Best Art Museums in Miami: Explore the City’s Vibrant Art Scene

Miami is a city that is renowned for its art scene, and it is home to some of the best art museums in the world. Visitors to Miami will find a diverse range of museums, from contemporary art museums to museums dedicated to Latin American art. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which museums to visit.

One of the most popular art museums in Miami is the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). This museum is located in downtown Miami and features a collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world. The museum is known for its stunning architecture, which was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Visitors to PAMM can enjoy a variety of exhibitions, including works by local artists and traveling exhibitions from other museums.

Another must-visit museum in Miami is the Rubell Museum. This museum is located in the Allapattah neighborhood and features an impressive collection of contemporary art from around the world. The museum was founded by the Rubell family, who have been collecting art for over 50 years. The museum’s collection includes works by some of the most renowned contemporary artists, including Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Cindy Sherman.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Pérez Art Museum Miami, or PAMM, is a contemporary art museum located in Downtown Miami, Florida. The museum was established in 1984 as the Miami Art Museum and was later renamed Pérez Art Museum Miami in 2013 after receiving a significant donation from Jorge Pérez, a real estate developer and philanthropist.

PAMM is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. The museum’s collection includes over 2,000 works of art from around the world, with a focus on artists from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa.

The museum’s building was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2013. The building features a unique hanging garden that provides shade and natural cooling for the museum’s outdoor spaces. Inside, the museum has over 200,000 square feet of space, including galleries, a library, a shop, and a waterfront restaurant.

PAMM is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours, lectures, and workshops, for visitors of all ages.

Overall, Pérez Art Museum Miami is a must-visit destination for art lovers in Miami. With its impressive collection of contemporary art and stunning architecture, PAMM is a cultural gem in the heart of the city.

The Bass Museum of Art

The Bass Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts in Miami. Located in Miami Beach, the museum is housed in the former Miami Beach Public Library and Art Center, which was built in 1930. The museum’s permanent collection includes works of art from around the world, including European painting and sculpture from the 1400s to the present, contemporary art, and works by artists from the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

The Bass Museum of Art also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by both emerging and established artists. These exhibitions are often accompanied by educational programs, lectures, and events that allow visitors to engage with the art and learn more about the artists and their work.

One of the most notable features of the Bass Museum of Art is its stunning Art Deco architecture, which has been beautifully restored and preserved. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building to learn more about its history and design, or simply admire the intricate details and elegant lines of the building’s façade.

Overall, the Bass Museum of Art is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the arts in Miami. With its impressive collection of art from around the world, its engaging temporary exhibitions, and its beautiful Art Deco architecture, the museum offers something for everyone.

Rubell Family Collection

The Rubell Family Collection is one of the largest privately owned contemporary art collections in Miami. Founded in New York in 1964, the collection was relocated to Miami in 1993. The museum is a must-visit for art lovers and enthusiasts who want to explore contemporary art.

The Rubell Family Collection features a wide range of contemporary art, including works by famous artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Kehinde Wiley, and Keith Haring. The museum has a vast collection of nearly 7,200 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations.

The museum has a spacious gallery filled with contemporary art pieces that will leave you in awe. Visitors can spend a good hour walking through the space, exploring the various galleries that showcase the different art genres. The Jeff Koons room and a gallery filled largely with Richard Prince pieces are some of the highlights of this museum.

The Rubell Family Collection is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and admission fees are reasonable. The museum is a perfect destination for art lovers who want to explore contemporary art in Miami.

The Margulies Collection

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is a non-profit institution located in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami. The museum is housed in a retro-fitted warehouse spanning 50,000 square feet and presents seasonal exhibitions from the collection of renowned collector Martin Z. Margulies.

The museum features an impressive collection of contemporary art, photography, sculpture, and video installations. Visitors can expect to see works from prominent artists such as John Chamberlain, Willem de Kooning, and Richard Serra, among others.

Aside from its permanent collection, the Margulies Collection also hosts educational programs, special exhibitions, and international art events. The museum’s mission is to provide access to contemporary art and to promote cultural dialogue.

Visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the collection, and the museum is open to the public from Wednesday to Saturday. Admission fees are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children under 12.

Overall, the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is a must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience Miami’s vibrant art scene.

Institute of Contemporary Art

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA) is a contemporary art museum located in the Design District of Miami. The museum was founded in 2014 and has since become a popular destination for art enthusiasts.

One of the most notable aspects of the ICA is its commitment to showcasing emerging and underrepresented artists. The museum has a rotating collection of exhibitions that feature artists from all over the world, with a particular focus on Latin American and African diaspora artists.

The ICA’s permanent collection includes works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein, and Louise Bourgeois. The museum also has a robust program of events and educational initiatives, including lectures, workshops, and artist talks.

