Your curated guide to the best Miami Art Week / Art Basel Miami events 2021

London-based artist and stage designer Es Devlin, who has brought to life otherworldly sets for the Weeknd, Lorde, Louis Vuitton and Beyonce’s Formation Tour, has been selected by none other than Chanel to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of its iconic scent, Chanel N°5, during Art Basel. The Five Echoes sculptural installation, conceived as a synesthetic translation of the fragrance, is a massive, multisensory labyrinth animated by light and sound, ensconced by a fleeting forest of over 1,000 plants, shrubs and trees that will later be replanted in parks throughout Miami-Dade County. Jungle Plaza, 3801 NE 1st Ave. Nov 30–Dec 21.

Miami Art Week is when most institutions unveil their most exciting programming and exhibitions of the year, and the Rubell in Allapattah is no exception. Beginning November 29, guests can experience new works from three of its recent artists-in-residence: Otis Kwame Kye Quaicoe and Kennedy Yanko, both of whom realized their largest painting and sculpture works to date during their residencies, and 2020 artist-in-residence Genesis Tramaine. In addition to the resident exhibitions, Rubell has curated seven new installations to peruse throughout its galleries, including works by Casja von Zeipel, Reginald O'Neal, Natalie Ball, Hernan Bas, Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara. Best of all, museum admission is free during Art Week. Nov 29–Dec 5.

Nomadic art gallery Homework will make its debut during Art Week with a lineup of diverse, emerging visual artists, artisans and publishers working across mediums including photography, digital drawings, ink wash painting, graphic design and more. Created by locals Aurelio Aguiló and Mayra Mejia, Homework aims to democratize art with its innovative and accessible pop-up format that activates experimental spaces around the world. Its first-ever iteration takes place at a recently refurbished historic MiMo building, The Knoxon Hotel, with deep-cut Afro-Caribbean sounds by Rum & Coke. The Knoxon, 7411 Biscayne Blvd. Dec 1; 6–9pm.

Fresh off a critically acclaimed run in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Deitch brings its remarkable, 40-plus person exhibition to the Moore Building in the Miami Design District. Melahn Frierson and A.J. Girard curated the works centering on racial inclusivity and representation via figurative paintings, sculptures and photographs that depict the artists’ family and friends. In Miami, “Shattered Glass” features 15 new artists presenting an entirely new universe of Black and Brown identity. Nov 29–Dec 6.

Celebrating its second anniversary this Basel, Wynwood’s Museum of Graffiti presents a jam-packed week of events anchored by the debut of its latest exhibition from French graffiti and tattoo artist, FUZI. Highlights include a ticketed VIP First Look of “FUZI: Defaced” featuring free live tattoos by the artist (Dec 1); a Puma Takeover complete with breakdance battles and live sneaker customization; and a screening of “REEFA,” based on the true story of Israel “Reefa” Hernandez Jr., the 18-year-old Colombian immigrant and art prodigy who was tasered to death by Miami Beach police in 2013. Fuzi will also present a 360-degree immersive room titled IGNORANTISM, painted with his signature figures and faces to celebrate his favorite subject: street life and the criminals, vandals and luxury cars that inhabit it. Museum of Graffiti, 299 NW 25th St. Dec 1–4.

This trailblazing exhibition will showcase four decades of the Jewish/Polish Maryan S. Maryan’s depictions of his Holocaust experiences. The artist is recognized as one of the first to address these experiences through visual art. For the first time, many of his unique figurative paintings, sculptures, drawings and films will be on view to the public at the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami. The museum hosts a special reception in honor of Miami Art Week on December 2 from 8 to 10pm. 

Billed as a speakeasy retail concept in the heart of the Design District, Shoes + Art merges young luxury shoe wunderkind Matthew Chevallard’s passion for footwear with his love of art collecting. Since selling Del Toro, the brand he started at just 19 years old, Chevallard has been at work conceptualizing and bringing to life a new boutique and art gallery hybrid dubbed The Office, launching in tandem with Art Week. The space introduces Chevallard’s two Italian-made footwear brands, Blu Scarpa and Concetto Limone, with a special Art Week solo exhibition of limited edition lithographs and hand-painted ceramic plates by Mexican-American artist Eduardo Sarabia. 160 NE 40th St (2nd floor of OTL). Nov 28–ongoing.

