Art Basel Miami Beach transforms South Florida into the world’s largest outdoor museum. Streets, beaches, parks, hotels, and galleries come alive with contemporary art, live performances, immersive installations, and global creativity.
If you’re staying in or near the Pelican Hotel on Ocean Drive, or just walking by for a drink at Room 55 Bar, you’re in the best possible location. Miami Beach is the epicenter of Art Basel week, and everything is within walking distance.
This guide highlights the top five things you must see this year at Art Basel Miami Beach, especially if you want to explore like a local and enjoy the best of South Beach culture. And when you need a break from the crowds, remember to stop at Room 55 Bar, where we’re open late and mixing Miami’s most refreshing cocktails.
SCOPE Miami Beach – Art on the Sand
Where to Find It
Just a short walk north from the Pelican Hotel, SCOPE Miami Beach takes place directly on the sand at 8th Street. You can’t miss the huge white pavilion overlooking the ocean.
What Makes It Special
SCOPE is known for presenting bold, new-generation artists and emerging talent from around the world. Expect everything from digital art and graffiti-inspired works to immersive installations and conceptual pieces.
This year’s highlights include:
Sustainability-driven installations
Street-art exhibitions
Curated digital art rooms
Rising creators from Europe, Latin America, and Asia
Why It’s a Must-See
It’s one of the most energetic fairs during Art Basel Miami Beach, and the only major fair built directly on the beach. After the show, walk back down Ocean Drive and stop by Room 55 Bar for a drink and a view of the nightlife
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Untitled Art The Beachfront Minimalist Pavilion
Location
Located around 12th Street on the beach, Untitled Art is one of the most refined and highly curated exhibitions during Art Basel week.
Experience & Highlights
Untitled Art blends museum-level curation with fresh contemporary voices. The architecture alone, a massive minimalist tent with ocean views, sets the tone for a refined Art Basel experience.
Inside, you’ll find:
Large-scale installations
Mixed media sculptures
International galleries
Experimental photography
Thought-provoking conceptual art
Perfect for Art Lovers on Ocean Drive
If you’re staying at the Pelican Hotel, you can reach Untitled Art in minutes. It’s the perfect stop before settling into Room 55 Bar for a cocktail and some people-watching on Ocean Drive.
The Bass Museum – Contemporary Art & “Art Outside” Installations
Location
At Collins Park, about a 20-minute walk or a 7-minute bike ride from the Pelican Hotel.
What to Expect
The Bass Museum is an essential destination during Art Basel Miami Beach. Known for its world-class contemporary art collection, The Bass presents special exhibitions during the festival, along with its outdoor initiative: Art Outside.
Expect to see:
Experimental sculptures
Street-integrated outdoor art
Multimedia experiences
Installations scattered throughout the park
Why It’s Worth Visiting
Unlike the beach tent fairs, The Bass gives you a calmer, cultural museum atmosphere, plus interactive outdoor pieces perfect for exploring Miami Beach on foot.
Faena Festival – Bold & Immersive Art at the Faena District
Location
Faena District, just north of South Beach, accessible by a scenic walk along Collins Ave.
The Experience
Faena Festival is where contemporary art meets Miami luxury. It features large-scale outdoor sculptures, immersive audiovisual works, live performances, and nighttime projections across the beachfront.
Annual highlights often include:
Giant ocean-facing sculptures
Light installations
Sound-driven performance art
Monumental conceptual pieces
Why Basel Fans Love It
It’s eccentric, theatrical, and visually unforgettable – a signature part of the Miami Beach Art Basel experience.
Ocean Drive Pop-Up Galleries – Art Steps From Room 55 Bar
Location
Right outside the Pelican Hotel and throughout the Ocean Drive strip.
What You’ll See
Ocean Drive explodes with color during Art Basel Miami Beach. Many hotels, restaurants, and boutique galleries host exclusive pop-ups with emerging artists, photography showcases, digital-only exhibitions, and curated installations.
Expect to find:
Photography pop-ups
Local Miami artists
Street-art-inspired canvases
NFT + digital art corners
Affordable artwork to take home
Why It’s A Local Favorite
These pop-ups are relaxed, intimate, and full of hidden gems, and you don’t need tickets or reservations. It’s the perfect option for casual exploring between drinks at Room 55 Bar.
After Art Basel – Don’t Forget to Visit Room 55 Bar
Whether you’re viewing world-class installations on the beach or discovering boutique art pop-ups along Ocean Drive, make sure to end (or start) your Art Basel Miami Beach adventure with a drink at Room 55 Bar, located inside the Pelican Hotel.
Why Stop at Room 55 Bar?
We’re open late, perfect after exhibitions
Signature cocktails inspired by South Beach
Relaxed but stylish atmosphere
Steps from everything happening during Art Basel
The best way to unwind after a day of walking and exploring
Room 55 Bar is the hidden gem of Ocean Drive, a blend of vintage Pelican charm and modern Miami nightlife vibes. Whether you’re an art lover, traveler, or Miami local, this is your oasis in the middle of the Art Basel excitement.