I really enjoyed my visit to the Museum of Miami. It was interesting to see so much of Miami and…read moreSouth Florida's history in one place. The exhibits take you from the first inhabitants of South Florida through the growth and development of Miami, with plenty of original artifacts along the way. Some of my favorite displays were the vintage City of Miami trolley, old sports memorabilia, early farming and household equipment, and the exhibits showing how people lived and worked years ago. I especially enjoyed seeing the historical photographs and learning more about the different cultures and communities that helped shape Miami. The museum is easy to walk through, informative without being overwhelming, and a nice break from the usual Miami tourist attractions. If you enjoy history or want to understand Miami beyond the beaches and nightlife, I definitely recommend stopping here. A hidden gem in Downtown Miami and well worth the visit!

The Museum of Miami, formerly History Miami Museum is a special place for visitors…read more The museum displays great special exhibits and events as well as permanent collections, with 40,000 artifacts. The museum was one of eight in the United States selected to showcase the Freedom Plane National Tour of historic documents including a draft of the Constitution, the Treaty of Paris and the Articles of Association. The exhibit is on through July 5, 2026 in celebration of the nation's 250th birthday. Parking in the cultural center garage is validated for a reduced rate of five dollars.

Aura Copeland Gallery, located in two nearby spaces in Downtown Miami along Flagler Street, was my…read morewelcome into the 2025 Arts Season at their opening night event this past Saturday. Both spaces are located in the lobby of what used to be old stores a lot of Miamians remember, now renovated as part of the redevelopment of Flagler Street. The exhibit last night had among other pieces live painting, a cool metal sculpture, pixellated paintings as well as classic landscapes. A DJ playing jazzy house, and of course white wine, kept the evening moving. I can't wait to see what they have planned for Art Miami!

We walked into the Wolfsonian FIU Museum, which is free to Florida residents. We left our bags in…read morelockers. The museum is 2 blocks from Ocean Drive in a grand Art Deco building that's now home to a Florida International University-affiliated museum, library, and research center dedicated to the importance of art and design throughout history. Since 1985, the Wolfsonian collection has showcased the entire modern age of design, from the Industrial Revolution to the end of World War II. With over 200,000 pieces in the museum's collection are paintings, textiles, furniture, industrial design objects, rare books & magazines. There's was a lot to take in, so the museum categorizes it into a half-dozen or more exhibitions at any given time. The Geneva Window filled the 2nd floor with Harry Clarke's stained-glass masterpiece. In 1926, Irish artist, Clarke was commissioned by the newly independent Irish Free State to create a window as a gift to the League of Nations in Geneva. The completed window was, considered too provocative and "unrepresentative" of the Irish people. This installation told the stories behind the window & consequences of cultural censorship. Modern Design Across Borders exhibit examined the cross-cultural connections among people, ideas & movements that made modern design's remarkable reach and lasting impact possible. Five spotlight subjects were presented; transportation, 1925 Paris Expo, tea & coffee, plywood, and cocktail culture. Designers such as Norman Bel Geddes, Josef Hoffmann, Alvar Aalto, and Charles and Ray Eames innovations presented geometry, clean lines, functionality that defined modern life & continue to shape design today. We enjoyed all of the Miami Beach memorabilia from them motorcycle and sidecar, so all of the cocktail shakers. The posters & furniture on 5 were from the Wolfsonian's sister institution in Genoa, Italy. This ancient port city has a distinct character & is nown as "La Superba" (the superb). Mitchell "Micky" Wolfson, Jr., the museum founder gave us a picture of Genoa as a mercantile & financial center in the start of the 20th century. The hand painted secretary, posters & books represent the era beautifully. The Wolfsonian Design Store & coffee bar was almost an exhibition on its own, with its century-old Snead & Co. Iron Works shelving system presented a variety of books, games, toys, kitchenware, jewelry & tchotchkes that echo the museum's "good design is everything" theme. A smattering of tables makes this the perfect place to cool off & rest or some taking out a laptop to do some work with a fabulous iced latte.

The Wolfsonian - FIU (Florida International University) is a Museum, Library & Research Ctr. In the…read moreArt Deco District in Miami Beach, Fl. Wolfsonian Museum Founder / Author / Philanthropist / Businessman Mitchell "Mickey" Wolfson was inspired by the integration of art & design, established this museum space & donated lots of art that is on display for patrons to enjoy. Art at The Wolfsonian is from the 1850 - 1950 period. We visited during their "Free Fridays", which is from 6pm-9pm. When we walked inside, we admired the lobby for a bit before going into the elevator. Exhibits - Harry Clarke + The Geneva Window (5th Fl.) & The Big World: Alternative Landscapes in the Modern Era (6th Fl.) showcased gorgeous masterpieces. One of my favorites was a furniture piece entitled "Chest" by Josef Hoffman. We were in awe of the various paintings, & other art installations. The Wolfsonian has such a cool Giftshop! Staff & Security were present to provide information if needed. Bathrooms were clean, neat & organized. Wolfsonian.org @wolfsonian Open Wed., Thurs., Sat. & Sun. - 10am - 6pm & Fridays 10am - 9pm Access to the Reading Room only via Appt. Free Admission to select groups if your are visiting outside of Free Friday hours - Check their website for more information. Guided Tours are available upon request.

