Discover Where the Art World Is Traveling This Summer

Casey Fremont, Executive Director, Art Production Fund 

“I’ll be spending the summer in Bridgehampton. It may not be exotic, but it is precisely what us New Yorkers who now live in L.A. crave. While the light of Southern California is extremely special, nothing compares to the light on the East End—and generations of artists would agree. I’m looking forward to visiting some of my favorite local institutions, like the Parrish Art Museum and the Dan Flavin Art Institute, and, of course, the beach. We will be at my family’s tiny farmhouse oasis. It’s where my husband and I were married and where my family spends late nights gathered around the porch table, engulfed in the sticky sea air. Sure, the Hamptons is overpriced, the traffic is insane, and people love to complain about it. But the area is beautiful and special, and it’s the quintessential summer on the East Coast.”

Frédéric Malle, Founder, Éditions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

“Since I was a child, I have spent every summer in Basque Country. It’s a world of its own, located between France and Spain. It could be where the expression ‘surf and turf’ came from, as you have long sandy beaches with huge waves framed by emerald-green mountains off the coast. Not only does it have an electrifying Atlantic climate, but it boasts extraordinary French and Spanish cuisine and is home to many of the most innovative Spanish restaurants, including Mugaritz. It is also a cultural destination filled with must-visit museums, such as the Guggenheim Bilbao, Museum of Fine Arts Bilbao, Musée Bonnat-Helleu, and the Chillida Leku sculpture park. We have a house with a view of the ocean on one side and on the other the famous La Rhune mountain. This is my yearly escape.”

David Alhadeff, Founder, The Future Perfect

“I believe that the quality of a summer vacation is commensurate with the amount of time you get to unwind and recharge; for me, that means being with family and friends. Sedona is a magical place—its breathtaking landscape invites a feeling of adventure and togetherness, be it on a hike, a canyoneering expedition, riding mountain bikes, or going off-roading. This contrasts with the tranquility it offers, with its expanses and ambient quiet that is perfectly suited to meditation, long yoga sessions, and soaking in the healing energy of a vortex. It’s also a place where Native American craft is deeply honored. My husband and I have a collection of kachinas, the carved figurines that represent the spirit beings of the Hopi religion. For all these reasons, Sedona is where I dream of buying a house and retiring one day.”

Cherine Magrabi Tayeb, Founder and Curator, House of Today 

“I will be visiting Château La Coste in Aix-en-Provence to see the first solo exhibition in France of Lebanese artist Nabil Nahas, who is exploring a subject matter very dear to my heart: Lebanon. With his composition of both vibrant and somber brushstrokes, Nahas reenvisions the aftermath of the horrific Beirut blast through cedar, olive, and palm trees native to the country. My first visit to Château La Coste caught me by surprise; I didn’t know what to expect. Within seconds of stepping onto the breathtaking winery grounds, I realized I was surrounded by art collections and architectural wonders that told a story even in silence. Louise Bourgeois, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Michael Stipe, Richard Serra, Tadao Ando, Renzo Piano, Frank Gehry, and Jean Nouvel were all at one time invited to explore their creativity on site. Being surrounded by such an abundance of cultural wealth truly inspires me. I could not be more proud to see a Lebanese artist’s work on display in such a magnificent setting.”

Rachel Lehmann, Cofounder, Lehmann Maupin

“This year, I am planning on traveling to the Greek island of Hydra, which is surrounded by the most beautiful and clear waters. Hydra still feels untouched and underdeveloped. It’s full of natural beauty, and its residents have done a fantastic job protecting its authenticity and folklore. There is no airport, high-rise buildings, or big hotels, so it welcomes a very intimate crowd that favors lifelong friendships. One of my excuses to visit is to catch up with Erwin Wurm, one of our artists, who built a beautiful home there, which he uses as a secondary studio. Greece has been a haven for many artists—from Erwin to Jack Whitten to Jannis Kounellis. It’s a place for contemplation and retreat but also a place that sparks many conversations about contemporary art, aesthetics, language, and design. It carries centuries of history and legacy but also remains humble and open to the new generations. It’s the perfect balance between old and new, austere and luxurious, artisanal and avant-garde.”

Joana Vasconcelos, Artist

“I’m traveling so much for work this year that I am hoping to stay put in Lisbon during the summer holidays. But next year, I would love to go back to the Taj Mahal in India. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that fills you with awe. Above all, it captures the true essence of art, its relationship with architecture, and is incredibly rich in detail. The Taj Mahal has been a big inspiration for my latest installation, Wedding Cake, which is an almost 40-foot-high sculptural pavilion that I am building at Waddesdon Manor in England. Many artists have their own impossible project, and this is mine. It is the most ambitious thing I have done. Just like the Taj Mahal, it’s a celebration of beauty and a temple to love. In India, one must take the opportunity to deep-dive into the local culture and experience the incredible artisanal skills and traditional craftsmanship all around.”

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2023 Summer Issue under the headline “Near and Far.” Subscribe to the magazine.