by Ellie Smith / January 3, 2025
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Planning your 2025 leisure? These art fairs are perfect for combining culture, business networking, and luxury travel.
Art fairs have evolved into dynamic hubs where art, commerce, and networking converge. Beyond showcasing stunning works, they serve as essential meeting points for collectors, artists, gallerists, and business professionals. Deals worth millions are negotiated over cocktails, new collaborations are sparked in panel discussions, and industry trends take shape in buzzing fairgrounds. Simply put, as much as they’re about appreciating art, they’re equally about building relationships, discovering emerging talent, and staying ahead in a competitive market.
To help you plan your artistic calendar, we’ve curated a list of top art fairs to attend in 2025, arranged seasonally to guide you through the year’s most unmissable events. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our recommendations for some of the best cities in the world for art to explore alongside these fairs.
Table of Contents
- ART SG
- Art Palm Beach
- Zona Maco
- LA Art Show
- ARCOmadrid
- Art Dubai
- Art Basel (Basel)
- TEFAF Maastricht
- Venice Biennale Architettura 2025
- The Armory Show
- Berlin Art Week
- Sydney Contemporary
- Frieze London
- Art Basel Paris
- Art Basel Miami Beach
- Travel like a masterpiece
ART SG
When: Jan. 17–19 (VIP preview and vernissage: Jan. 16)
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore
Debuting to critical acclaim in 2023, ART SG quickly established itself as a key player on the global art stage, solidifying Singapore’s status as a cultural powerhouse. By its second year, the fair had expanded to feature over 100 prestigious galleries from more than 30 countries. Among the highlights was Isamu Noguchi’s iconic Octetra series, which captivated audiences with its monumental yet introspective works.
Looking ahead, ART SG continues to push boundaries with the PLATFORM initiative, spotlighting site-specific installations that celebrate innovative art from the Asia-Pacific. Partnerships with Bangkok Kunsthalle and London’s Delfina Foundation promise to enrich the fair’s cultural depth even further.
Returning giants like Gagosian, White Cube, and Thaddaeus Ropac reaffirm ART SG as an essential destination for collectors and art lovers.
Art Palm Beach
When: Jan. 22–26 (Opening night premiere: Jan. 22, 5–9 p.m.; general admission: Jan. 23–26, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.)
Where: Palm Beach County Convention Center, Florida
Now in its 29th edition, Art Palm Beach stands as a mid-winter staple, offering a sleek yet dynamic platform for contemporary and modern art.
In 2024, DIVERSEartPB turned heads with its focus on artificial intelligence in art, exploring the synergy between technology and creativity. Big-name sales included an Alex Katz piece, acquired by makeup icon Bobbi Brown, underlining the fair’s pull among elite collectors. Another standout was Bernie Taupin’s Two Sides of the Sixties, which reimagined Terry O’Neill’s iconic photographs in a bold new light that left visitors nostalgic for pop culture’s golden era.
The fair’s impact goes beyond art. Partnering with the American Heart Association’s Life is Why campaign, Art Palm Beach donates 15% of ticket sales to support cardiovascular health, proving that culture and social good can go hand-in-hand.
Zona Maco
When: Feb. 5–9
Where: Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City, Mexico
As Latin America’s premier art fair, Zona Maco has been shaping the region’s art landscape since 2003, thanks to founder Zélika García.
The Diseño section steals the spotlight, blending traditional Mexican craftsmanship with bold, modern interpretations of ceramics, textiles, and furniture. Meanwhile, the Salón del Anticuario bridges eras with rare antiques and collectibles, creating a compelling conversation between history and innovation.
Zona Maco’s immersive installations inject vibrancy into the event, with past standouts like Tania Candiani’s Sound Waves, a captivating mix of music and sculpture.
Beyond the fair, Zona Maco pulses through Mexico City Art Week, forging partnerships with cultural icons like Museo Jumex and Museo Tamayo, ensuring the city buzzes with creativity. Using a car service like Blacklane in Mexico City should help you get from event to event with ease.
