Looking for activities to do in Miami while on vacation? Cruising along Ocean Drive for a closer look at the art deco structures, riding Citi Bikes down Collins Avenue, and working out at Lummus Park are worthwhile activities.
Beyond the glamour and glam of South Beach, the Magic City has a lot to offer, from designer districts to gallery-filled Miami neighborhoods. If you appreciate colorful, thought-provoking, and meaningful works of art, consider a vacation Miami delivers that few other cities can.
Art Basel Miami Beach
The centerpiece of art culture in the city is Art Basel Miami Beach. This is a world-famous, international art fair staged annually in only three cities; Basel, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and Miami Beach, Florida. Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the nation and the world visit Miami each year. North American, Latin American, European, Asian, Australian, and African art galleries exhibit notable work by masters of modern and contemporary art. Art Basel Miami Beach is held in early December, a terrific time to visit South Florida. Prime luxury and short-term rental accommodations go quickly, so make plans early.
At Art Basel, what collections will be on display?
The following are examples of some of the city’s world-famous private and public collections that guests will have the opportunity to view:
- ‘Impulse, Reason, Sense, Conflict/Abstract Art in the Ella Fontanals-Cisneros Collection,’ an exhibition organized by the Cisneros Fontanals Art Foundation (CIFO), will include pieces that will be 1s4hown for the first time at the CIFO Art Space.
- ‘Beneath The Surface’ will include art by Félix González-Torres, Wade Guyton, Rob Pruitt, Dana Schutz, and Kelley Walker, among others, at the de la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space.
- The Warehouse’s Margulies Collection will commemorate its 15th anniversary with an exhibition of work by internationally known artists.
- ‘Collection Overview/50 Years of Marriage’ will be presented by the Rubell Family Collection.
- In addition to two concurrent solo exhibitions by Beatriz Milhazes and Geoffrey Farmer, the Pérez Art Museum Miami will display work by Mario Garcia Torres.
- ‘RAW: Klara Kristalova’ will debut at the Norton Museum of Art.
- ‘Myth and Machine: The First World War in Visual Culture’ will be presented by the Wolfsonian-FIU.
- ‘One Way: Peter Marino’ will be displayed at the Bass Museum of Art.
- The NSU Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale will host the exhibition ‘Café Dolly: Picabla, Schnabel, Willumsen.’
Each year, more than 70,000 visitors make their way to Miami Beach to see the more than 250 of the most famous galleries from around the globe that are participating.
Wynwood Murals
The Wynwood Murals, also known as the Wynwood Walls, are a collection of works by some of the world’s most famous graffiti and street artists. Take advantage of the terrific South Florida weather by visiting this outdoor exhibit that will leave an impression. Admission is free, and it is sure to check on the variety of music and festival-related events tied to the display.
This outdoor “gallery” of artwork by graffiti painters and muralists that stretches over warehouses and store exteriors is known as Miami’s most Instagrammed area. It is a beautiful contrast to Miami’s museums due to its reputation as Miami’s most Instagrammed place. And you may make a quick stop there.
It will only take around twenty minutes to see all of the art shown at Wynwood Walls, including murals painted by Shepard Fairey. This artist developed the “Hope” poster that was used to promote Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. It is a minimal outdoor area, which makes it easy to explore, and there are a lot of benches and rocks to sit on while you are there so that you can take everything in while you are there. The Walls have only just implemented a new ticket policy, which states that entry for adults is $10, and admission for students is $5. Admittance for children under 12 is free.
Modern Art Museums
Enthusiasts of modern and contemporary art will appreciate Miami’s wide selection of museums dedicated to the art form.
The Perez Art Museum of Miami, or PAMM, is the first museum in Miami to embrace modern and contemporary art as its specialty. The building itself is a work of art, reflecting the city’s diverse culture.
Visitors will also want to place The Bass Museum of Art on their agenda. This museum features a portion of the original Bass collection and traveling exhibits from around the world. In addition, the Bass Museum of Art places a strong emphasis on education and art’s impact on personal growth.
North Miami’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) combines the works of masters along with emerging artists. At any time, you’ll find over 600 pieces on permanent display along with temporary exhibits that change about every six weeks.
Coconut Grove and the Design District
The Design District originated as a one-square-mile assemblage of European and American interior design stores north of Wynwood near Miami’s downtown. Later, it added a dozen fine-art galleries and chic cafés like Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink to its portfolio. (Be sure to save space for pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith’s creative sweets!)
With longer business hours, the area offers a Second Saturday Art Walk. In addition, coconut Grove, located south of downtown, has a pedestrian-friendly town center with trendy shops and hosts the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February, one of the best outdoor events in the United States.
Other Art Museums
Take in the culture of Miami while expanding your art experience beyond contemporary and modern pieces with a visit to The Lowe Art Museum. This is the centerpiece of the University of Miami which traces its history back to 1950. Since then, the museum has amassed an impressive 17,000 pieces, including paintings by Claude Monet, Medieval manuscripts, African sculptures from 500 BC, and more.
Miami is also home to the most extensive private gallery in the world. The Nader Art Centre spans about 55,000 square feet. It includes Nader’s collection, featuring a sculpture park and an exhibition gallery.
Experience the Art & Culture of Miami
Miami is undeniably an artistic and culturally rich city. There is something for everyone to enjoy with many different museums, galleries, and outdoor artworks. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, modern art, or ancient artifacts, you’ll be sure to find it all in Miami. So plan your visit to South Florida today. Check out our latest deals on vacation rentals in Miami, South Beach vacation rentals, penthouse for rent Miami, or short-term rentals Miami beach.