As the doors opened yesterday on the largest and most important art fair in the world, Art Basel (Switzerland), the mood was buoyant as it looks like buyers have returned to the fray despite the still sluggish world economies. Nearly 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa are expected to show the wares of more than 2,500 artists. Vernissage TV was on hand to bring you a first look at the opening session in the video above.

As an added bonus, check out the video of Art Unlimited, the section of the fair dedicated to large-scale installations after the jump…