BASEL - Preview days for Art Basel began on Tuesday at Messe Basel, with 289 galleries from 42 countries preparing the June 19-22 public run. UBS remains the global lead partner. Collectors filled the halls. Students staffed the cloakrooms.
Hotels between the Messe and the Rhine had been booked for months. River restaurants put on extra sittings. For locals the week is a traffic plan and a chance to rent a room.
A fair that is also a labour market
Art handling, security and catering are Basel jobs that return every June. The pictures leave. The overtime stays in the canton.