Wynwood Walls, the district’s famed outdoor street art museum, will unveil 13 brand new installations in tandem with Miami Art Week 2021. Based on the theme of “Agents of Change,” the artworks will come to life in real-time beginning November 22, with live installations continuing through November 28. After a private unveiling on December 1, the museum will be open to the public for a week of artist talks, art competitions, DJ sets and more, included with regular museum admission (special Art Month passes are also available allowing unlimited access for $65). This year’s line-up will feature acclaimed artists from Japan, Portugal, France, Cuba, Mexico and the United States. Wynwood Walls, 266 NW 26th St. Nov 28–Dec 5.

Premium rum brand Brugal 1888 sets up pop-up bar/exhibition at the Nautilus by Arlo during Miami Art Week. Part of a four-part series, the coffee shop by day, rum bar by night welcome guests for all-day imbibing and ogling the Huichol art bottles by artist Cesar Menchaca on display. RSVP is encouraged. Dec 1–10; noon–3pm, 4–9pm.

In collaboration with the Museum of Graffiti Beachside, whose latest exhibit “10 outta 10” features works by the Few and Far all-female graffiti crew, The Confidante Miami Beach will become the temporary home of an epic, custom-made skate ramp. With the beach as its backdrop, the large-scale ramp will be painted by Few and Far’s talented artists from around the world, who are also celebrating 10 years as a crew. Head to the backyard each evening at 5pm to peep a female skater shred the ramp, sip BABE rosé and peruse street apparel and other wares from the Sprayground pop-up shop inside the hotel’s historic 1930s house. Confidante Miami Beach, 4041 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. Nov 30–Dec 2 at 5pm.

South Beach’s Art Deco gem The Sagamore Hotel ushers in Miami Art Week starting November 29 with its “Beyond the Paint” exhibition, a collection of works by international artists inhabiting the hotel’s expansive lobby and entire ground floor, as well as its two-story bungalows. The party begins on Wednesday with Alegria & Milk Present: Superior Selectors, headlined by Zurich indie-dance producer Kalabrese and dreamy supporting sounds from DJs Tomas Station, Seb Hall and others. Le Youth sets the vibe on Thursday for Sagamore’s Underwater party, presented by Cache Life. Festivities wrap up on Saturday with the 20th anniversary of the hotel’s iconic Sagamore Brunch, featuring immersive live art paintings, mural reveals and a performance by the South Florida Symphony. The Sagamore Hotel, 1671 Collins Ave, Miami Beach. Nov 29–Dec 4.

Wynwood’s sneaker-themed sports lounge Grails pays homage to Miami artists during Art Week with a custom sneaker wall comprised of 22 unique works painted on 22 pairs of Air Force 1 shoes. Expect dope designs by Miami favorites including Atomiko, Ivan Roque, Adieny Nunez and others, who will showcase their unique styles on wearable, small-scale canvases and make appearances throughout the weekend. Other Art Week festivities include live mural paintings, local artist exhibits and more, with proceeds from the activation being donated to the pediatric cancer charity SIDES. Grails, 2800 N Miami Ave. Dec 1–5.

Powered by FTX, the hugely popular, US-regulated cryptocurrency exchange platform, Wynwood Studios’ NFT Art Party Exhibition is a totally unique four-day festival that combines music, art and crypto technology in the heart of Miami’s art district. In partnership with The Miami Art Plug and headlined by major underground electronic music talent including Seth Troxler, Diplo and Nic Fanciulli, each night will also include an NFT art experience, exclusive NFT drops from digital creators and installations inspired by the gaming metaverse, curated by Star Atlas. Toe Jam, 150 NW 21 St. Dec 1–4.

It pays to be an American Express cardholder this Miami Art Week. The company returns for its annual jam-packed schedule of experiences and activations, taking place at the Miami Beach EDITION. Online marketplace Artsy hosts its first in-person exhibition of Trove, an online collection of art from emerging artists; Equinox pops up to help folks unwind during the festival; and megastar Lizzo takes the stage for a special concert on December 4 at 9pm (it’ll also stream live on LIVENow). If all that wasn’t enough, Major Food Group brings Carbone to the hotel’s La Vista Terrace for dinner on December 3 and 4 (reservations are available on Resy). Dec 2–4 at various times.

