An Art Lover’s Guide to Miami in 24 Hours
Art aficionados need not wait for the annual Art Basel event to see world-class contemporary art in Miami. With a plethora of galleries, open-air art venues and modern museums, there’s plenty to indulge in during 24 hours in the Magic City. Here’s our round up of the must-visit art and dining locales for total cultural immersion.
Pérez Art Museum Miami
Perched on the edge of Biscayne Bay, the PAMM houses international contemporary works from the 20th and 21st centuries. From art installations to paintings, the collections serve South Florida’s diverse and multicultural background. Wander the three-story structure to explore the art and absorb the architecture. The building, designed by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, boasts an innovative canopy sustained by columns decorated with hanging tropical plants that transform the space into a lush garden.
Insider Tip: Admission is free every first Thursday and second Saturday of the month. Ride the free Miami-Dade Metromover and get off at Museum Park Station located directly across from the museum. You can also enter code PAMM on the Lyft app to save $5 off your first four rides.
PAMM, 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 375 3000
Institute of Contemporary Art
Opening their new home on December 1 within the Miami Design District, the ICA Miami is the setting for total artistic immersion. The space will exhibit contemporary sculptures, installations, and paintings, while also giving visitors a chance to exchange ideas through their weekly events. Attend their artist meet-and-greets and thought-provoking lectures led by specialists in their field discussing subjects on technological innovation and societal issues. The museum is free to the public.
Insider Tip: Plan ahead to attend one of their events on the calendar as it is required to R.S.V.P.
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami,4040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 901 5272
Rubell Family Collection
Head to Wynwood for a tour of the impressive Rubell Family Foundation. Housed in a 45,000 square-foot space that was once used as a Drug Enforcement Agency confiscated goods facility (during the ’80s crime-ridden Miami), the foundation boasts a rich collection of contemporary works by over 800 artists. See works by icons like Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, and Yayoi Kusama. The art foundation also features a public research library, hosts lectures, and is one of the biggest privately-owned museums in North America.
Rubell Family Collection, 95 NW 29th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 573 6090
Verde
Pop out of the PAMM for a break at Verde. Appropriately named “Green” in Spanish, you can get your healthy fix with their selection of salads—or indulge in some Italian pasta. The menu is surprisingly affordable and the restaurant offers a stunning view of Biscayne Bay without having to leave the museum grounds.
Insider Tip: Catch the fresh breeze of the bay and views of the Museum Park by sitting outdoors.
Verde,1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 375 8282
OTL
If you’re visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art, you need not stray too far for a coffee break. Located within the Miami Design District, this stylish café boasts a minimalist flair with its pastel color palette and Nordic furniture. Grab a stool inside or dine al fresco to enjoy an avocado toast with a dose of chic people-watching.
Insider Tip: Bloggers are recommended to bring their cameras—the space is an Instagram magnet.
OTL, 160 NE 40th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 953 7620
Markowicz Fine Art
The Markowicz Fine Art gallery stirs the imagination with a collection of audacious modern art. Wedged in the heart of the fashionable Miami Design District, the three-story gallery features works by legendary artists like Andy Warhol and Fernando Botero, and budding international street artists like Kaï—famous for his thematic stick figures. The eclectic variety of modern sculptures and vibrant paintings make it a must-see for serious art collectors, as well as for curious visitors looking for a dose of inspiration and entertainment.
Markowicz Fine Art, 110 NE 40th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 308 6398
Wynwood Walls
Wynwood Walls’ bold murals full of personality captivate the soul of Miami’s budding art scene and is a major point of interest for those seeking to discover the city’s urban street art. Lined with windowless warehouses covered in graffiti art, these walls serve as a life-size canvas for dozens of artists from all across the globe. The open-air space is free to the public and is nestled in the heart of the trendy Wynwood neighborhood, amid a bustling nightlife and restaurants.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss Wynwood Artwalk every second Saturday of the month. The event is a free neighborhood block party decked with eclectic food trucks and live music.
Wynwood Walls, 2520 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, USA, +1 305 531 4411
Mister Block Café
Cross the strip of NW 2nd Avenue to this hidden little gem within Wynwood. Mister Block Café is a perfect pit stop for an espresso or sweet snack while you mingle with locals. Decorated in an edgy black-and-white interior with zigzag patterned tiles, the café sells baked goods and delicious lattes with an indoor and outdoor setting.
Mister Block Café, 2621 NW 2nd Ave, Space #22, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 451 0245
KYU
Located directly behind Wynwood Walls, KYU is one of the most stylish new additions to the neighborhood. The Asian-inspired hotspot promises a tasty menu with global flavors and a fun atmosphere, all dolled up within a strikingly sexy dark interior. Exotic and enticing, this is a cool hang out spot to kick back a few drinks after a long day of sightseeing.
Insider Tip: Happy Hour is Tuesday–Saturday from 4:30–7:30 p.m.
KYU,251 NW 25th St, Miami, FL, USA, +1 786 577 0150
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