Art Basel Miami Events: An Elevated Week at ORO & Elixir

art basel miami events

As the city fills with galleries, collectors, and creatives, Art Basel Miami events bring an electric energy to South Beach. ORO, a high‑end restaurant and rooftop lounge on Lincoln Road, sits just minutes from the Miami Beach Convention Center, where Art Basel’s flagship fair draws more than 280 galleries from over 40 countries. 

During Art Basel and Miami Art Week, our culinary and cocktail teams curate a series of experiences that mirror the fair’s artistry: a collaborative six‑course tasting, nightly live‑painting performances, and late‑night DJ sets at our upstairs lounge, Elixir. This guide will help you plan an evening that pairs the art fair’s intensity with ORO’s refinement.

Miami art basel events

ORO’s Art Basel Week: Chef Collaboration & Live‑Art Evenings

Art Basel fills Miami with creativity and energy, and at ORO, the evenings take on a distinct sense of beauty and intention. 

Throughout the week, our dining room becomes a setting for collaboration, live creation, and unforgettable culinary experiences shaped for this extraordinary moment in the city.

Two-Night Collaboration: ORO × The Noortwyck — Six-Course Tasting (Dec 3–4, 8 PM)

For two nights only, ORO hosts Chef Andrew Quinn of The Noortwyck for an Art Basel collaboration with our Executive Chef Victor Muñoz. This six-course tasting guides guests through a progression of internationally inspired dishes, each crafted with intention and a quiet sense of luxury:

  • Bluefin Tuna with pear, yuzu, and anchovy

  • Wagyu Monaka crowned with Ossetra caviar and shiso

  • Rigatoni Fra’diavolo with red shrimp and uni butter

  • Hokkaido Scallop with sunchoke and horseradish

  • Wagyu Wellington, baked to a golden crescendo

  • Coffee & Donuts; espresso sorbet, malted cream, and black-and-white doughnuts

The experience begins at 8 PM on December 3 and 4, with very limited modifications and only a handful of seats available. We encourage early reservations and recommend arriving by 7:45 PM to settle into the rooftop dining room as the sun sets over Miami Beach.

Elegant attire is suggested; a business-casual dress code helps preserve the elevated ambiance.

Live Painting at ORO: Niko Nikolaidis — Thursday, Dec 4, 9 PM

Greek‑American painter Niko Nikolaidis brings a striking combination of color and form to our dining room. 

His pieces juxtapose classical technique with contemporary abstraction. Suggested pairings: start with a glass of Champagne and oysters, follow with Hokkaido scallop, and finish with sorbet. A zero‑proof pairing flight is also available for those seeking refined non‑alcoholic options.

Live Painting at ORO: Michel Velasquez — Friday, Dec 5, 9 PM

On Friday, Michel Velasquez channels urban energy into his street‑inflected canvases. Think bold strokes, vibrant textures, and subtle references to Miami’s street art scene. 

For parties of four or more, we recommend a sharable path that feels both indulgent and effortless: begin with the Caviar Bump, follow with White Truffle Pomme Frites and their fried-egg aioli, add a round of Oysters dressed in michelada mignonette, and anchor the table with Twice-Fried Brussels Sprouts or Passionfruit Crudo.

A chilled bottle of grower Champagne completes the moment.

Live Painting at ORO: Margarita Howis — Saturday, Dec 6, 9 PM

Rounding out the trilogy, Margarita Howis paints a contemporary vision with airy lines and luminous color. This closing‑night crescendo invites guests to explore a tasting progression that balances richness and clarity.

For dessert‑first enthusiasts, a playful finale of seasonal desserts and digestifs will set the stage for your transition upstairs.

Event Summary Table

Event Table
Event Dates & Time Highlights Booking
ORO × The Noortwyck Collaboration Dinner Dec 3–4 • 8 PM Six-course tasting (Bluefin Tuna, Wagyu Monaka, Rigatoni Fra’diavolo, Hokkaido Scallop, Wagyu Wellington, Coffee & Donuts) Limited availability; reserve your table early
Niko Nikolaidis Live Painting Dec 4 • 9 PM Classical-meets-contemporary painting accompanied by Champagne and seafood pairings Reserve dinner for 5:45–7:00 PM, then transition to performance
Michel Velasquez Live Painting Dec 5 • 9 PM Street-inflected artwork, sharable menus, and Champagne service Ideal for groups of 4+; business-casual attire
Margarita Howis Live Painting Dec 6 • 9 PM Contemporary, luminous painting with dessert-focused pairings Final night of live art; book a late seating
Art basel miami 2025 events

Elixir: ORO’s Upstairs Cocktail Lounge — Late-Night Bites & Cocktails (10 PM – 4 AM)

Hidden above our dining room, Elixir redefines Miami nightlife with a seductive mix of mystique, craft, and elegance. The lounge opens at 10 PM and stays open until 4 AM Thursday through Saturday. 

