If you’re staying at the Pelican Hotel in South Beach during Art Basel, you’re in one of the best possible locations. South Beach becomes the center of the global art world as Miami transforms into a city-wide gallery, packed with installations, beachside exhibits, immersive experiences, and curated pop-ups. Better yet, you don’t need a car or Uber to explore some of the most exciting shows.
This guide highlights five walkable Art Basel exhibitions located minutes from the Pelican Hotel. Whether you’re here for contemporary art, innovative digital experiences, or large-scale outdoor installations, these exhibitions will give you the perfect South Beach Art Basel experience.
SCOPE Miami Beach – Beachfront Contemporary Art Fair
Distance from Pelican Hotel: 6-minute walk
What Makes It Special
If you want a classic South Beach Art Basel experience, SCOPE Miami Beach is the perfect starting point. Built directly on the sand at 8th Street and Ocean Drive, this 70,000-square-foot pavilion features over 140 exhibitors from around the world.
SCOPE is known for spotlighting emerging artists, experimental installations, and bold contemporary styles. Expect:
Street-art-inspired canvases
Mixed media sculptures
Sustainability-focused installations
Digital and crypto-art showcases
The beachfront setting makes it one of the most scenic Art Basel experiences, and an ideal location for anyone staying at the Pelican Hotel during Miami Art Basel .

Untitled Art – The Iconic Beach Tent Gallery
Distance from Pelican Hotel: 10-minute walk
Just a short walk north from Pelican Hotel lies another massive seaside pavilion: Untitled Art, one of the top curated exhibitions of the entire Art Basel week. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the show focuses on established galleries, museum-level curation, and powerful thematic exhibitions.
Its signature minimalist tent contrasts beautifully with the colorful works inside, offering an elevated take on the South Beach Art Basel atmosphere.
What You’ll See
Installation art from globally recognized contemporary artists
Experimental photography and video art
Curated panel programs and performances
Artworks exploring identity, culture, climate, and modern society
Why This Exhibition Stands Out
Untitled Art is sophisticated, emotionally engaging, and perfect for travelers who want depth and thought-provoking experiences within walking distance of the Miami Art Basel exhibition, while staying at the Pelican Hotel.
The Bass Museum “Art Outside” Outdoor Installations
Distance from Pelican Hotel: 20-minute walk (or 7 minutes by bike)
Located in Collins Park, The Bass Museum features an extended Art Basel program, including both indoor exhibits and its popular Art Outside installations. This makes it a perfect “city meets museum” experience.
What You’ll See
Sculptures integrated into the streets and park areas
Works from global contemporary artists
Interactive pieces that transform public spaces
Rotating modern art exhibitions inside the museum
The Bass is one of the most respected institutions in Miami, and visiting during Art Basel gives you access to special programming, artist talks, and limited-time exhibitions.
Why You Should Visit
It brings a museum-quality experience outdoor, ideal if you want a slower, scenic break from the high-energy environment of South Beach Art Basel.
Faena Festival – Large-Scale Installations at Faena District
Distance from Pelican Hotel: 18-minute walk
The Faena District is known for luxury, but during Art Basel it becomes a full sensory experience. The Faena Festival takes over the beachfront with monumental sculptures, immersive light installations, and bold experimental works.
What to Expect
Giant sculptures facing the ocean
Nighttime projection art
Avant-garde performances
Conceptual pieces exploring culture, technology, and mythology
This festival is where artistic imagination meets luxury architecture, and all just a pleasant walk from the Miami Art Basel Pelican Hotel.
Why It’s Worth the Walk
The scale of these installations is unlike anything else in Miami. It’s dramatic, cinematic, and unforgettable.
Ocean Drive Pop-Up Galleries Local + Global Art Blend
Distance from Pelican Hotel: 1–5 minutes
One of the best-kept secrets for travelers staying in the heart of the action: Ocean Drive transforms into a curated strip of pop-up galleries throughout Art Basel week.
These are incredibly convenient from the Pelican Hotel, sometimes even on the same block.