Among the most interesting collaborations reshaping the intersection of art and lifestyle, the recent partnership between Art Basel and Airbnb stands out.
The two global brands have entered into a multi-year agreement designed to offer travelers exclusive art experiences in the cities hosting Art Basel — Paris, Miami Beach, and Basel.
It’s a meeting point between the art fair, the hospitality industry, and cultural travel — a direction that speaks directly to collectors, enthusiasts, and those who see art as a way of life.
Beyond the Art Fair: Living the Experience
Through this partnership, Airbnb guests will have access to private tours of artists’ studios, behind-the-scenes visits with curators and gallerists, and tailor-made stays in key art destinations.
For example, during Art Basel Paris (October 24–26), guests can book an exclusive guided tour led by fashion documentarian Loïc Prigent, exploring a curated selection of galleries and artists participating in the fair.
This move shifts the focus from simple exhibition to immersive experience: art not just to be seen — but to be lived, inhabited, and felt.
Art Meets Hospitality
Airbnb will also invest $1.2 million over the next three years through the new Airbnb Arts Travel Grant, developed in partnership with Art Basel to support emerging artists and galleries.
The platform is further expanding its “Art Stays” collection, featuring homes that merge art and design — from a creative loft in Montmartre to a gallery apartment in Brescia or an artist’s house in Kyoto.
This integration creates a bridge between collecting, cultural travel, and contemporary living, allowing guests to experience art as part of their everyday environment.
What It Means for Collectors and Art Lovers
For those who are passionate about contemporary and Pop Art, this trend reveals three key insights:
- Accessibility to art – it’s no longer just about attending a fair but immersing yourself in the creative context of artists and galleries.
- The environment as part of the artwork – staying in an art-filled home transforms the act of living into a curated experience.
- Support for new talent – grants and residencies help nurture emerging voices and fresh perspectives in contemporary art.
Bringing the Idea Home
You don’t need to travel across the world to live art more deeply. Here’s how to bring that spirit into your own life:
- Plan art-inspired trips around major fairs or exhibitions, choosing accommodations that offer cultural or creative experiences.
- Turn your home into an art habitat: pair contemporary works with design pieces, play with lighting, and make art part of your daily rituals.
- Think of art not only as an investment — but as an experience that adds emotional and aesthetic value to your life.
Toward a New Way of Living with Art
The collaboration between Art Basel and Airbnb signals a shift: art is moving beyond galleries and fairs to become part of how we live and travel.
It’s a new paradigm — art lived, art traveled, art experienced — a vision where beauty, color, and creativity are not only admired but fully embraced in everyday life.