Art Basel at 50 - the 1970s

Discover the fair's history, decade by decade

2020 marks Art Basel's 50th anniversary. Conceived as a fair by gallerists for gallerists, it has brought together thousands of exhibitors, artists, and visitors since its inception. Through archive images, quotes from early participants, and key facts and figures, we invite you to discover Art Basel's founding years.

The Genesis: 1970

Art Basel, founded by the Basel gallerists Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt, launches with 90 galleries and 20 publishers from 10 countries.

First edition: Facts and Figures

16,300 visitors
110 exhibitors
10 countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA
Day Ticket: CHF 5

The Early Years

Ursula Krinzinger, Galerie Krinzinger, Vienna

Nicholas Logsdail, Lisson Gallery, London, New York City, and Shanghai

Welcome,

Art Basel at 50 - the 1970s

Discover the fair's history, decade by decade

The Genesis: 1970

The Early Years

We have to remember, too, that the gallery concept is relatively modern, just like the concept of the museum. Once this or that platform takes shape, it’s both natural and easy to reproduce it.

Those years were extraordinary, and at the same time really very primitive. It was sweltering, there was no ventilation, and you had to provide your own lights.

We have to remember, too, that the gallery concept is relatively modern, just like the concept of the museum. Once this or that platform takes shape, it’s both natural and easy to reproduce it.

Those years were extraordinary, and at the same time really very primitive. It was sweltering, there was no ventilation, and you had to provide your own lights.

We have to remember, too, that the gallery concept is relatively modern, just like the concept of the museum. Once this or that platform takes shape, it’s both natural and easy to reproduce it.

We first participated in Art Basel in 1977. We showed Chris Burden’s photogravure facsimile of an Italian 10,000 lire note that we printed on both sides, and early works by Vito Acconci. To announce our ambitions, we handed out compressed sponges as business cards.

Our first participation was in 1975. It was relatively inexpensive and we covered our costs with sales of about £3,000. Ironically, we now find ourselves downstairs to almost the same spot we were in 1975.

I first participated in Art Basel as a collaborator of the Galerie Beyeler in 1970. This was also my introduction to the art world. In 1978, I participated as a publisher of editions—with artists such as A. R. Penck and Enzo Cucchi. This was my first independent experience in Basel.

We first participated in Art Basel in 1977. We showed Chris Burden’s photogravure facsimile of an Italian 10,000 lire note that we printed on both sides, and early works by Vito Acconci. To announce our ambitions, we handed out compressed sponges as business cards.

Our first participation was in 1975. It was relatively inexpensive and we covered our costs with sales of about £3,000. Ironically, we now find ourselves downstairs to almost the same spot we were in 1975.

I first participated in Art Basel as a collaborator of the Galerie Beyeler in 1970. This was also my introduction to the art world. In 1978, I participated as a publisher of editions—with artists such as A. R. Penck and Enzo Cucchi. This was my first independent experience in Basel.

We first participated in Art Basel in 1977. We showed Chris Burden’s photogravure facsimile of an Italian 10,000 lire note that we printed on both sides, and early works by Vito Acconci. To announce our ambitions, we handed out compressed sponges as business cards.

Next up: Art Basel at 50 - the 1980s