Fantastic new(ish) home for ICA. We went for the Dolce and Gabbana exhibit. Very impressive space…read moreand a really fantastic exhibit. Admission was reasonable for the exhibit at $23 (adjustable demand by day pricing... think it ranges up $40 Staffers were warm, friendly and helpful. The exhibit itself was a huge amount of fun. Be sure to explore the neighborhood outside as well as the museum...design district is incredibly cool. Old derelict warehouse neighborhood transformed into luxury boutiques. Parking in this neighborhood is almost never free...several different local parking garages or cheaper pay by phone on neighborhood streets (just be careful of residents only zones)

Ever since I heard it was coming to Miami, I've wanted to see this exhibit. I finally made it…read moreduring its final weeks, and it far exceeded my expectations. The extent of my fashion knowledge runs more to Emily in Paris and the Devil Wears Prada but I love history and art and this fashion is steeped in both. Dolce & Gabbana: From Heart to Hand is a blockbuster exhibit currently on display at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami's Design District. Dolce $ Gabbana was founded in 1985 by Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. Madonna launched them into international fame when she picked them to design the wardrobe for her 1993 The Girlie Show World Tour. Known for their glamorous Mediterranean style they are firmly rooted pop culture dramatically dressing A list celebrities for red carpet appearance. Curated by Florence Müller, the exhibit showcases more than 300 pieces of Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, and jewelry alongside archival treasures, artwork, and the cultural traditions that inspire them, including Sicilian tiles, opera, and Baroque art. The exhibit winds through three floors on the west side of the museum. Each room is more jaw-dropping than the last. The clothing and jewelry are true works of art. Take your time examining the exquisite details in each piece. I thought I would be done in an hour, but I ended up spending more than three hours immersed in the fairytale world of Dolce & Gabbana. Parking is available in the garage across. the street or along the street. Tickets range in price from $26 to $42 depending on when you visit. This is a not-to-be-missed exhibit, but you only have until June 14 to see it.

Very interesting budget priced museum. Very clearly signed rooms and frankly wonderful range of art…read morework supposedly from Rubell family collection. Some really good items and something for every taste of modernism. There is an independent pizza style restaurant next door which is well worth a visit as a five star museum cafe.

I found my visit to this museum enjoyable. Before I enter the museum to the left there was a…read morelittle green area with some art work. It was a pleasant surprise. I liked the contrast of nature and city. The first art piece I noticed were those big silver balls on the floor. They were beautifully arranged. They reminded me of a childhood game. I wish they had been an interactive piece. The museum had many rooms with beautiful artwork. It had two experiences both very nice. The word Infinite comes to mind when I remember them. I almost missed them. The staff was helpful and friendly. They guided and pointed things out to me. They added to the experience. They seemed knowledgeable and to love their jobs. The museum had a valet parking option. It was $20. I saw some street parking around, not to many spots.

What a delightful and incredibly informative tour of this historic home in the City Beautiful. A…read moregreat restoration project, both inside and out, and the docents' passion for the place comes through in every word of the hourlong tour. Super cheap too with plenty of parking out back.

