Art Basel Miami Beach 2020 Officially Cancelled

The 2020 edition of the most high-profile art event in the US has been officially cancelled. Art Basel announced on Wednesday, September 2nd that it would cancel the upcoming edition of its Miami Beach fair, scheduled to take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center December 3-6, 2020.

In a statement, fair organizers cited the impact of the pandemic specifically in South Florida, but also in art hubs around the world that would have sent collectors and dealers as emissaries. They also mentioned uncertainty surrounding restrictions on large gatherings.

“It is with great regret and disappointment that we announce the cancellation of our December show in Miami Beach, as we know how crucial our show is for our galleries, as well as for the greater Miami arts community and economy,” Art Basel’s Director Americas Noah Horowitz said in a statement.

“We thank everyone who shared their perspectives and insights with us over the past months and weeks and look forward to returning to Miami Beach next year to deliver a successful show.”

Organizers were left with no option but to cancel due to quarantine regulations in the U.S. and abroad, as well as limitations and uncertainty about the staging of large-scale events and international travel restrictions and bans. The next edition of Art Basel in Miami Beach will take place from December 2 to December 5, 2021, with preview days on December 1 and December 2, 2021.