Visitors to the ICA can also take advantage of the museum’s Young Artists Initiative, a two-year program that connects young artists to the museum’s collection and the local arts community.

Overall, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art. With its commitment to showcasing emerging artists and its impressive permanent collection, the ICA is a valuable addition to Miami’s cultural landscape.

Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami

The Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) is a charming museum located at the intersection of NE 125th Street and NE Eighth Avenue in North Miami. It is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts who want to experience contemporary art at its best.

MOCA is known for its impressive collection of contemporary art, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which showcase a range of art forms, from painting and sculpture to video and installation art.

One of the museum’s most notable exhibitions is Into the Great Dying: Roles We Play by ceramicist Beatriz Chachamovits, which runs from July 7 to November 21, 2023. This exhibition is the final installation in a three-part series and is not to be missed.

In addition to its impressive collection, MOCA also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. Art On The Plaza: El Mundo Es Mágico by LIZN’BOW, a duo formed by Liz and Bow Tie, is a performance and video art exhibition that will run from June to August 2023. This exhibition promises to be a unique and immersive experience for visitors.

Overall, MOCA is a gem in the Miami art scene, offering visitors a chance to experience contemporary art in a friendly and welcoming environment.

De La Cruz Collection

The De La Cruz Collection is one of the most prominent contemporary art museums in Miami. It is located at 23 NE 41st Street, Miami, Florida, and is owned by the well-known Cuban-born American businessman Carlos de la Cruz and his wife Rosa. The museum was opened in 2009 and serves as an extension of the couple’s home where they have been sharing their passion for art, collecting, and education with the public for over 30 years.

The De La Cruz Collection is a privately funded museum that features a vast collection of contemporary art from some of the most renowned artists around the world. The museum offers free admission and is open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can expect to spend approximately 1-2 hours exploring the museum’s galleries and exhibitions.

The museum’s collection is known for its diversity and includes works from emerging and established artists such as Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Dan Flavin, and Richard Tuttle. The museum’s exhibitions change regularly, so visitors can expect to see something new and exciting every time they visit.

Apart from showcasing contemporary art, the De La Cruz Collection also provides lectures and annual scholarships for students at DASH and NWSA. The museum’s commitment to education and community outreach makes it an essential part of Miami’s cultural landscape.

In conclusion, the De La Cruz Collection is a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Miami. With its impressive collection of contemporary art, commitment to education, and free admission, it’s no surprise that the museum has become one of the most beloved cultural institutions in the city.

The Wolfsonian-FIU

The Wolfsonian-FIU is a museum, library, and research center located in the heart of the Art Deco District in Miami. It is an excellent place to visit for those interested in the persuasive power of art and design. The museum explores the inventive and provocative character of the modern world through objects and design.

The Wolfsonian-FIU has a vast collection of more than 200,000 objects that illustrate the evolution of design and art from the late 19th century to the present day. The collection contains a vast universe of ideas, including household appliances that sped the pace of work, designs that bridged cultures, architectural plans fueled by ambition, and propaganda that helped turn the tides of war.

The museum’s permanent collection is displayed on the fourth floor of the building, with temporary exhibitions on the third floor. The collection includes furniture, ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles, paintings, prints, posters, and photographs. The museum also has an extensive library with more than 50,000 books, periodicals, and ephemera related to the decorative arts, design, and material culture.

The Wolfsonian-FIU is not just a museum; it is also a research center that offers a variety of programs, including lectures, workshops, and symposia. The museum’s coffee bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the museum’s beautiful architecture. Overall, The Wolfsonian-FIU is an excellent place to visit for anyone interested in design, art, and the history of material culture.

Lowe Art Museum

The Lowe Art Museum is an integral part of the University of Miami, offering diverse audiences opportunities and resources for engaging with contemporary culture through 5,000 years of human creativity.

Located on the bustling University of Miami campus, the museum has been a source of delectation for UM students and the Coral Gables community. The Lowe is home to a well-rounded collection of art, including European, Asian, Native American, and African art, as well as contemporary art and photography.

The museum’s permanent collection features over 19,000 objects, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Frank Stella. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase works by emerging and established artists from around the world.

Visitors can enjoy a range of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours. The museum also offers a variety of resources for students and scholars, including research facilities and a library.

Overall, the Lowe Art Museum is a must-visit destination for art lovers and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Miami and beyond.

HistoryMiami Museum

The HistoryMiami Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate that showcases the history and culture of Miami and its diverse communities. The museum’s mission is to connect people by telling the stories of Miami’s individuals, places, and events that have shaped the city’s past and continue to shape its future.

