When visiting Miami this area is definitely worth adding to your list. It's literally a graffiti…read morefilled street art open air gallery filled with colorful, creative works on every corner and alleyway. They're plenty of eateries and shops to step inside and cool off and recharge along the way. You can easily spend half and day just taking it all in. They also offer guided tours but we chose to experience it at our pace. If staying downtown or just passing through this would defined be a must do to get a glimpse of the Miami culture, food and vibe. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

During my previous two visits to Miami, I'm not sure why I never made it here. While researching…read morenew places for this trip, the moment I saw a picture of Wynwood Walls, I knew I had to experience it in person. It is a world-renowned outdoor museum featuring, massive, constantly rotating, and vibrant street art from global artists. Founded in 2009, this walkable, family-friendly destination is surrounded by over 70 art galleries, boutiques, and cafes in the Wynwood Arts District. Wynwood is the street art district of Miami and possibly the most colourful neighbourhood in the world. Every single wall is a new experience. The talent, the detail and the bright, bold colors - amazing! Wynwood is a neighborhood just north of Downtown Miami and in between the two freeway bridges to South Beach. It was an industrial area for years, but developers revamped the place and now the warehouse buildings draw tourists in from all over the world to see the beautiful art. It was previously known as Little San Juan (El Barrio) because many people from Puerto Rico lived there, but since the area has been gentrified, it is less so. Parking: my suggestion, Park at 'Artem Apartments Garage/ Premium Parking - P2515' and walk 10 minutes.

I of the Spiral is a mural created in 2022 by artist Viktor El-Saieh. El-Saieh was born in 1988 in…read morePort au Prince, Haiti. He holds a BA in international affairs from the University of Miami and studied painting at the André Pierre studio in Port-au-Prince. His three solo exhibitions were held at Central Fine Gallery, Miami Beach, Ghetto Biennale, Port-au-Prince and the David Castillo Gallery, Miami. His work is part of the collections of the Institute of Contemporary Art and Pérez Art Museums in Miami. He lives and works in Denver. I of the Spiral was commissioned by Miami Worldcenter as part of its 5 million dollar Worldcenter public art program outdoor museum. Miami Worldcenter is a 27 acre, 4 billion dollar mixed use center with retail, luxury condos, hotels, public art and restaurants. It one of the largest private real-estate developments in the United States. The outdoor art museum is overseen by art dealer Jeffrey Deitch and Primary, a Miami-based curatorial collective that focuses on public art. This public art program was unveiled during Miami Art Week and the 20th anniversary of Art Basel Miami Beach. All of the art work chosen by Deitch depicts people so the viewer can relate and connect to the artwork. I of the Spiral features women draped in white dancing around a drum circle in the mangroves. Mermaids wave and manatees swim as stars and leaves swirl through the air and an alligator grins. About this art work, El-Saieh said "I of the Spiral can be understood conceptually through the lens of magic and compositionally through the shape of a spiral. The landscapes and figures represented in this design reflect a tendency toward belief in the supernatural, or the metaphysical, as well as the sometimes chaotic interdependency of forms that exist in this world. A world which is imaginary, but inspired by real life nonetheless. This work also reflects an attempt to map that which appears to be chaotic. But it should only be seen as one point, of many, in the expanse of the spiral. In this sense, the setting and symbols can also be viewed as a portrait of a place - a magical place - at a very specific, yet undefined, moment in time." Miami can always use a little more magic. I love the theme and how the colorful mural brightens up the building facade and the street.

Dogs and Cats Walkway & Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor art exhibit located in Downtown, Miami…read more This part of Miami has views overlooking Biscayne Bay & is near Perez Art Museum. Opened in Feb. 2023, this art installation in Maurice A. Ferre Park showcases various cats & dog sculptures created by local artists. Dogs and Cats Walkway & Sculpture Gardens is a one-acre area that consists of 52 "Aluminum - Based" vibrant, colorful, & whimsical Cat & Dog Sculptures. The garden has gorgeous greenery, flowers, plants, etc. Artists Marta Echazarreta, Edgar Gutierrez, Rafael Carabano, & many others have their sculptures displayed & the designs, details on various sculptures celebrate / honor animals, animal-lovers & well as aspects of Miami. Dogs and Cats Walkway & Sculpture Gardens is free & is open 7 days a week - 7am - 10pm. bayfrontparkmiami.com There is a YouTube Channel - view the artists videos to learn more about their background stories & inspiration behind their cat & dog sculptures / masterpieces.

