Art Basel, one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art fairs, was founded in 1970 by three Basel gallerists: Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt. Their inaugural event in Basel, Switzerland, was a remarkable success, drawing more than 16,000 visitors to experience the work of 90 galleries from ten countries, along with 30 art publishers who joined the groundbreaking showcase.

Under the visionary leadership of Samuel Keller from 1999 to 2006, Art Basel broadened its scope to include Art Unlimited, an expansive section dedicated to large-scale installations, sculptures, video art, and performances. Art Unlimited has continued to grow under curators like Simon Lamunière (2000–2011), Gianni Jetzer (2012–2019), and currently, Giovanni Carmine (since 2021). This addition transformed the fair, showcasing monumental artworks that redefined the viewer’s experience and demonstrated Art Basel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

In 2002, Art Basel organizers expanded their reach to the Americas by launching Art Basel Miami Beach, inspired by the format of Art Miami. This fair quickly became a focal point for international collectors and artists, further establishing Art Basel’s influence beyond Europe. In 2007, Ocean Drive magazine introduced Art Basel Magazine, with Sarah Harrelson as editor-in-chief, further amplifying the fair’s cultural impact and media presence. The same year, Art Basel also saw the beginnings of its presence in Russia, with localized events and exhibitions.

Art Basel’s expansion continued in Asia with the launch of Art HK in 2008 by MCH Group in collaboration with Angus Montgomery Arts and events organizer Tim Etchells. This Hong Kong fair captured the attention of art investors and positioned Asia as an emerging art hub. By 2013, MCH Group had acquired the fair and rebranded it as Art Basel Hong Kong, hosting it at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. By 2015, Art Basel Hong Kong had moved its headquarters to the Shui On Centre, marking its growth with a newly designed office by OPENUU, a Hong Kong-based design firm.

Art Basel is no stranger to controversy and debate within the art world. In 2011, prominent art collector Adam Lindemann publicly announced he would not attend Art Basel, criticizing the extravagance of VIP events and what he saw as a growing culture of exclusivity. In 2019, Art Basel Miami Beach again made headlines with Maurizio Cattelan’s piece, Comedian, a banana duct-taped to a wall that sold for $120,000. This provocative artwork sparked worldwide discussion about the nature and value of contemporary art.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of all three 2020 editions of Art Basel (Basel, Miami, and Hong Kong), marking an unprecedented disruption in its 50-year history. However, Art Basel has continued to adapt and evolve. In 2022, the fair launched Paris+ par Art Basel, taking over the prestigious FIAC art fair in Paris and establishing a new annual event in one of Europe’s art capitals.

Through decades of innovation, strategic expansion, and bold curation, Art Basel remains a leading force in the global art market, showcasing diverse art forms and engaging new audiences across continents.