The museum’s permanent collection includes more than 37,000 artifacts, photographs, and archival materials that document the history of Miami and its people. Visitors can explore exhibits that cover a range of topics, including the city’s early settlers, its role in the civil rights movement, and the impact of its diverse immigrant communities.

One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the “Miami Circle,” a prehistoric Native American artifact that was discovered in downtown Miami in 1998. The exhibit features a replica of the Miami Circle and provides information about the Tequesta people who created it.

In addition to its permanent collection, the HistoryMiami Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibits and special events throughout the year. The museum’s programs include lectures, workshops, and tours that offer visitors a deeper understanding of Miami’s history and culture.

Overall, the HistoryMiami Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Miami. With its engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and diverse programming, the museum provides a fascinating look into the city’s past and present.

Cuban Museum

The American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora is a cultural institution in Miami dedicated to showcasing and documenting the history, culture, and contributions of the Cuban diaspora through the arts and humanities. The museum features a vast collection of artwork, artifacts, and historical documents that tell the story of Cuban Americans and their impact on American society.

Visitors can explore the museum’s galleries, which are filled with paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artworks created by Cuban artists. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events that celebrate the rich heritage of the Cuban diaspora.

The Cuban Museum is conveniently located near the Vizcaya Metro Station and is easily accessible by public bus and City of Miami trolley. Street parking is also available for visitors who prefer to drive.

Military and veterans can contact the museum’s office for special discounts on admission fees. The museum is open from Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and visitors can expect to spend about 1-2 hours exploring its exhibits.

Overall, the Cuban Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Cuban Americans.

Museum of Art and Design at MDC

The Museum of Art and Design (MOAD) at Miami Dade College is a contemporary art museum located in the National Historic Landmark Freedom Tower in Downtown Miami. MOAD is acknowledged as one of the best art museums to visit in Miami, offering groundbreaking exhibitions and programs that aim to foster a reimagined Miami.

MOAD is dedicated to the exhibition of visual art and design. It features a diverse range of exhibitions, including contemporary art, design, and architecture. The museum has a collection of over 1,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Visitors can learn about the history of the Freedom Tower and its significance to Miami’s cultural heritage.

MOAD is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. The museum is wheelchair accessible and has a gift shop where visitors can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs.

Overall, the Museum of Art and Design at Miami Dade College is a must-visit for art enthusiasts visiting Miami. With its exceptional exhibitions and educational programs, MOAD offers a unique cultural experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Locust Projects

Locust Projects is a non-profit art exhibition space located in Miami, Florida. Since its inception in 1998, it has been Miami’s premier alternative art space, founded by artists for artists. Its mission is to cultivate experimental and ambitious new art and facilitate the exchange of ideas through commissioned exhibitions, artist residencies, summer art intensives for teens, and public programs focused on contemporary art and curatorial practice.

Locust Projects is known for being an incubator of new art and ideas. It has a reputation for showcasing experimental and boundary-pushing works, often by emerging artists. The space is designed to be flexible, allowing artists to create site-specific installations that respond to the unique architecture of the gallery. It is also a space for artists to take risks and experiment with new forms and techniques.

One of the unique features of Locust Projects is its commitment to supporting artists at all stages of their careers. It offers a range of programs and opportunities for artists, including residencies, commissions, and public programs. The summer art intensives for teens are also a popular program, providing young artists with the opportunity to work with professional artists and curators.

Locust Projects has a diverse range of exhibitions and programs throughout the year. Its upcoming exhibition, Eyes of the Skin by Jen Clay, is set to open on September 16, 2023. The artist talk and public reception are scheduled for September 23, 2023. Visitors can check their website for more information on current and upcoming exhibitions and events.

Overall, Locust Projects is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art and looking for something new and exciting. Its commitment to supporting artists and fostering experimentation and innovation makes it a vital part of Miami’s art scene.

Primary Projects

Primary Projects is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the Design District in Miami. The gallery showcases emerging and mid-career artists working in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations.

The gallery has a reputation for promoting local talent and fostering a sense of community within the Miami art scene. They frequently host events and exhibitions that bring together artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

One of the standout exhibitions at Primary Projects was “You Are Here,” a group show featuring works by six artists exploring the theme of place and identity. The exhibition included paintings, sculptures, and installations that challenged viewers to question their own sense of belonging.

In addition to their exhibitions, Primary Projects also offers a robust artist residency program, providing artists with studio space, materials, and support to create new work. The program has helped launch the careers of several successful artists, including Typoe, Andrew Nigon, and Jim Drain.

Overall, Primary Projects is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art in Miami. With its commitment to promoting emerging talent and fostering a sense of community, the gallery is a shining example of the friendly and vibrant art scene in the city.