Avoid Miami Art Week and Art Basel Traffic
Every year since 1970, in Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Miami Beach, Art Basel hosts an art show to show the world some of the best 20th and 21st century art. The goal is to connect the world’s premier galleries and their patrons and serve as a meeting point for the international artworld. The next show is in Miami Beach this week, December 1-4, 2016.
Being that the show takes place in different locations around the world, some art may be more predominant depending on its location, but being that America is the melting pot, or caesar salad, of the world, there will be a diversity of artwork at the show. 267 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa will be presenting significant works from masters and emerging stars of modern and contemporary art, as well as paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and more, all of the highest quality and on display in the main exhibition hall.
With all this buzz, you may want to know how to maximize your experience and not get stuck in horrible traffic when entering or leaving. Let us give you a few tips.
Location, Location, Location
Just because the art show is in Miami Beach, doesn’t mean you have to be there. The show typically spans from Miami Beach to Downtown Wynwood, Miami’s Design District and hot spot for not only incredible works of art but also delicious restaurants. There’s also live art at times, so it’s a great stop for dinner and a show.
Catch the Shuttle
It would be best if you don’t drive yourself around, as the show is bound to get the streets crowded. Instead, you can catch a ride on the free shuttle between the cities. More information about the shuttle service routes is on the Art Basel website, artbasel.com. You can also rent a Citi Bike or take the Metromover, a free train that runs from Coconut Grove to Downtown, seven days a week from 5am to midnight.
Go Uber
Uber, the popular service that has all but replaced taxis, is also offering rides for free. Not a car ride though – a plane ride. Yeah, it’s pretty crazy, but Thursday through Saturday, from 10am to 2pm, passengers can get inside a limited edition Uber SUV, take it to the Sea Isle Marina, get on the UberSEAPLANE which will take a small trip until it returns to the dock for a ride on a luxury yacht, the UberBOAT. Then, you’ll get where you need to go for the art show. Nice, right?
Get There Early
Miami Beach traffic is already a problem – just think how much worse it will be when streets are crowded for the show. If you’re going to drive, make a day out of it and go early.
Parking
Miami Beach and the City of Miami have adapted to the times of mobile parking apps. You’ll have to download one of the various apps, since the city can’t decide on just one, but you’ll most likely need Pay by Phone or Parkmobile. Punch in the zone number, your car info, and the duration. Some zones are more expensive than others, but during Art Basel they may all be the same. The apps are useful because they alert you when time is running out if you decide to stay longer than originally planned. All you need to do is click “extend” to put on more time.
Have a Map
Take a map of the cities the show is taking place in so you can navigate your way around. Apps like Waze, Apple’s Maps, and Google Maps are helpful, and a map may be provided on site. A floorplan for the show’s sectors and exhibitors is also available on the Art Basel website.
If you decide to check it out, be sure to post some photos of your time spent on social media and tag us for the heads up. We’re sure you’ll have a worthwhile time this weekend at Art Basel in Miami Beach!