With velvet seating, golden shadows, and a sound system tuned for intimacy, Elixir hosts world‑class DJs and curated performances for Basel’s discerning crowd. Tables are extremely limited, and our business‑casual dress code (no T‑shirts, shorts, or athletic wear) preserves the upscale ambiance.

Elixir Presents: Art Department — Thursday, Dec 4 (Late Night)

On December 4, Art Department takes over Elixir for a deep‑house set that feels tailor‑made for Art Basel. The energy shifts from the fair’s daylight hustle to late‑night intimacy as the duo spins to a smaller crowd. 

Velvet seating, golden lighting, and a room‑tailored sound system create a luxurious nightlife experience. Tables may be reserved in general or VIP sections; email booking@goldenerahospitality.com for help securing your spot.

Elixir Presents: Guy Gerber — Friday, Dec 5 (Late Night)

Friday’s lineup brings Guy Gerber, whose melodic techno sets have headlined festivals worldwide. Like Thursday’s party, this performance pairs Art Basel’s artistry with Elixir’s intimacy. Tables remain limited and must be booked in advance. Our dress code applies, ensuring guests arrive polished and well‑tailored. 

Pair your evening with Elixir’s signature cocktails, such as the Original Sin (crisp apple vodka soda) or the Elixir cocktail layered with Grey Goose, orange wine, and oolong tea.

How to Plan Your Basel Evening with ORO & Elixir (Seamless Timing)

Art Week schedules can be dizzying. Here is a suggested timeline to help you savor both the fair and our programming.

A Perfect Night, Step-by-Step

  • 5:45–7:00 PM – Join us for happy hour on select evenings (Tuesday through Thursday) and enjoy oysters, caviar, or shishito peppers. This time window allows you to relax and enjoy an early dinner before the crowds.

  • 8:00 PM – On December 3–4, attend the six‑course ORO × The Noortwyck dinner. Otherwise, dine at 8:00 PM to allow time for dessert and conversation.

  • 9:00 PM – Transition into the live‑painting performance or linger over coffee, digestifs, and dessert.

  • 11:00PM–4:00AM – Glide upstairs to Elixir. Secure lounge seating (bottle service available upon request) and sip a signature nightcap while world‑class DJs take the stage.

Reservation & Arrival Essentials

  • Book early: ORO’s Art Basel events sell out quickly. Reserve your table for the tasting menu, live‑painting dinners, and lounge seating through our website or by calling our concierge. Limited lounge allotments are released after midnight.

  • Dress the part: Business‑casual attire (no T‑shirts, shorts, or athletic wear) is required for both ORO and Elixir. Dress shorts may be allowed for gentlemen at the doorman’s discretion.

  • Consider traffic and parking: The Miami Beach Convention Center offers valet and self‑parking, and an on-site 800‑space garage charges a flat fee. Allow extra time for traffic around South Beach and consider ride‑shares if you plan to stay late.

  • Perfect party size: Our dining room accommodates pairs, fours, and small salons. For groups of eight or more, consider a semi‑private lounge area or call ahead for tailored pacing.

Beyond the Plate: Other Art Basel Miami Events & Culture Nearby

While ORO and Elixir provide a gastronomic and nightlife anchor, the wider Miami Art Week offers dozens of fairs and cultural experiences. 

Beyond the art world, Miami offers beaches, boutique shopping, architectural gems, and atmospheric neighborhoods that invite you to explore the city in your own rhythm. 

Here are some experiences to consider as you plan your week.

The Fairs & Installations (Anchor Experiences)

  • Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec 3–7): The crown jewel of Miami Art Week draws over 280 galleries from more than 40 countries. VIP previews and the vernissage take place December 3–4, with public days December 5–7 (11 AM–6 PM). Ticket options include first‑access ($105), day tickets ($88), and reduced day tickets ($68).

  • Art Miami & CONTEXT (Dec 2–7): Miami’s original contemporary art fair features modern and 20th‑century works. First View and VIP previews occur on December 2, followed by public access December 2–7. CONTEXT Art Miami focuses on emerging and mid‑career artists with VIP previews on December 2 and public hours December 3–7.