LA Art Show
When: Feb. 19–23 (Opening night premiere: Feb. 19, 6–10 p.m.; general admission: Feb. 20–23)
Where: Los Angeles Convention Center, California
Turning 30 in 2025, the LA Art Show cements its place as the West Coast’s premier art event, known for its global outlook and cultural inclusivity. From cutting-edge contemporary pieces to historical gems, the fair brings together a rich tapestry of artistic voices, with DIVERSEartLA spotlighting underrepresented creators and bold, thought-provoking themes.
In 2024, the fair turned heads with appearances from Jon Hamm, Kate Beckinsale, and Kaia Gerber, proving it’s as much a Hollywood hotspot as an artistic showcase. With icons like Barbra Streisand and James Franco in its history, the LA Art Show blends star power and artistic flair like no other.
ARCOmadrid
When: March 5–9 (Professional days: March 5–7; open to the public: from 3 p.m., March 7)
Where: IFEMA, Madrid, Spain
Since its inception in 1982, ARCOmadrid has carved out a niche as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking art fairs, celebrated especially for spotlighting Latin American artists. From accessible pieces under €100,000 to seven-figure showstoppers like Anish Kapoor’s Random Triangle Mirror, it attracts both seasoned collectors and curious newcomers.
The 2025 edition promises something truly unique with “Wametisé: Ideas for an Amazofuturism,” a thematic exploration of Amazonian creativity curated by Denilson Baniwa and María Wills.
ARCOmadrid also champions emerging talent -ts “Opening” section highlights galleries less than seven years old, where rising stars like Carlos Quintana have previously gained recognition.
Beyond the art, ARCOmadrid’s Collector’s Forum is an essential networking hub for collectors, gallerists, and artists, where connections are made and big deals come to life. All of this happening in such a bustling city makes a reliable car service in Madrid a must-have.
Art Dubai
When: April 18–20
Where: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Founded in 2007, Art Dubai has forged its own path in the international art scene by championing artists and movements from the Global South. The fair offers a fresh, unfiltered look at works that reflect the cultural pulse of the Middle East and beyond, in a region where a diverse, evolving expat population is driving a thriving art market. Notable sales in recent years include works by Hassan Sharif, a pioneering Emirati artist whose pieces have gained significant traction internationally.
Beyond the art on display, Art Dubai offers depth with the Global Art Forum, tackling the intersection of creativity and our connected world. Frequent contributor Huda Lutfi, a respected Emirati curator and critic, brings sharp insights into the region’s art landscape. For an added layer of exclusivity, the VIP program opens doors to private collections and curated experiences, with guidance from Mohammed Alani, a curator who knows how to uncover Dubai’s hidden creative gems.If you’re on the go during the fair, Blacklane’s Chauffeur-On-Demand service is available in Dubai, allowing you to summon a private car at the push of a button.
Art Basel (Basel)
When: June 19–22 (Preview days: June 17–18)
Where: Messe Basel, Switzerland
Founded in 1970 by trailblazers Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, Art Basel has grown to become the crown jewel of the global art fair scene. Each year, leading galleries such as Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth spearhead this prestigious event, where VIP previews often see artworks selling for dizzying millions.
Over the years, Art Basel has become a stage for the unexpected and extraordinary. From enigmatic Banksy pieces discreetly showcased by galleries, igniting whispers of their mysterious origins, to unforgettable live performances by Marina Abramović that blur the line between art and experience, the fair never fails to leave its audience spellbound.
The fair’s home, Messe Basel, is a masterpiece in its own right, redesigned by the architectural visionaries Herzog & de Meuron, the creatives behind Beijing’s iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium.
Art Basel offers VIP cardholders exclusive perks like late-night private viewings at top cultural institutions such as Kunstmuseum Basel and Fondation Beyeler. The allure extends to glamorous after-parties, private tours of exquisite collections, and intimate gala dinners hosted in Basel’s historical mansions.
TEFAF Maastricht
When: March 15–20 (Invitation-only days: March 13–14)
Where: Maastricht Exhibition & Conference Centre (MECC), Netherlands
TEFAF Maastricht, the epitome of excellence in the art and antiques realm, began its illustrious journey in the mid-1970s with the merger of two Dutch fairs—Pictura (1975) and De Antiquairs International (1978).
