Art Basel 2026: 290 Galleries and Must-See Works in Basel

Art Basel's 2026 edition in its hometown Basel brings together 290 galleries from 43 countries and territories, activating the city across Messe Basel, public spaces, and leading institutions. Galerie magazine curated eight standout works. Niki de Saint Phalle's monumental painted polyester relief 'Grand Mural' (1969) at Galerie Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois marks her transition into large-scale public architecture. Gilbert & George's 'Dead Boards #4' (1976) at Anthony Meier bridges their early performance art and later gridded pictures. Manina's 'Marriage Alchemique' (1967) at Richard Saltoun reflects her dreamlike symbolic style influenced by alchemy and Jungian ideas. François-Xavier Lalanne's 'Âne Bâté' (2005) at Ben Brown Fine Arts is a life-sized bronze donkey that opens into a writing desk. Eduardo Arroyo's 'Ramoneur' (1980) at Galerie Kaléidscope uses sandpaper as a political statement. Alexander Calder's 'Untitled (Carousel)' (1942) at Tina Kim Gallery incorporates discarded glass and bottle necks due to WWII material shortages. Saori Akutagawa's 'Woman XII' (1955) at Kotaro Nukaga combines traditional batik dyeing with Mexican modernist influences. Jeff Koons' 'Jim Beam – J.B. Turner Train' (1986) at Gagosian, part of his 'Luxury and Degradation' series, is a stainless steel sculpture filled with genuine Jim Beam bourbon.