art Basel has grown into an unparalleled event. This year, the fair also introduces the inaugural Art Basel Awards to honor 36 outstanding contributors to the art world. It runs from June 19–22, 2025 at the Messe Basel, Messeplatz 10, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
VOLTA Basel 2025
Marking its 20th anniversary, VOLTA Basel 2025 returns to its birthplace with renewed energy. The fair features over 70 galleries from 29 countries and highlights emerging and mid-career artists. VOLTA fosters dynamic dialogue between new talent and established voices. Conveniently located steps from Art Basel’s main venues, it offers a curated experience including focused SOLO presentations and thematic pavilions, such as the Middle East North Africa Pavilion and a special spotlight on Swiss galleries. Running June 19–22, with a VIP preview on June 18, VOLTA remains a vital platform for discovering cutting-edge contemporary art and encouraging international cultural exchange.
June Art Fair
June Art Fair takes a fresh, independent approach to Basel’s art scene by emphasizing intergenerational dialogue and collaboration among carefully selected artists and galleries. Set in a repurposed concrete bunker designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the fair creates an intimate and contemplative atmosphere distinct from larger events. Since its founding in 2019, June has fostered an open format that champions diversity and promotes meaningful connections between participants and visitors. Located near Messeplatz, the fair which runs from June 16-22 is complemented by the nearby Landhof Community Garden, reinforcing its ethos of community, calm, and alternative creativity amidst the energy of Basel Art Week.
Photo Basel
Photo Basel stands as Switzerland’s foremost international art fair dedicated exclusively to photography. The 10th edition in 2025 brings together 39 galleries from 15 countries, presenting over 450 photographic works by more than 150 artists. Held at the iconic Volkshaus Basel, the fair fosters an inclusive dialogue across the photography community and bridges professional and general audiences. Its enriching supporting program includes free guided tours, special parcours, and also panel discussions. Running from June 17-22, Photo Basel deepens appreciation for photography’s diversity and innovation, further making it a vital platform for celebrating photography as a dynamic contemporary art form.
MAZE Design Basel
MAZE Design Basel emerges as a prestigious new event for collectible design, filling the gap left by the cancellation of Design Miami/Basel. The fair gathers elite galleries specializing in mid-century to contemporary decorative arts, offering an exquisite panorama of collectible design in Basel. Holding June 16 and 17, 2025, at the sumptuous Offene Kirche Elisabethen opposite Kunsthalle, the fair features renowned dealers from Paris, New York, Brussels, and beyond. Each gallery presents expertly curated stands that highlight exceptional craftsmanship and design history. This event signals a fresh chapter for design collectors during Basel’s bustling art week.
I NeverRead Art Book Fair
I NeverRead Art Book Fair offers a vibrant platform dedicated to independent and institutional publishers focusing on art publications. With over 100 participants, the fair encourages rich dialogue among artists, publishers, and audiences through a lively program that includes musical performances and film screenings. Held at Kaserne from June 18 to 21, 2025, the fair immerses visitors in a diverse range of art books, journals, and printed matter. This unique event promotes the intersection of visual art and publishing, creating a dynamic space for discovery, exchange, and celebration of contemporary art literature.
Liste Art Fair Basel
Liste Art Fair Basel stands as a premier international platform for emerging contemporary art, spotlighting innovative and boundary-pushing artists and galleries. Celebrating its 30th edition from June 16–22, 2025, Liste features around 100 galleries from 32 countries, welcoming more than 40 newcomers to join a vibrant mix of returning exhibitors. Under new director Nikola Dietrich, Liste continues its mission to nurture avant-garde art that challenges norms and sparks global discourse. Located at Messe Basel, Halle 1.1 Maulbeerstrasse / Ecke Riehenring 113 4058, the fair is renowned for solo presentations and groundbreaking programs that further amplify fresh artistic voices within Basel’s energetic art week.
Zurich Art Weekend 2025
Zurich Art Weekend 2025 offers a wide-ranging celebration of contemporary art with over 75 exhibitions and 150 events across more than 70 venues throughout Zurich. Running June 13–15, the event features gallery openings, artist talks, performances, as well as workshops, presenting a comprehensive panorama of the city’s thriving art scene. Key venues such as Kunsthaus Zürich, Löwenbräukunst, and Museum Rietberg provide rich cultural backdrops. While the event is free and open to the public, some activities require advance registration due to limited capacity. Zurich Art Weekend remains a lively and inclusive platform that fosters community engagement with contemporary art.
