A Triumphant Close in Paris
The second edition of Art Basel Paris concluded on October 26, 2025, drawing over 73,000 visitors to the Grand Palais. With 206 galleries from 41 countries, including 65 operating spaces in France, the fair reaffirmed Paris as a cultural capital for collectors and curators worldwide.
Sales were strong across all market tiers, from blue-chip works by Gerhard Richter, Amadeo Modigliani, and Julie Mehretu to rediscoveries by Marie Bracquemond and Lee ShinJa. Emerging artists such as Yu Nishimura and Özgür Kar also found strong placements, reflecting collectors’ growing appetite for fresh perspectives and cultural narratives.
The fair’s energy extended beyond the exhibition halls. The Public Program, staged across nine venues throughout Paris, once again highlighted the city’s interdisciplinary creative spirit. Miu Miu returned as official partner, and fashion journalist Loïc Prigent curated Oh La La!, a lively re-hanging initiative celebrating Parisian avant-garde flair.
Institutional Strength and Global Presence
Art Basel Paris attracted representatives from more than 240 museums and foundations across Europe, North America, and Asia, including the Centre Pompidou, Guggenheim Museum, Tate, SFMOMA, and MoMA PS1. Their presence underscored the fair’s growing influence among institutions shaping global collecting trends.
President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and Minister of Culture Rachida Dati attended the fair, a gesture that underscored its national and cultural importance.
Leadership for a New Era
As the fair closed, Art Basel announced the appointment of Karim Crippa as Director of Art Basel Paris, effective November 1, 2025. Crippa, who has served as Head of Communications and Senior Editor for Art Basel globally since 2018, succeeds Clément Delépine, who helped define the Paris edition’s identity.
Crippa’s experience in digital strategy and his vision for cross-cultural collaboration signal an evolution toward broader global engagement. “Being appointed Director of Art Basel Paris is a great honor,” he said, pledging to strengthen ties with institutions and partners across the city.
Market Stability and Shifting Collecting Trends
Insights from the Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting 2025 reveal a stabilizing art market following several years of fluctuation. Gen X collectors now dominate high-value transactions, while Millennials continue to lead in digital acquisitions. The report also notes a heightened institutional role in acquisitions, reflecting a cautious but steady confidence across major markets.
Collectors increasingly prioritize social and cultural impact over speculation, with sustainability and representation influencing acquisition choices. These findings align with sales trends in Paris, where rediscoveries and conceptual works drew as much attention as traditional blue-chip pieces.
Eyes on Miami Beach
Attention now shifts to Art Basel Miami Beach 2025, set for December 5–7 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive. The fair’s VIP Preview Days open December 3–4, drawing the global collecting community to the Americas’ most influential art market.
The upcoming edition will feature 285 galleries from 38 countries, including leading names in the Galleries, Positions, Survey, and Nova sectors. Collectors can expect an expanded focus on Latin American and Caribbean art, alongside cutting-edge contemporary works that bridge traditional practice and digital innovation.
As in previous years, First Choice pass holders will enjoy early access to the fair’s premier offerings. New technology-driven initiatives, including enhancements to the Art Basel App, will continue to refine the visitor experience through curated navigation tools and interactive viewing features.
A Global Calendar of Influence
Following Miami Beach, Art Basel’s 2026 calendar spans the world’s leading cultural hubs:
- Art Basel Qatar, February 5–7, 2026
- Art Basel Hong Kong, March 27–29, 2026
- Art Basel Basel, June 18–21, 2026
- Art Basel Paris, October 22–25, 2026
Each fair reflects its city’s distinct creative character, yet together they form the ecosystem that defines the international art market.
Looking Ahead
With Paris reinforcing Europe’s art capital status and Miami Beach poised to set the tone for 2026, Art Basel continues to serve as both market barometer and cultural compass. Whether at the Grand Palais or within the Miami Beach Convention Center, Art Basel remains the stage where art, investment, and influence converge.
For details on upcoming editions, visit artbasel.com.