Such a unique and fun trail with works of Art. We also went…read moreto The Art Museum and enjoyed the trail more! Fun, playful and yet lots of work went into each piece on the trail of dogs and cats.

If you have ever been to downtown Miami, the Freedom Tower looms large as an iconic landmark. But…read moredo you know its history? Come along with me as we check it out. Admission is normally $18 for adults, but on the first weekend of each month, Bank of America account holders can visit for free through the Museums on Us program. You can also park for free in the Miami Dade College Wolfson Campus Garage, located just a block from the tower. The story of the Freedom Tower begins with James Middleton Cox, a former Ohio congressman, governor, and presidential candidate who came to Miami in 1923. He built the tower in 1925 to house his newly purchased newspaper, The Miami Daily News and Metropolis, which later became The Miami News. With 17 floors, the tower became Miami's first skyscraper. It was designed by the prestigious New York architectural firm Schultze and Weaver, which also designed the Waldorf Astoria New York, The Breakers, and the Hotel Sevilla-Biltmore. The Miami News Tower was modeled after the Giralda bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville in Spain. It was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, which was popular during Florida's land boom years of the 1920's. In 1957, Miami News moved out of the tower. From 1962 to 1974, it was the home of the Cuban Refugee Center, which opened following the Cuban Revolution. Enacted during President John F. Kennedy's administration, the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962 authorized aid for the large number of Cubans fleeing the island in search of political asylum. The U.S. government leased the building to process, document, and provide medical and dental care for the influx of Cuban exiles. During this period, the building became known as "El Refugio" ("The Refuge"), or the Freedom Tower. Nicknamed the "Ellis Island of the South," the Freedom Tower became a symbol of hope and freedom for those seeking democracy. After the refugee center closed, the tower was sold, fell into neglect, and was nearly demolished. Community leaders stepped in to save it, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In 1997, the tower was purchased by Jorge Mas Canosa, founder and leader of the Cuban American National Foundation. He passed away only two months after purchasing the building, but his family continued with his restoration plans. In 2004, they sold the tower to another Cuban American family, the Pedro Martin family. In 2005, the building was donated to Miami Dade College, the largest Hispanic-serving institution of higher education in the United States. The tower was designated a National Historic Landmark on October 6, 2008. In July 2025, the Freedom Tower celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of the centennial celebration, the tower underwent significant renovations, including several new exhibits. These include Libertad, a permanent exhibition on the first and second floors that tells the story of how Miami was shaped by immigration through digital installations, personal testimonials, and historic artifacts. Another exhibit, El Refugio in Context, examines the Freedom Tower's role as a Cuban Refugee Center during the 1960s. One room has been recreated to look as it did when the tower served as a Cuban processing center. Another exhibit, Unidad: The World's Game, was created by the FIFA Museum and showcases how soccer, or fútbol, inspires and connects billions of people around the world. Visitors can explore historic artifacts, interactive stations, and immersive installations. I expect this exhibit to be especially popular when the FIFA World Cup comes to Miami in June. The tournament is the most prestigious competition in international soccer, bringing together the world's best men's national teams every four years to compete for the sport's highest honor. I also enjoyed viewing Languages of Migration in the Kislak Center. This exhibition explores global migration through rare maps, colonial-era artifacts, and contemporary art. The Freedom Tower is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I very much enjoyed my visit and highly recommend adding this historic landmark to any itinerary that includes downtown Miami. The exhibits bring Miami's rich history to life. Freedom is not free, and the tower stands as a powerful reminder of that through the stories and memories of those who have left their mark on this important cultural landmark.

