Miami transforms into a global epicenter of art each December. Miami Art Week morphs the beach into a gallery, the graffiti-draped Wynwood into even more of a street art museum and hotel lobbies into installations. Running from December 1 to 7, 2025, this massive cultural moment, which is headlined by the prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach, draws artists, collectors, curiosity seekers and partygoers from around the world.
Use this playbook to hit the highlights, glide past the gridlock (if you can), keep your days bright with creativity and your nights rich with that quintessential Miami buzz.
Where to Experience the Art Fairs
The undisputed centerpiece is Art Basel Miami Beach, sprawling across the Miami Beach Convention Center with works from 250-plus galleries. Think of it as a global survey of what’s next in contemporary art, complete with satellite installations, fashion collaborations and more celebrity sightings than a Met Gala after-party.
Across the street, Design Miami complements Basel with museum-worthy furniture, lighting and objets d’art that blur the line between art and architecture. Imagine immersive booths, statement seating and enough marble and glass to make your camera roll sparkle.
Downtown on Biscayne Bay, Art Miami and its sibling CONTEXT pair a waterfront backdrop with a sharp focus on mid-career and emerging talent. It’s a collector’s playground that still feels approachable.
On the sands of Miami Beach, UNTITLED Art promises curatorial credibility with an ocean breeze. Scope Miami Beach leans edgier and more experimental, fusing fine art with fashion and digital culture. If you prefer a more intimate pace, Aqua Art Miami turns a retro Collins Avenue property, Aqua Hotel and Suites, into a pop-up of small galleries and indie voices.
Venture to Wynwood for Spectrum and Red Dot Miami, where local and international creators meet in a high-energy, mural-lined setting. Coconut Grove’s Pinta Miami highlights Latin American art with sophistication, and North Miami’s AfriKin Art Fair celebrates the worldwide African diaspora through painting, sculpture and performance. Each fair captures a different facet of Miami and art.
Where to Stay
Forbes Travel Guide-rated hotels double as cultural stages this week. Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is an official host partner, debuting “The New Current,” which includes Loris Cecchini’s sculptural Waterbones in the lobby and Brave New Earth, an immersive beach installation. When you need to recharge, the pool and Four-Star spa are steps away, and chef José Andrés’ bright Mediterranean mezze is within sniffing distance at Zaytinya.
Five-Star Faena Hotel Miami Beach pairs theatrical hospitality with public art. Onsite, Faena Art celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with British artist Es Devlin’s monumental Library of Us installation and a companion Reading Room inside the hotel’s Cathedral. Consider these must-see experiences open to all.
Up north, Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour Miami offers serenity and Christopher Martin’s fluid “Aqueous” exhibition. The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Fontainebleau remains the ultimate Miami resort — think ocean views by day and partying until the morning with a special Art Week Lineup (see: John Summit and Tiësto) at LIV Nightclub.
For those looking for the newest place to lay their heads, Le Particulier Miami opened in November at 4130 Collins Avenue with restored art deco details, ’80s-inspired hues and a vegan-forward concept, Los Bowls de Guadalupe, imported from Tulum.
What to See and Do
Art doesn’t just hide indoors this week. Lincoln Road transforms into an open-air sculpture park with 14 monumental pieces from international artists such as Philippe Katerine, Gillie and Marc and Oscar Esteban Martinez. It’s a great midday stroll between fairs.
Balance the visual overload at The Wellness Oasis presented by Chase, a two-day event at Reserve Padel on the Miami Seaplane Base featuring expert-led panels, workshops and mindful movement sessions. Wynwood’s Museum of Graffiti marks its sixth anniversary with “Origins,” a deep dive into the art form’s evolution and JonOne’s solo show, “El Tiguere.” The adjacent patio becomes a living canvas with live painting, brand activations and music.
After dark, the city cranks up the spectacle. Locally beloved COYO Taco hosts a parking-lot bash on December 4 featuring Major Lazer and tacos and tequila until the wee hours. CircoLoco Art Basel Miami lights up warehouse venue Factory Town, among other events planned at the space, with a lineup of underground icons. Delilah Miami adds supper-club glamour and promises surprise performances. And for sheer theater, Sexy Fish Miami partners with artist Bradley Theodore for a yacht-to-dinner experience that’s as extravagant as it sounds.
Where to Eat and Drink
Newly opened Amazónico Miami brings some Madrid energy to Brickell with Latin flavors, lush interiors and a rooftop lounge perfect for post-fair cocktails. On Lincoln Road, the fresh and buzzy Oro provides elevated bites and skyline views that rival any art you’ll find this week.
When you’re between shows, a cortadito (Cuban espresso) or a quick taco on the fly anywhere will keep you moving. And when it’s time to end the night, a martini under Faena’s gold-leaf ceiling or a rare rum along Collins Avenue is always the right call.
Local Pro Tips
Traffic spikes and slows all week, so ride-share early or hop on the free Miami Beach trolley circling the Convention Center and Collins Avenue. The Brightline train connects downtown Miami with nearby Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and West Palm Beach for painless day trips.
Bring sunscreen for multi-fair itineraries, a refillable water bottle and a portable charger — art waits for no battery.