  • Design Miami (Dec 2–7): Celebrating its 21st edition, Design Miami explores design innovation under the theme “Make. Believe.”. Members’ and collectors’ previews occur on December 2, followed by the VIP preview on December 3 and public hours from December 3–7.

  • Untitled Art, NADA & Pinta: Untitled Art on the beachfront, NADA at Ice Palace Studios, and Pinta Miami (the only fair specializing in Latin American art) each offer curated presentations and emerging voices. Pinta’s VIP preview is December 3, with public hours December 4–7.

  • Scope & Fridge: Scope Miami Beach convenes art, wellness, and hospitality with platinum previews on December 2 and public days on December 3–7. Fridge Art Fair embraces a playful, dog‑friendly ethos with free admission and multiple locations.

Museums & Immersive Spaces (Day-to-Night Harmony)

After exploring the fairs, extend your cultural journey. The Bass Museum in Collins Park presents contemporary exhibitions within walking distance of the convention center. Across Biscayne Bay, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and Superblue Miami offer immersive installations and modern art collections.

In the Design District, boutique galleries and ICA Miami blend high fashion and contemporary art. For an open‑air interlude, stroll along Collins Avenue to view public art and façade projections before your reservation.

FAQs: Art Basel Miami Events at ORO & Elixir

What Are ORO’s Art Basel Miami Events This Year?

ORO presents a six-course collaboration dinner with The Noortwyck on December 3–4, followed by live-painting evenings with Niko Nikolaidis, Michel Velasquez, and Margarita Howis from December 4–6. These Art Basel Miami events continue upstairs at Elixir with Art Department on December 4 and Guy Gerber on December 5 this year.

Is There A Late-Night Option After Miami Beach Art Basel Events?

Elixir, our cocktail lounge above ORO, offers a refined after-hours destination from 10 PM–4 AM Thursday through Saturday, complementing the energy of Art Basel Miami 2025 events. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, curated sound, and elevated bites, creating a seamless transition from evening exhibitions to late-night indulgence for discerning guests.

How Far In Advance Should I Reserve During Miami Art Week?

We encourage reserving as early as possible, especially during peak Miami Art Basel events. The collaboration dinners and live-painting evenings have very limited seating, and lounge tables upstairs at Elixir fill quickly. Early planning ensures your preferred timing, smooth pacing, and a relaxed arrival during one of Miami’s memorable weeks.

Where Else Should I Go Around Art Basel Events In Miami That Pair Well With Dinner?

Pair dinner at ORO with nearby cultural highlights during Miami events during Art Basel: the main fair at the Convention Center, Design Miami, or a daytime visit to PAMM or the Design District. After exploring, return for an elegant evening downstairs before drifting to Elixir for late-night cocktails afterwards.

Do You Host Groups Or Special Celebrations During Art Basel Miami Events?

Our team creates seamless celebrations during Art Basel events in Miami, arranging elegant seating, Champagne service, and thoughtful pacing for groups. It doesn’t matter if you prefer an intimate dinner, a semi-private lounge setting, or a full evening that moves between ORO and Elixir; we tailor every detail beautifully here.

A Golden Interlude Amid Art Basel Miami Events

Art Basel week is a whirlwind of creativity. At ORO and Elixir, we create a golden interlude where art meets appetite and nightlife becomes an extension of the fair. In the rooftop dining room and the hidden lounge above, every detail, including lighting, music, and plating, is shaped to mirror the artistry moving across Miami. 

Guests consistently praise ORO as one of the city’s most memorable dining experiences, noting the precision of our service, the elegance of the atmosphere, and the way each dish feels both thoughtful and transportive. These reviews reflect our commitment to crafting an evening that lingers long after it ends. 

Ready to experience one of the best fine dining restaurants in Miami? At ORO, we offer an extraordinary culinary journey, blending international flavors with a refined, innovative touch. From our globally inspired international menu and curated beverage program to the elegant ambiance that defines upscale dining in Miami, ORO is more than just a restaurant; it’s a destination. 

Join us for rooftop brunch on Sundays, 12 to 5 PM, where chef-led stations meet bottomless champagne. Stop in midweek for a happy hour that’s anything but ordinary, Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 7:30 PM.

Reserve your table now and see why ORO is the top choice for those seeking a luxury dining experience in Miami. Follow us on Instagram for a preview of the experience.

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