Miami is a worldwide destination for those seeking beaches and beautiful people, but this glorious corner of Florida is well-known as an arts and culture mecca as well. The internationally-acclaimed Art Basel festival held in Miami every December brings artists and adventurers from all around, but there's far more to the arts scene in Miami that's happening year-round. Check out the best museums in Miami as well as the area's galleries and arts organizations contributing to Miami's reputation as a city brimming with culture.
This sleek waterfront museum features modern and contemporary artworks by international artists as well as a restaurant, eclectic gift shop, and educational programs. Known as "Miami's flagship art museum," the Perez was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzong and de Meuron and features a stunning art garden with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Founded in 1984, this art museum is dedicated to representing Miami's plurality of communities.
Dating from the 1930's, this recently-renovated cultural icon in Miami Beach exhibits only the best international works by renowned artists. The Bass incorporates not only contemporary art but fashion, design, and architecture in its exhibits as well. Central to the Bass's mission statement, the art museum also maintains a vigorous arts education program, Creativity in the Community, focused on bringing art to families all around the Miami area and utilizing arts education in the early childhood stages of development.
Conveniently located on NE 125th Street in beautiful North Miami, the Museum of Contemporary Art is known for its provocative and innovative exhibitions and has an active events schedule. Thanks to a large endowment from a local philanthropic organization, MOCA is able to present several projects each year featuring emerging and experimental artists. The art museum also offers educational programs such as Contemporary Art Boot Camp and hands-on art classes for adults and teens.
Art Fusion Galleries in Miami's mesmerizing Wynwood Arts District is a stunning, 8,000 square-foot Chelsea-style gallery showcasing up-and-coming and established artists from all over the world. Dedicated to providing representation to artists as well as Miami's discerning art buyers, Art Fusion's exhibits are colorful and bursting with creativity through a variety of mediums. The art gallery also leases artwork for your home and office and is the perfect venue for sophisticated gala events.
Nestled in the center of the lush University of Miami campus, the Lowe Arts Museum has the most comprehensive collection of Renaissance and Baroque artwork in Miami. Founded in 1950, it's also Miami's oldest art museum and boasts a huge 17,500-piece collection among its many galleries. Lowe's newest wing, the Myrna and Sheldon Palley Pavilion for Contemporary Glass and Studio Arts, features an amazing glass collection worth over $3 million dollars with works by glassworking masters like Dale Chihuly, Richard Jolley, and more.
Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami
The ICA Miami is dedicated to promoting experimentation in contemporary art and presenting works by local and emerging innovative artists. With free admission every day, the ICA also stays true to its mission of making artistic excellence available for all. The Institute is also committed to educational and interactive art experience youth programs, community engagement, and nurturing a strong team of volunteers. Located in the heart of Miami's Design District, the ICA is convenient to both Downtown Miami and beaches.
As Miami becomes an even bigger player on the world stage, its vibrant arts scene continues to grow, and new artists and movements emerge every day. You can see how the city's arts scene continues to grow as well as classic artworks of the past at the best art museums in Miami!
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Cover photo courtesy of Flickr
