Miami Beach Announces New International Car Show

MIAMI BEACH, FL — If you like the art, you'll love the cars. Miami Beach city officials inked a new deal with the people behind Art Basel to drive yet more tourism to the Miami area with a brand new car show — Grand Basel, built as a pairing of sought after classic cars with future concept models. The new show is set to motor into the Miami Beach Convention Center for the first time on Feb. 22-24, 2019.

“Grand Basel is to car aficionados what Art Basel is to art lovers,” said Mayor Dan Gelber. “We’re excited to host such a premier event, and look forward to welcoming automobile connoisseurs, collectors and everyone with a penchant for wheels.”

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Gelber and the global director of Grand Basel signed the official agreement at Miami Beach City Hall Wednesday morning.

"From the same Swiss company that brings Art Basel Miami Beach, Grand Basel is much more than an automotive fair — with engaging panel discussions among the numerous experts in attendance emphasizing a commitment to raising critical questions and creating precious experiences," according to Miami Beach officials. "Curated by internationally renowned personalities, it opens new pathways to explore the cultural context — and to take the discourse to a new level."

Organizers expect to have some 200 vehicles from the past, present and future on display in February at Grand Basel's Miami Beach debut.

With the $615 million expansion and upgrade to the Miami Beach Convention Center near completion, city officials recently locked in Art Basel for at least five more years starting in 2019. Last December marked the 16th season for the event in Miami Beach, attracting art enthusiasts, socialites and celebrities from around the world.

City officials hope the new car show will attract the same sort of well-heeled international travelers with a passion for automobiles as a multidimensional cultural asset.

“The City of Miami Beach has been an exemplary partner with Art Basel for the past 16 years, so it’s with great pleasure that we now join together to solidify the North American presence of Grand Basel,” said Mark Backé, Global Director of Grand Basel. “From Miami Beach, we will be able to reach an extensive audience of discerning car collectors and enthusiasts who are eager for a show like no other, one that positions the automobile in a curated environment, where it can be elevated to that of a work of art.”

For more information on Grand Basel click here.

Art lovers take in the 2017 Art Basel. Photo by Paul Scicchitano.