Such a beautiful space. Went to and event for the Miami film festival and didnt know what to expect…read morewhen I walked in. The decor was minimal but beautiful. Very spacious and parking was very easy

R&R is a mural created in 2022 by artist Nina Chanel Abney, an African American contemporary artist…read moreand painter. Abney was born in Illinois and currently works out of New York. She received an MFA in 2007 from the Chicago Art Institute and the Parsons School of Design. Abney is best known for colorful graphic large-scale paintings. Race, gender, pop culture, homophobia, and politics are common themes in her work. In September 2018, Abney curated a group exhibition highlighting current socio-political issues at the Jeffery Deitch gallery entitled Punch. The exhibition called upon current socio-political issues and featured art by Abney herself and some of her close friends. R&R was commissioned by Miami Worldcenter as part of its 5 million dollar Worldcenter public art program outdoor museum. Miami Worldcenter is a 27 acre, 4 billion dollar mixed use center with retail, luxury condos, hotels, public art and restaurants. It one of the largest private real-estate developments in the United States. The outdoor art museum is overseen by art dealer Jeffrey Deitch and Primary, a Miami-based curatorial collective that focuses on public art. This public art program was unveiled during Miami Art Week and the 20th anniversary of Art Basel Miami Beach. All of the art work chosen by Deitch depicts people so the viewer can relate and connect to the artwork. R&R uses graphic figures, bold color planes, and musical notes inspired by Overtown, a historic Black neighborhood in Miami. Overtown was incorporated as a colored neighborhood in 1896 during segregation. It was the place where Henry Flagler's black railroad workers lived while building the infrastructure of Miami. Overtown is the second oldest neighborhood in Miami. During the 1920's, it was home to D.A. Dorsey, one of the first black millionaires in the south. After WWII it became the epicenter of black culture and was known as the Broadway of the South. Many famous entertainers stayed here when performing in Miami like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole. In the 1950's, the area suffered an economic decline and in the 1960's many residents were displaced by the construction of I-95. R&R is meant to remind people that gentrification has erased the rich cultural heritage of many primarily black neighborhoods. About her mural Abney has said "The impact of gentrification is greatly felt in its tendency to displace and erase the lives and legacies of Black and poor people. Few Black communities have been able to survive the political decisions and economic trends that exploit the cultural desirability of these often (but not always) already disenfranchised neighborhoods. In some cases only remnants of these communities remain, and this is after archival excavation. I created a pictorial language to depict a speculative narrative that investigates community 'renewals' and subsequent removals. The mural location, a tunnel formed by the dark passageway under the building, inspired me to consider the recognition of sacred spaces with story. I hope to spark a dialogue around gentrification and encourage a curiosity amongst viewers to engage with and learn about the previous and adjacent neighborhoods." This is a thought provoking piece and a great addition to the outdoor art museum at Miami Worldcenter.

an excellent collection of art. the surrounding area of the…read moremuseum is also very scenic and beautiful, definitely worth exploring and great places to take pix! have fun c.

So, this is a bit of a complex review to write because the take-away is that I loved my visit, but…read morethe experience left me wanting more, mainly because the subject matter of the main exposition was just not my cup of tea, but I can see how it would appeal to the Miami community because of their love for sports. The setting and location could not be better - totally breathtaking. Views of the causeway and Biscayne Bay / Downtown Miami are amazing. The architectural details with concrete and MCM inspired wooden accents are just perfect. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful, and definitely added to our experience, and the gift shop is great. The restaurant is excellent and has a thoughtful menu, with several items that are inspired by pieces from the permanent collection. The sports art exhibit took much more space than I would have liked. There is a LOT of money in Miami, and I would have expected a permanent collection or even visiting exposition that would rival museums in New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC. - modern art, Impressionism, renaissance, or other fine art would be incredible. That being said, I will definitely return to enjoy the museum, and look forward to seeing where their artistic directors take things in years to come!

