On 9th June 2009, Art40 opened the doors to the public. The halls of Messe Basel were literally flooded with people. While celebs like Brad Pitt, Karl Lagerfeld and Pharell Williams honored the fair in the afternoon with their presence, the evening was dedicated to the commoners.

Close to 300 galleries are displaying contemporary art works. From gigantic pieces in Art Unlimited to classics like Mirò, Picasso, Warhol in Art Edition, the number of works is, like every year, astounding. During the three hours of the vernissage, it is thus not surprising, that only a quick look here and there must do.

There are lots of great and hallucinating pieces and, of course, also a lot of crap, but it’s a walk in a glittering world of its own. Basel really has become the art capital of the world yesterday. And it will be for four days more.