Faena Art’s site-specific outdoor installations are among the most memorable pieces to behold during Miami Art Week and this year is no exception. The property enlisted Pilar Zeta for two remarkable installations: The surrealist Hall of Visions, situated on the sand behind the property, alludes to Argentina’s Madí Movement while paying homage to the history of Art Deco. While Hatch presents a sculpture of an egg seemingly cracking as a way to depict rebirth and realization. The installations’ digital counterpart is a one-minute animation that will be divided into five short clips and auctioned off as NFTs on the Aorist marketplace. Nov 29–Dec 5.

Ketel One Vodka takes over Wynwood Marketplace during Art Week with a sprawling cocktail village and pop-up lounge perfect for fuelling up between shows. Stop in all day to imbibe on any of three signature cocktails, including 2021’s unofficial hero: espresso martinis, served on tap. At night, the entire open-air space will transform into an oasis of immersive experiences and DJ sets, with additional activations and performances to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. Wynwood Marketplace, 2250 NW 2nd Ave. Dec 2–3, 4pm–3am and Dec 4–5, 12pm-3am.

Creative agency The Art Plug has tapped viral Instagram animator Danny Casale (aka Coolman Coffeedan) to co-host a week-long pop-up coffee shop where guests can carb-load, sip coffee and absorb the feel-good vibes of the artist’s playful character at his first IRL exhibition. Ur Special also claims to sling the world’s most expensive cup of coffee. Priced at $1,000, each cup will be brewed with a bespoke variety of SuperLost Coffee, an ultra-high-quality Colombian bean, served with a one-of-a-kind original artwork by Coolman Coffeedan drawn upon purchase. At night, the coffee house transforms into Coolman’s Intergalactic Sake Lounge, a formidable pre-game option with sake cocktails, wine, beer and cafecitos, plus original artworks and live experiences. The Bagel Club, 2400 N Miami Ave. Nov 28–Dec 4.

World-renowned Maestro Gerald Schwartz conducts Pictures at an Exhibition at the Knight Concert Hall. His concert features the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music Symphony Orchestra in this performance of 10 Movements inspired by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky. Dec 4 at 8pm.

Back for its seventh edition, Basel House fuses art, nightlife and fun activations over the course of a weekend. Check out thousands of square feet of large-scale murals and projection-mapped installations by more than 15 globally renowned street artists. Expect plenty of music, cocktails and food to keep you fueled. 2250 NW Fifth Ave. Dec 2, 3 4pm–3am; Dec 4, 5 noon–3am.

The Swiss luxury skin-care brand pops up on the sand with a beachfront installation, where folks can get beauty treatments, hang out between fairs and watch a performance by Taiwanese new media artist, choreographer and dancer Wen-Chi Su, who interprets the magical surroundings with a dance on December 2 at 5pm. The beach house is open to call but RSVP is required. Dec 2 noon–4pm, 5–6:30pm.

The taco joint’s backroom turns into a speakeasy this Miami Art Week. Spain’s nightlife organizers RECREO take over the space for a series of surprise performances on Friday, while Saturday brings globally inspired DJ sets, followed by a special edition of R&B night Babygirl, hosted by Late Night and Kamari. Dec 3–5, 9pm–5am.

The Wynwood food hall becomes ground zero for late-night dancing and post-fair fun. Starting Wednesday, Dec 1, through Saturday, December 5, 1-800-Lucky welcomes a string of artists and DJs to its patio—from StarSixty9 to Donavan’s Yard to Ape Drums of Major Lazer. Sets kick off nightly at 9pm and go till late. Dec 1–4, 9pm–5am.

Jaguar Sun’s beloved steakhouse pop-up returns this fall, just in time for Art Basel. It reopens on November 30 with its full menu of prime-cut steaks and next-level martinis, plus a new cocktail menu to celebrate the season. Davidoff pops up with a special cigar lounge in celebration of Miami Art Week. Nov 30–Dec 4. 

Experience food as art at Nossa Omakase’s special-edition dinner, featuring a decadent menu of bluefin toro, caviar, uni and white alba truffles. The Art Basel edition of the 16-course menu doesn’t skimp on ingredients on theatrics. Dec 4 at 7:30pm; $365.