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.

We are so incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing and beautiful historical institution…read moreavailable to the public like the Freedom Tower. The Freedom Tower stands in stark juxtaposition today to the shiny glass skyscrapers (although the tower itself was the original first skyscraper in Miami!) showing a glimpse of the Miami that was. It tells an amazing story of the beginning of young city creating its first journalistic publications to of course what it's known for today as being a guiding light and community center for immigrants, namely the Cuban community, into the United States. The tower recently reopened to the public and the exhibits are incredible. I last visited over a decade ago when I was in college and unfortunately remember being a little overwhelmed by the exhibits as it was a dark and sparse space with uninspiring exhibits. It's completely transformed today with some of the most impressively engaging exhibits creatively expressed in a variety of forms - digital media, oral history told directly by those who lived these experiences, replicas of the original facilities, interactive elements, etc. Even their gift shop is beautiful and impressive, my friend and I did not leave with a souvenir! It's a must-do for all Miami residents and visitors and well worth the $18 general admission cost ($12 discounted ticket for students up to 18 yrs, $14 discounted ticket for seniors). We were very fortunate to have our tour personally led by Dr. Amy Galpin, who oversees the museum in her scope as Executive Director Dir and Chief Curator at MDC, who led an engaging and informative tour. It's great to see an important institution in the hands of someone so passionate about the mission and we as residents absolutely need to support this gem of an institution in our community. Please visit the Freedom Tower and take all your family and friends!

The freedom Tower Museum recently opened back opened up. I had always wanted to go into the…read morebuilding, so I waited eagerly for it to reopen. I was blown away by my visit. The building is so iconic and has a dominant presence along Biscayne Boulevard. Currently associated with Miami Dade College, the building was opened in 1925 as headquarters for the Miami News newspaper and then in the 1960s and 70s it was used as the Cuban refugee center. Tickets, $18, can be pre-purchased for time to entry. The interior entryway is beautiful. On the first floor you will find interactive kiosks each with a different Miami story There is also the theater that shows stories of Cuban refugees. The second floor houses several poignant exhibits, including journeys of freedom and voices of Miami. The third and fourth floors showcase the FIFA museum with so much history and artifacts from the global game of soccer. I highly recommend a visit to the Freedom Tower

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!

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.

One of the best museums in Miami-- great for adults and kids. They have a rotating exhibit that…read morechanges during the year and their standard exhibits. This is a GREAT place for both toddlers and older kids, and even for parents who have a newborn and need a place to get out rain or shine. Lots of nice outdoor places and indoor spaces to explore. We love the aquariums-- so many great exhibits. Plus the view from the roof is stunning. I do hope the animals are treated well here as this is always a big question for me. Many zoos/ aquariums/sanctuaries in Miami and in Florida have very bad reputations on treatment and care of their animals/ only profit oriented so do your research and read Reddit! But so far Frost is one of the better ones out there in Florida that I have found! One negative- the food is pricey and doesn't taste good so bring your own lunch/ picnic and eat at the outdoor tables or grassy area-- lots of space to enjoy!! We are annual members and come here often with our kiddo!

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.

One of the things I most like about Miami is how you can find unexpected beautiful pieces of art…read morethroughout the city. The looking Into My Dreams sculpture is one of those nice finds. I have been to this place during different light settings (day/night) and I don't get tired of taking pictures of it.

It is so fun to discover public art, especially large scale works like this one, I was excited to…read morediscover Awilda during an exploration of Maurice A Ferré Park. Immediately recognizable by her long white face, this 39 foot tall public art piece was created in 2012 by Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa. The marble and resin face with fiberglass interior is based on a 9 year old Dominican girl Plensa knew in Spain. The girls eyes are shut as if she is dreaming. According to Plensa the eyes are closed "because we keep beauty inside ourselves, and one day we all need to look inside." The girls portrait was captured with a laser scanner and then subtly elongated for the art piece. Awilda has been displayed in Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro and In Millennium Park in Chicago. Plensa also created the Crown Fountain with its changing faces in Chicago. In March of 2017 the sculpture was moved to its current location in front of the Perez Art Museum in Miami where she sits at the top of a set of stairs facing towards Biscayne Bay. She couldn't have been placed in a better spot as she graces the waterfront in front of the Perez.