Took 4 young boys (18 months to 6) to the museum for something new to do. Coming from West Palm,…read morethe Brightline was a great option to get there and is a short walk or car ride away. The primary focus of the museum seemed to be the aquarium. The boys really wanted to see the dinosaurs and the museum houses a small exhibit. there were many options for the kids to interact with throughout the museum and they came away with big smiles. As an adult, I wished the museum were laid out differently to enhance the flow from one exhibit to the next. Easy access both inside and outside. Ramps between floors and elevators made access with wheel chairs and strollers easy. Parking is relatively expensive but leaving the car at home and taking Brightline made that part exciting for the kids and more relaxing for me.

Erika and her colleague, truly made our visit special. She carefully prepared a Starbucks coffee…read morewith oat milk, cinnamon, and sugar-free vanilla, and you could instantly tell how much attention she puts into every detail. Her service was warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly, the kind that turns a simple coffee stop after a nice visit to the museum into a cool experience. Every sip was warming, but what stood out most was Erika's a d her colleague welcoming energy and care. It's a wonderful little add-on to an already fantastic day at the museum with your family, friends and even date. Bonus: they also offer food options like fries, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets, making it a great spot to recharge during your visit. Highly recommended! As well as the planetarium show, it is 100% worth the extra add on to the ticket.

As a fan of public art I could not help but notice this spacey lady in Miami Worldcenter in front…read moreof the Museum of Ice Cream. This colorful character looks straight out of a comic book. Trenton Doyle Hancock (1974) is an American artist who primarily works in print, drawing, sculpture, and felt collages. The art pieces tell the story of The Mounds, gentle, plant like mythical creatures who exist in his world. The Mounds fight the Vegans which represent race, religion, and the eternal battle between good and evil. The Mounds represent the good guys who embody acceptance, love and progressive thoughts while the Vegans are the bad guys who force their beliefs on others. Hancock's artwork is inspired by Greek mythology, comics, graphic novels, cartoons, music, and film. He was won many awards and his work has been exhibited around the world. Hancock created Undom Endgle in 2022 to be a female superhero in the Moundverse. She was once a Mound and has evolved into a warrior Goddess. "Undom is the reincarnated soul of Mound #1 the Legend, and evolved into a warrior goddess whose job is to protect the Mounds. She presides over the Everydaycare Center, where the Souls of departed mounds play eternal games." This was my first time seeing Trenton Doyle Hancock's art work. It is eye catching and it was interesting learning about the mythology around it. Even if you don't know it's origins it seemed to be a popular place to snap a picture in Paramount World Center.

The Plaza of the Spanish Navy/Plaza de la Marina Española was built in 1991 in what is now called…read moreMaurice A. Ferré Park. When the park opened it was named Bicentennial Park and it was created at the site of the old Port of Miami out of fill land. The park was dedicated on the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution. In 2019 the park was renamed in honor of former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferré. Parking is $5 an hour in the park with the pay by phone app. The Spanish Navy Plaza contains a large wrought iron 17th century anchor from the Spanish Armada. The anchor serves as a monument that honors the Spanish Navy, which arrived in the Americas October 12th, 1492. The elevated position of the plaza on top of a small hill makes it the perfect spot to take in the beautiful park view of Biscayne Bay.

Mugshot Gummy Bear is really an art piece named The Vandal Gummy Bear by Brooklyn artist WhIsBe,…read moreshort for What Is Beauty. WhisBe first started making the The Vandal Gummy in 2011 as a nostalgia piece. As the artist explains it "At first, it represented the idea of innocence lost. Some represent my take on health and nutrition to my concerns about incarcerated youth, pharmaceuticals and addiction in this country." Some of the bears are translucent and filled with pills to represent addiction while others have a multicolor ombre effect which is popular during Pride Month. WhIsBe created a $60,000 pink one to represent Miami during Art Basel week in 2019. He also accepts commissions. No matter what color, The Vandal Gummy Bear signature look is a candy bear holding a Department of Corrections sign as if it were posing for a mug shot. It is a juxtaposition between the sentimental sugary treat and the alarming mug shot. You can find the red Vandal Gummy Bear at 296 NE 62nd St in Miami. He is parked between two buildings. Perfect for a quick photo shoot or your social media.