This review is based on seeing the outside as the inside, was shut. I would like to come back to…read morealso see inside, maybe after the pandemic. Built in 1899 by Reverend Solomon Merrick, this residence, which served as the home base for Merrick's 3000-acre grapefruit plantation, grew from a modest frame house to one encased in coral rock. Solomon's wife Althea planted oaks, gumbo limbos, n rubber trees throughout her vegetable n cut flower gardens n lined the keystone walkways with low coral walls, conch shells, n crepe myrtles. In 1921 the plantation was transformed into a planned community by Solomon's son George who named his subdivision "Coral Gables" for the oolitic limestone pillars that ornamented his childhood home, preserved on a half-acre lot. At this time, Althea added a grotto, a bamboo grove, n a fish pond planted with water lilies n irises. Following the collapse of the land boom, the house became a boarding house through the 1940s. George's sister Ethel continued to add plantings n cared for the gardens until she passed away in 1961. At this time the property was purchased by W.L. Philbrick who funded the Merrick Manor Foundation. In 1976 the City of Coral Gables acquired the house n gardens n encouraged the Coral Gables Garden Club to undertake its restoration. Aided by historic photographs n personal interviews, the garden club worked with landscape architect Jonathon Seymour to restore the garden. Flowering b fruit trees native to Florida's high hammock were rejuvenated or replaced, the pond was restored, and a replica sundial was set in the cut flower garden. The house, restored to its 1920s appearance, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The Wold Erotic Art Museum is on the corner of 12th St. & Washington Ave.. The elevator was broken…read more& the building is not accessible to those with mobility issues. We paid $20 each admission walked past the wall of vulvas to the penis bed. We walked upstairs to see the galleries. The Wilzig was created in 2005 by Naomi Wlzig as the only American museum dedicated to fine erotic art with a renowned collection of over 4,000 international artworks dating from 300 BCE to the present. This collection is distinguished by quality, diversity, and unique focus on erotic themes.. We began by watching an 8 minute videos with Naomi. Founded in 2005 by Naomi Wilzig, the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM). She teamed up with the Kinsey Institute, The Research Center for the Cultural History of Sexuality at Humboldt University in Berlin & Florida International University (FIU) -- College of Communication, Architecture, and the Arts (CARTA). There were many galleries with comfortable seating spaces and clean restrooms. We spent about an hour here wandering around the maze of 20 small rooms. We passed lots of international photographs, wood carvings, sculptures and paintings. There was a room filled with Miami Vice memorabilia; photos, clothing & tchotchkes. The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) presented Mark Kostabi: Revisited, a striking exhibition of 14 new, large-scale, faceless paintings created for the museum. While living & working in Rome, he explored themes of eroticism, technology & the paradoxes of digital intimacy. Highlighted were sexting amid digital distraction, and a surreal portrayal of 3 nude women taking a group selfie; juxtaposing joy, sensuality & technology. Gorge Daniell presented gay themes through photographs & paintings of glamorous celebrities, and scenes of everyday life in pre-and-post-war America. His works were featured in major magazines, including "Time," "Life" and "Esquire," and was also displayed in the Smithsonian, The Museum of Modern Art and the Chicago Institute of Art.

Go!!!! You must go! We had a great time looking at everything…read more So much fun. So many interesting things to look at and ponder.

The Miami Springs Historical Society, founded in 1986, runs a small, free museum in Charles B. A…read moreStafford Park. It is open on Saturdays from 12-4 PM. When I arrived the door was locked and I thought they were closed but if you knock they will let you in. Maria, a member of the historical society was volunteering her time and she could not have been nicer showing me around and answering questions. She told me that the museum collection was curated by one gentleman who donated it to the historical society. The City of Miami Springs donated the building. Without dedicated people like these so much history would be lost and I am grateful that they donate their time and effort to keep history alive. The purpose of the museum is preserve the city's heritage along with that of neighboring cities. Miami Springs, Hialeah, and Opa-locka were founded by famed aviator Glenn Curtiss who was a contemporary of the Wright brothers. Curtiss started his career building and racing motorcycles. From there he moved into building airships racking up many flying firsts along the way. His innovation in planes helped the military in the run up to WWI. His planes were also used during WWII. His accomplishments and inventions are too many to list. He was considered the Henry Ford of the aviation world. Curtiss moved to Miami in the 1920's where he founded 18 corporations and developed Miami Springs in the Pueblo Revival architectural style. He passed away at the young age of 52 from complications from appendicitis surgery in 1930 but he left his presence all over this area. Some of the displays are about his development company. In a side room there is an interesting 10 minute movie about Fair Havens and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg of the cereal fame. The building was originally the opulent Hotel Country Club and the Battle Creek built in 1926 by Glenn Curtiss in the Pueblo Revival style to give prospective home purchasers a place to stay. In 1929, during the economic downturn, Curtiss sold the hotel to his friend, health, and wellness expert Dr. John Harvey Kellogg for the sum of $10. Dr. Kellogg lived and worked out of the Miami Battle Creek Sanitarium for many years where he treated patients, developed new soy-based food products, wrote, and raised his large adopted family. Kellogg was ahead of his time with his ideas on health and wellness. He lived well into his nineties. The room the is set up to look as it would have during Kellogg's time. Today the building is an elderly residents home. Many of the other displays are about Pan Am and Dinner Key. Dinner Key was used as a base of operations for the U.S. Navy, Pan American World Airways, and the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1917 the first continental naval air station in the country was created. During WWI Dinner Key was used as a Naval Air Base. In 1930, Pan American World Airways built a large terminal and hangers for flying boat service to Latin America. The City of Miami purchased Dinner Key in 1946 and one of the Pan American hangers was turned into the Dinner Key Auditorium. Fun fact, this is where Jim Morrison of the Doors was arrested in 1969 for indecent exposure at a concert for 10,000 people. He was convicted but died in Paris before he could be made to serve his sentence. Today Dinner Key is the site of the Miami City Hall that was created from the Pan American terminal in 1954. Three of the four Pan American hangars are used for boat storage and Dinner Key is now a marina. Anther display is about the Hialeah Park flamingoes. Considering that this is a small space, there is a lot to look at if you take your time. The flight attendant outfits for Pan Am through the years is a fun display from a fashion perspective. Thank you Maria for sharing your time with me. Although the museum does not charge a fee they accept donations and they have a small gift shop. If you too like history and are in the area on a Saturday afternoon, I highly recommend you stop by.