Hosting over 260 premier dealers from 20 countries, TEFAF features an eclectic mix of Old Master paintings, classical antiquities, modern art, 20th-century designs, photography, and stunning jewelry. The fair’s crowning feature is its rigorous vetting process, with about 175 international experts ensuring every item’s authenticity, quality, and condition, which builds unparalleled trust among collectors.
TEFAF draws an exclusive international crowd, including names like Calvin Klein, Brad Pitt, and Michael Schumacher, along with representatives from esteemed institutions such as the Louvre and the Rijksmuseum.
Notable past transactions include a 13-year-old collector using his bar mitzvah savings to buy a Rembrandt etching in 2003, and the 2024 sale of Van Gogh’s Tête de Paysanne à la Coiffe Blanche for €4.6 million.
Venice Biennale Architettura 2025
When: May 10–Nov. 23 (Pre-opening: May 8–9)
Where: Various locations, Venice, Italy
Since its inception in 1980, the Venice Biennale Architettura has set the stage for defining global architectural trends, presenting revolutionary concepts and engaging the minds of visionaries like Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid. Notably, Norman Foster’s 2016 sustainable housing model, priced over $1 million, made significant waves in urban development across the globe.
The 2025 edition, under the insightful curation of Elisa Silva and themed “Spaces of Connectivity,” will focus on merging architectural innovation with community enhancement. The edition will feature Kengo Kuma’s “Reclaimed Islands,” a forward-thinking project that aims to pioneer sustainable living on artificial islands constructed from recycled plastics. This ambitious endeavor is expected to commence bidding at $750,000, highlighting its innovative and impactful design.
The Armory Show
When: Sept. 4–7 (VIP preview: Sept. 3)
Where: Javits Center, New York City, United States
Rooted in the revolutionary spirit of its 1913 predecessor, The Armory Show continues to be a cornerstone of New York City’s art scene. The original International Exhibition of Modern Art shook America’s art world by unveiling avant-garde masterpieces from Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Marcel Duchamp, forever reshaping its cultural landscape. Iconic works like Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 and Matisse’s Blue Nude opened new debates, setting the tone for the bold experimentation that continues to define the fair’s legacy.
The Armory Show still champions innovation, bringing contemporary art to the Javits Center. The VIP Preview, a highlight of the event, often sees major sales within hours, proving that the fair remains as influential as ever. Blacklane’s experienced fleet of New York chauffeurs will navigate you through the busy Midtown traffic with ease, allowing you to get to the show relaxed.
Berlin Art Week
When: Sept. 10–15
Where: Various locations, Berlin, Germany
Emerging from the legacy of Art Forum Berlin (1996-2011), Berlin Art Week has carved out its niche as the “Wild West” of contemporary art. This event epitomizes Berlin’s spirit of experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity, attracting a dynamic mix of collectors and creators.
The event is anchored by key institutions such as Hamburger Bahnhof and KW Institute for Contemporary Art, which host ambitious exhibitions. Notable retrospectives have spotlighted artists like Katharina Grosse and Monica Bonvicini, emphasizing Berlin Art Week’s role as a global stage for innovative talent.
A pivotal moment occurred in 2020 when Berghain, the iconic nightclub, transformed into a contemporary art gallery for the “Studio Berlin” exhibition. This unique show allowed over 80 artists to exhibit their works, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the club’s enigmatic interiors, minus its usual techno backdrop. Similarly, Uferhallen, a former bus depot now bustling with artist studios, remains integral to the event. It features a variety of installations, workshops, and open studio days that dive into the very heart of Berlin’s artistic pulse.
For collectors, Berlin Art Week offers private previews and curated tours in historic mansions and secluded art spaces, providing exclusive access to artworks and intimate interactions with prominent gallerists.
Sydney Contemporary
When: Sept. 11–14
Where: Carriageworks, Sydney, Australia
Sydney Contemporary has emerged as a vibrant hub for contemporary art in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting a discerning global audience. This dynamic fair, held annually at the iconic Carriageworks, a former industrial complex transformed into a thriving arts precinct.
In recent years, the fair has become a hotspot for discovering rare and exciting works by emerging artists poised for international recognition. Remember that record-breaking sale of a Del Kathryn Barton painting a few years back? That happened at Sydney Contemporary.
