Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League trophy sat inside the Qatar Lounge at Art Basel in Basel this week. It was one of several draws at a space that Qatar Sports Investments and QC+ ran with Qatar Airways, and which has now closed its run in Switzerland.
The organizers said the lounge drew collectors, galleries, artists and cultural figures, and was used to talk up the next Art Basel Qatar. Food, design and hospitality shared the floor with artist collaborations.
What was on
The programme was a run of small events rather than one big show. Wassan Al-Khudhairi held a meet-and-greet. Spanish artist Edgar Plans presented a limited-edition line of jerseys and posters, part of a continuing project between Qatar Sports Investments, Paris Saint-Germain and Art Basel. A reception for Art Basel’s Discovery Program gathered international lifestyle collectors.
Kirstin Mearns, CEO of QC+, said the lounge “provided an important platform to engage directly with the international art community.” She tied it to the first Art Basel Qatar, held earlier this year: “Our presence in Basel helps continue that momentum, deepen relationships with collectors, galleries, artists, and cultural partners, and build anticipation for the fair’s second edition in Doha in January 2027.”
Doha dates
That second edition runs 28 to 30 January 2027, with Preview Days on 26 and 27 January. Qatar Sports Investments and QC+ are presenting partners again, and Qatar Airways is the fair’s Premium Partner.
Art Basel Qatar describes its aim as supporting the regional art market through an annual fair and year-round programming that links galleries, artists, collectors, institutions and audiences from the Global South and beyond.
Sources
- Qatar Lounge Concludes Its Presence at Art Basel in Switzerland
- Qatar Lounge Concludes Successful Engagement at Art Basel in Switzerland – Business Arabia
