Art Basel dealers recall the fair's early days, from its founding in 1970 by Swiss dealers Ernst Beyeler, Trudl Bruckner, and Balz Hilt to its evolution into a global powerhouse with editions in Hong Kong, Miami Beach, Paris, and soon Qatar. Veterans like David Fleiss of Galerie 1900-2000, Thaddaeus Ropac, Iwan Wirth of Hauser & Wirth, and Dominique Lévy of Lévy Gorvy Dayan share personal anecdotes, including chaotic customs incidents, childhood memories, and the fair's shift from a Eurocentric gathering to the world's premier art fair.
This reflection matters because it underscores Art Basel's enduring centrality in the art market despite the proliferation of over 300 art fairs worldwide. The personal stories highlight how the fair has shaped dealers' careers and fostered long-term relationships with collectors and curators, reinforcing its status as the must-attend event for the global art trade.