The fair has a reputation for its innovative and engaging programming. Past editions have featured engaging performances, thought-provoking installations, and insightful talks by leading art world figures, such as curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and acclaimed artist Tracey Emin.
Frieze London
When: Oct. 15–19 (Previews: Oct. 15–16)
Where: The Regent’s Park, London, United Kingdom
Since its debut in 2003, Frieze London has transformed Regent’s Park into the epicenter of contemporary art. Co-founded by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover of Frieze magazine, the fair began with 124 galleries and has grown into a must-attend event, featuring over 160 galleries and 1,000 artists.
The 2025 edition of Frieze London is gearing up to dazzle attendees with its trademark flair for the unexpected. Reminisce about past showstoppers, like Yayoi Kusama’s mesmerizing infinity room in 2008 and Pierre Huyghe’s unforgettable 2014 live installation, which featured a white-haired Ibizan hound amidst grazing sheep, a whimsical mix that blurred the lines between life and art. Not to be overlooked, the Frieze Sculpture Park invites the public to engage with imposing outdoor sculptures, adding an extra layer of artistic allure during Frieze Week.
For the collectors who mean business, the first preview day is where the magic happens. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, as six- and seven-figure deals are swiftly secured.
Art Basel Paris
When: Oct. 24–26
Where: Grand Palais, Paris, France
Paris solidified its place on the Art Basel map with the 2024 rebranding of Paris+ par Art Basel to Art Basel Paris, merging the city’s artistic heritage with the prestige of Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Held in the grandeur of the Grand Palais (which recently stood out for hosting the fencing at the 2024 Olympic Games), the fair has quickly become a magnet for top-tier collectors, celebrities, and global art enthusiasts.
The 2024 edition showcased high-profile transactions, including a Louise Bourgeois spider sculpture snapped up for $20 million and a ceramic piece by Pablo Picasso that reached $600,000. Works by Jean-Michel Basquiat also drew considerable interest, with one piece notably tagged at an asking price of $22.5 million.
VIP attendees are treated to after-hours tours of Parisian treasures like the Musée d’Orsay and Fondation Louis Vuitton, along with access to private collections rarely seen by the public. And the soirées? Think candlelit dinners in Haussmann-era salons and rooftop gatherings overlooking the Seine.
Art Basel Miami Beach
When: Dec. 5–7
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, United States
The American counterpart to Switzerland’s Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach, has grown from its modest beginnings in 2002 into a global cultural phenomenon.
The fair is no stranger to unforgettable moments. In 2012, Lloyd Goradesky’s Gator in the Bay stunned visitors with its 230-foot floating alligator, pieced together from over 100,000 Everglades photos to deliver a bold eco-message. And who could forget Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian, a duct-taped banana that became a viral sensation and sold for a staggering $6.24 million!
Exclusivity is also part of Art Basel Miami Beach’s allure. VIP guests are treated to behind-the-scenes access to Miami’s top private collections, chic pre-opening events, and glamorous soirées. The 2024 edition dazzled with the Palm Tree Club’s party, where guests like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ivanka Trump mingled alongside cultural icons. Luxury brands like Casablanca heightened the experience, hosting high-fashion events that blended art and style seamlessly.
The fair’s commitment to diversity continues to grow. The 2024 edition was particularly notable for its spotlight on Black artists and collectors, highlighting their influential role in shaping the future of the art world.
Here at Blacklane we also played a significant role in elevating the VIP experience during Art Basel 2024. Partnering with the event, Blacklane provided premium chauffeur services that ensured seamless and stylish transportation for guests, reflecting the exclusivity and sophistication of the fair itself.
Travel like a masterpiece
Make your journey to these art fairs as seamless as the art itself with Blacklane. Wherever your art journey takes you, Blacklane is your trusted companion, be it in Dubai, London, Miami, Paris, and over 400 cities worldwide. Glide to the venue in a sleek sedan or arrive with your entourage in a spacious SUV, our premium chauffeur services redefine the art of travel.
Forget the stress of parking or navigating unfamiliar streets, just sit back, relax, and let our professionals handle the ride. Plus, with every journey carbon-offset, you’re not only traveling in style but also responsibly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellie Smith
Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.
