The Best Events to Go to During Miami Art Basel 2023

When: Dec. 8–10
Where: Lot 11, 301–349 NW 2nd St, Miami.

Virgil Abloh Securities and Architecture will hold its second annual Virgil Abloh Skate Invitational during Art Basel this year. The event will feature a best trick competition, a public free skate session, and a live DJ set to celebrate the skateboarding community that Abloh was passionate about. Various events related to the invitational will occur around Miami. On Friday, there will be an artist talk with Atiba Jefferson at 50 NE 40th St., Miami. On Saturday, the invitational skate day will run from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Lot 11. On Sunday, Lot 11 will host free skateboarding clinics and workshops for local youth. Each event will accommodate attendees on a first come, first served, basis.

When: Dec. 8
Where: 172 NE 40th St., Miami

Although Eric Emanuel is known for his shorts, he’s also a passionate art collector. So for Art Basel, he’s prepared a special release at his flagship in Miami’s Art District. Emanuel commissioned artists Tyrrell Winston, Aryo Toh Djojo, and Jake Clark to create limited-edition artworks that will also be screen-printed onto the brand’s signature mesh shorts. The artworks will be exhibited at Eric Emanuel’s flagship in Miami before being donated to a local Miami art institution for the public to enjoy. Winston’s piece references the signature of Miami Dolphins icon Dan Marino. Djojo’s painting for EE depicts a Miami Beach alien abduction. And Clark handpainted a quintessential “EE” motif on a ceramic sculpture. For those unable to make it to EE’s store on Friday, the collection will also be available at noon the same day on EricEmanuel.com. 

When: Dec. 6–10
Where: 276 NW 26th Street, Miami

The Museum of Graffiti will celebrate its fourth anniversary during Art Basel this year, and has a plethora of exhibits and events to check out. Up until Friday, Dec. 8, museum guests can visit the Mi Campo Artists Lounge on the museum’s patio for craft cocktails, sneaker customizations courtesy of Modelo, celebrity DJ sets, live art, and more. Exhibits opening this week include a solo exhibition by L.A.’s Mear One, which will feature artwork from a graffiti artist turned master oil painter. On Friday, Martha Cooper will unveil her collaboration with the graffiti crew 1UP and Polaroid—art and prints by 1UP, 2Alas, Boo Johnson, Eneri, Futura, Mark Gonzales, Maya Hayuk, Reds, Revok, and Vhils will also be sold. On Saturday, the museum will sell signed copies of Sex Appeal’s new book, host a breakdancing competition, release a new issue of The Infamous magazine, and hold a book release and panel for the Mana Public Arts book. The museum will close out Art Basel on Sunday with a sticker bombing event. To get tickets and find out what time each event occurs, head over to the Museum of Graffiti’s website.

When: Dec. 9
Where: Future of Cities Hub at 224 NE 59th Street, Miami

On Saturday, Eri Wakiyama, an artist known for dreamy cartoons that have attracted collaborations with Heaven by Marc Jacobs and Cactus Plant Flea Market, will unveil an immersive art experience with Samsung. “Let Me Know When You Land” will let viewers interact with Wakiyama's distinctive approach to abstract portraiture. Hand-painted artwork on Samsung devices will be displayed alongside a selection of Wakiyama’s artwork. The exhibition will only be open to the public for one day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

When: On view until Dec. 10
Where: 50 NE 40th St.

Virgil Abloh’s Architecture and OTW by Vans will present the first-ever retrospective on the revered skateboard photographer Atiba Jefferson. The exhibit will cover 25 years of Jefferson’s work as one of the culture’s most respected photographers and documentarians. Over 100 images will be exhibited and feature skaters like Tony Hawk, Kareem Campbell, Eric
Koston, Andrew Reynolds, Tyshawn Jones, and more. Rarely exhibited archival
video works and behind-the-scenes ephemera will also be displayed.

When: Through Dec. 10
Where: 299 NW 25th St., Miami

The Art of Hip-Hop, a new museum launched by the founders of the Museum of Graffiti that spotlights unsung heroes in hip-hop, opened its doors this week. Starting today, attendees can check out the museum and chill on its experiential patio for complimentary beverages, talks, drops, DJ sets, and more. A highly curated showcase of rare sneakers that tell the story of hip-hop will be presented. On Thursday, the revered Bronx graffiti artist CES will sign new copies of his book at 2 p.m. On Friday, the museum will host a discussion with Cey Adams and Lenny S. that’s moderated by Stichiz of 103.5 The Beat. The museum will close out Art Basel on Sunday with the release of a special capsule by Fly Supply. Tickets can be purchased here.