So much is happening this year! Art Basel 2026 highlights, from the Pacific Place installation to must-see digital art — save this guide

Art Month is coming around again! Friends who love lifestyle and design have probably already set aside time in March for Art Basel Hong Kong 2026. This fair isn’t just about looking at paintings; it’s more like a citywide sensory party, with surprising art installations everywhere from the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to Tai Kwun, and even Pacific Place. This year’s lineup is even stronger than last year’s. Whether you want to snap photos with large-scale sculptures or learn about today’s hottest digital art collecting, this guide will highlight the key things to see.

• Related reading: A must-read for art lovers: Art Central 2026’s Central Stage, more than 100 galleries, and 500 artists – all the highlights at a glance

When and where is Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 taking place?

The fair will once again be held at the familiar Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai. It will be open to the public from Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, 2026. VIP cardholders can get an early look during the preview days on March 25 and 26. This year’s fair brings together 240 galleries from 41 countries and territories, with more than half operating spaces in the Asia-Pacific region. You could say it’s the international art fair that best understands Asian tastes.

What are the highlights of the new digital art sector, “Zero 10”?

If you’re interested in NFTs, blockchain, or AI art, “Zero 10,” making its Asian debut this year, should be your first stop. This sector is dedicated to art for the digital age, and its name pays tribute to a legendary 1915 exhibition, giving it a sense of heritage. Fourteen exhibitors will take part, including AOTM, which will present early video game visual works, and Asprey Studio, with cross-disciplinary creations combining AI, sculpture, and traditional ink painting. As you explore this section, you’ll find that the line between technology and art is becoming increasingly blurred. It’s fascinating.

Image from Getty Images

If you’re looking for something a little unexpected during Art Basel, don’t miss Ray-Ban’s Ray-Ban Red art platform! Ray-Ban is more than an eyewear classic; it’s also a symbol of self-expression. The brand has created a dedicated space in the Collectors Lounge, inspired by its signature red, and invited leading creatives from around the world to explore visual art together.

Are the large-scale installations in the Encounters sector worth seeing?

The most anticipated photo spots each year are usually in the Encounters sector, which features large-scale projects that break free from the confines of gallery booths. The 2026 theme is “Five Elements” – space, water, fire, wind, and earth. Be sure to see Kukje Gallery’s multimedia textile installation by Kang Youngjeong, representing “space,” and Lisson Gallery’s glazed ceramics by Nobuaki Akitaya, representing “fire.” Off-site projects also extend to Pacific Place, where Christine Sun Kim’s digital animation installation “A String of Echo Traps” will be on view. You can take in some art while you shop.

Artists’ Night and a crossover performance with Hong Kong Ballet

Art Basel really knows how to make art fun! For the third consecutive year, it is partnering with Tai Kwun to host “Artists’ Night” on March 27, bringing together up-and-coming experimental musicians and visual artists in a laid-back atmosphere. Even more exciting, it will collaborate with Hong Kong Ballet for the first time to present excerpts from “State of Wonder” at the fair. Imagine watching ballet in a space filled with contemporary artworks – the visual and spatial impact is sure to give you goosebumps.

Limited editions worth picking up: Art Basel Shop and collaboration merchandise

Want to bring home a souvenir after visiting the fair? This year, Art Basel Shop will launch limited-edition products designed especially for Hong Kong. The standout is likely to be an official uniform collection created with JNBY, inspired by artist Shi Zhiying’s “Stone” series. Matching tote bags will also be available. These pieces cleverly bring fashion and contemporary art together, and look polished whether you carry them to work or on a day out.

Image from Getty Images

Art Basel is no longer simply a playground for serious collectors; it’s also a window into the pulse of contemporary culture. The focus for 2026 is clearly on “technology” and “local connections.” If it’s your first time attending, we suggest starting with the large-scale installations in Encounters, then heading to Zero 10 to experience the impact of digital art. Finally, be sure to set aside an evening for “Artists’ Night” at Tai Kwun. It’s Hong Kong’s most romantic and creatively energetic moment in March.

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