The insiders’ guide to Art Basel Miami Beach 2017
Seven leading art-world figures open up their little black books to offer expert advice on what to see and where to eat, drink and relax at December’s glitziest art fair
David Gryn, Film & Sound Curator, Art Basel in Miami Beach
David Gryn suggests staying near the beach, and The Standard is a popular choice among our experts
‘My advice to visitors is to stay on or near the beach, as it means — even if you’re working non-stop all week — you can, at least, see the sea. Staying near the fair also means there isn’t the risk of being stuck in traffic or being late — two of my pet hates.
‘For shopping, there’s a plethora of options to explore on Collins Avenue, though my true love in Miami is losing myself in the Lincoln Road Antique & Collectible Market, which has the added advantage of being open on Sundays.’
Ellen Salpeter, Director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA Miami)
The ICA's 37,500-square-metre new building in the heart of the Design District
‘The centerpiece of our inaugural program is The Everywhere Studio, an exhibition looking at the significance of the artist’s studio from the post-war period to the present day (with a focus on Picasso and Yves Klein, among others). We’ll also have a number of site-specific commissions for the sculpture garden and throughout the building’s three floors.
‘Also well worth seeing in the area is the De La Cruz Collection (next door) and Spinello Projects (a terrific gallery). Beyond the art, I often recommend people to simply rent a Vespa scooter and tour Miami Beach on two wheels.
‘When it comes to restaurants, two options in the Design District stand out: Mandolin Aegean Bistro and the recently opened Ghee Indian Kitchen.’
Jessica Goldman Srebnick, Director of Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls, the largest outdoor street art museum in the world
‘As far as time allows, I also love to visit the satellite fairs, Pulse and Scope, at this time of year. They’re great for the first-time buyer, showcasing emerging and less expensive options for a new collector.
‘For a glitzy, sexy hotel experience, I’d recommend staying at The Edition; for a boutique, Art Deco experience, I’d go instead to The Hotel of South Beach.
‘If you can somehow squeeze an extra day onto your visit to Miami — or even just an extra evening — I’d recommend a sunset sail on Biscayne Bay, Asian dinner at Naiyara in Miami Beach and a drink at the Soho Beach House. Sheer perfection.’
Relax in style in the sandbox at The Edition
Dominique Lévy, co-founder and partner of Lévy Gorvy gallery
Domique Lévy recommends the Argentine tenderloin at Los Fuegos at the Faena
‘Dine at Casa Tua, which is right on Miami Beach. Los Fuegos at the Faena is also exceptional — make sure to try the Argentine tenderloin. Often I stay with friends in Miami, but if not, the Faena Hotel is beautiful. I recommend visitors find a place right in the heart of the action, which is to say in Miami Beach. For me, it’s best to be right near the fair.
Alchemist, a store located atop a car park designed by Herzog & de Meuron
‘An ideal 24 hours in the city would surely start with a swim in the ocean; include shopping at Alchemist, a store located atop 1111 Lincoln Road (a remarkably elaborate car park which was designed by Herzog & de Meuron); and perhaps end with a late drink at Delano’s Rose Bar.’
Nina Johnson, director of Nina Johnson contemporary art space
Toast a fine day of art at the rooftop bar of The 1 Hotel
‘My favourite hotel in the city is The Standard, where it’s hard to beat a night-time swim, spa treatment and green juice at the juice bar.’
Sarah Harrelson, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Cultured magazine, Miami
At the Bass Museum: Mika Rottenberg, Lips (study #3), 2016. Single channel video installation, mixed media. Edition of 6 with 1 AP. © Mika Rottenberg. Image courtesy Andrea Rosen Gallery, New York. Photo by Pierre Le Hors
‘The exhibition put on by Larry Gagosian and Jeffrey Deitch at the Moore Building in the Design District each year is a must, as they always bring together a great group of artists. For 2017, one of those is Torey Thornton, who’s also on the cover of our latest magazine.
‘PAMM, meanwhile, has a fabulous Dara Friedman show; the ICA also just opened in the Design District… There’s just so much to see!
Sarah Harrelson, founder of Cultured magazine, is one of a number of our experts to advise dining at The Mandolin
‘I tend to advise visitors to eat at Mandolin, where you feel as though you are in the south of France; to drink at the beautiful, Chad Oppenheim-designed Forte dei Marmi; and to shop at The Webster, at Bal Harbour Shops, which is owned by the ever-chic Laure Hériard Dubreuil, who has actually just launched her own clothing line.
‘For those in need of a break from it all, I suggest heading to the greenery of The Kampong, the botanical gardens in Coconut Grove.’