Art Basel Miami Beach 2021: A Guide To The Top Events, Exhibitions And Pop-Ups

After a hiatus of large-format live celebrations, Art Basel Miami Beach is due to come back with a vengeance. And lots of champagne.

Organizers of the fair started their 2020 with hopes of celebrating Art Basel’s 50th birthday and suffice it to say, the year didn’t go as planned. Now, nearing the end of 2021, art aficionados, culture vultures, and party-goers will merrily flock to Miami for its usual format.

The official exhibition runs from December 2 through 4, and will host hundreds of artists and prominent international galleries to showcase some of the greatest new works the contemporary art scene has to offer. Outside the main show, of course, Miami will play host to a number of satellite exhibitions, celebrity performances, outdoor installations, hotel collaborations, experiential retail pop-ups, and more, that will usher in a triumphant return of the cultural affair.

From Chanel’s multi-sensory labyrinth in Jungle Plaza to the American Express Platinum Studio, here are the best events you can’t miss.

Roundup to be updated as additional details are confirmed closer to-date.

Monday, November 29

Wynwood Walls “Agents of Change”

Wynwood Walls, the famed epicenter of the Wynwood Arts District known worldwide for its ever-changing collection of curated art, has announced this year’s theme — “Agents of Change” — and the debut of 13 new installations. CEO and Curator Jessica Goldman Srebnick has selected a roster of global artists, a mix of influential names and up-and-coming, to create new murals at the Wynwood Walls for this year’s celebration of art festivities.

Tuesday, November 30

Chanel No. 5 Centenary Celebration

The French fashion house is taking over Miami Design District’s Jungle Plaza with a full-size, multi-sensory labyrinth installation by immersive artist, Es Devlin, to celebrate the 100th birthday of its iconic fragrance, Chanel No. 5. The massive sculpture will be flanked by over 1,000 trees, measuring 100 feet in diameter with walls up to 22 feet high, and will be activated with sound, light and scent components. Once the labyrinth is dismantled, the temporary “forest” will be replanted in parks throughout Miami-Dade County. The installation will be open to the public through end of December.

Louis Vuitton Men’s Spring-Summer 2022

Louis Vuitton is bringing its spring men’s collection to Miami Design District for a sunset runway show, showcasing the latest threads by creative director, Virgil Abloh.

RIMOWA “As Seen By”

Since the first RIMOWA aluminum suitcase was created in 1937, the German luggage company has become synonymous with the striking, minimalist metal. Now, this legacy is being celebrated through “As Seen By,” a curated exhibition of artworks reimaging their aluminum materials through the lens of local artists and craftsmen throughout the world. Following the success of its Paris debut in October, the next stop will be the RIMOWA Miami Design District boutique to showcase unique pieces by local US artists, to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Confidante x Museum of Graffiti Skatepark

The Confidante and Museum of Graffiti are teaming up with talented female graffiti artists, activists and skaters from around the world from November 30 to December 2 to create, paint and activate a custom, large-scale skate ramp in the hotel’s backyard. Visitors can look forward to skate demonstrations from the Skate Nymphs, a female empowerment panel hosted by Yes Julz on December 2, and an art exhibit by Few and Far Women of 30 pieces throughout the first floor of The Confidante. All work will be available for purchase and a scannable QR-code with a custom audio tour will be open to the public.

Thursday, December 2

American Express Platinum Studio

American Express will host Platinum Studio, an oasis on the beach outside of The Miami Beach EDITION from December 2-4. Throughout the week, American Express plans to have curated programs and experiences that celebrate emerging creators. The Platinum Studio Collectable Experience, in partnership with Artsy, will be an interactive and shoppable exhibit featuring upwards of 20 works by diverse groups of contemporary artists. Major Food Group will bring Carbone favorites like the Spicy Rigatoni Vodka on Friday and Saturday, and signature classes by Equinox will be held including yoga, sound bath, and immersive Pilates to unwind in between events. The week will be capped Saturday night with UNSTAGED, featuring a performance by superstar, Lizzo.

Hästens Grand Vividus Unveiling with Designer Ferris Rafauli

Hästens Miami will debut the coveted $500,000 Grand Vividus Bed in the Miami Design District Showroom (112 NE 41 St., Suite 100) alongside Ferris Rafauli, the designer of Drake’s infamous Toronto home. To recharge in between events, Hästens is also offering “Sleep Spa Basel Breaks” in their showroom. Call to schedule a personal trial and private sleep session on the “world’s most comfortable bed,” with spa experiences like acupuncture and massage treatments by Dr. Irina Logman and Rejooviness, along with refreshments, masks, noise-cancelling headphones, lavender scents, mood-lighting, and more.