291 Galleries Set for Art Basel 2025 as Fair Introduces New Section

Art Basel has unveiled the lineup for its 2025 edition in Basel, Switzerland, set to take place from June 19–22, with preview days on June 17–18. The fair, widely regarded as a bellwether for the global art market, will host 291 galleries, including major blue-chip establishments and an expanded focus on ultra-contemporary art through a newly introduced section—Premiere.

A Strong Global Representation

From the 291 participating galleries, 231 will anchor the fair’s main Galleries section. This prestigious selection includes some of the most established names in the art world, such as Goodman Gallery (Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, New York), Stevenson Gallery (Cape Town, Amsterdam, Johannesburg), and Blank Projects (Cape Town). The presence of powerhouses like Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, Pace Gallery, David Zwirner, Thaddaeus Ropac, and White Cube reinforces the fair’s continued appeal to high-net-worth collectors and institutions alike.

Two galleries will make their Basel debuts within the Galleries section: Arcadia Missa (London) and François Ghebaly (Los Angeles, New York). Additionally, 16 galleries will participate in the fair for the first time through the Statements section, dedicated to emerging artists. Among these newcomers is Jahmek Contemporary Art (Luanda, Angola), which will showcase the work of Felix Shumba.

Premiere: A Bold Statement on Contemporary Art

In a strategic move to enhance the fair’s engagement with the pulse of contemporary art, Art Basel introduces Premiere, a new sector dedicated to works created within the last five years. This section, featuring 10 galleries, allows up to three artists per booth, creating a more concentrated and thematic presentation. Notably, Gypsum Gallery (Cairo) will showcase works by Dimitra Charamandas and Basim Magdy, exploring themes of erosion and regeneration in coastal and volcanic landscapes.

This addition reflects a growing industry trend: a preference for curated experiences over sheer volume. As fair director Maike Cruse noted, Premiere is designed to bridge the experimental and the established, creating a space where collectors and curators can engage with cutting-edge artistic narratives. In positioning itself this way, Art Basel underscores its role as both a marketplace and a cultural thought leader.

For the second consecutive year, Stefanie Hessler, director of the Swiss Institute in New York, will curate the Parcours section, titled “Second Nature”. This segment will explore the fluid boundaries between the natural and the artificial, incorporating installations in unconventional locations across Basel. While specific details remain under wraps, Hessler’s previous work suggests an ambitious dialogue between urban space and artistic intervention.

Adding to the city-wide engagement, acclaimed artist Katharina Grosse will create a site-specific installation at Messeplatz, curated by Natalia Grabowska of London’s Serpentine Galleries. Such public installations reinforce Art Basel’s commitment to transforming the city into an immersive artistic landscape beyond the fair’s traditional halls.

Market Dynamics: Stability Amid Global Uncertainty

The 2024 edition of Art Basel signaled a degree of market stabilization following a prolonged period of correction. With 91,000 visitors recorded in June, the fair demonstrated resilience, despite broader concerns surrounding global economic shifts. Cruse remains optimistic about 2025, emphasizing Art Basel’s role as a barometer for the industry.

With the introduction of Premiere, an expanded focus on public art, and a continued commitment to balancing established and experimental voices, the fair reinforces its stature as the epicenter of the contemporary art market. As collectors, curators, and institutions converge in Basel, the event will once again serve as both a commercial powerhouse and a cultural touchstone.