Art Basel 2025: The Market is Alive – And Looking Ahead
There are moments when you can feel it: the art market is breathing. Vibrant, focused, international – that was the tone at Art Basel 2025. Collectors from over 90 nations came together, not just to browse but to acquire. Notably, many younger buyers were present, actively making decisions rather than just strolling the halls. The confidence in art as a long-term store of value remains strong.
Roughly 280 galleries from 42 countries showcased over 4,000 artists. The quality was palpable, the offering focused. Rather than over-the-top presentations, the fair was characterized by quiet, curated displays. Blue-chip art was especially in demand. Works by the likes of Picasso, Hockney, and Warhol weren’t just on view – they were actively sought after, serving as stable pillars in an otherwise volatile market.
Once again, the “UNLIMITED” section – curated by Giovanni Carmine – stood out. This special exhibition featured large-scale installations, sculptures, and video works that simply wouldn’t fit in a standard booth. The curation impressed, proving that contemporary art often needs space to resonate – and an audience willing to engage. The market isn’t exuberant – but it’s far from in crisis. Instead, it is reflective, resilient, and open to new directions. Art Basel also announced its expansion into Qatar for 2026 – a move likely to tap into new collector segments and deepen global dialogue.
For our Art Advisory team – focused on collection building, curation, and strategic advice – Basel once again offered valuable opportunities to exchange with museum directors, galleries, collectors, and artists, as well as to closely monitor market developments. Our takeaway: collecting is becoming more selective, more deliberate – but still driven by enduring passion.
Michael Ziegert
Heart Art at Belvédère
