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.

The Title says Basel 2016 but I am here in 2025. The art show was well organized which is a good…read morething given the number of people. Essentially many galleries from NYC and all around the globe display some of their works at the Miami Beach convention center. Some interesting art of all types which was nice. There also is a free water taxi to downtown Miami and it is free

The traffic getting here was crazy. I would suggest getting a ride, I did. It was bumper-to-bumper…read moreand slow. The gallery was easy to find. It had a huge sign out. It saw a few vendors outside the place giving away free things like water. The gallery did not allow us to bring in any food or drinks from outside lol and so we threw away the stuff we got. Inside the gallery, they had a nice sitting area with a bar. It was one crowded space. The bathroom were portables and yes there was a line. I did not like the limited bathroom situation. The artwork was beautiful and unbelievable. They had this silver futuristic sculpture that caused some attention. It was beautiful. It was very popular with the guys. A big crow was around it. I think it was inspired by a video game. I found the art vendors here not as approachable as the other galleries. My friend tried to ask a question to one and the guy pretend not to hear him. We then walked around and noticed some art vendors on the computer not interacting. This gallery has a different vibe, not as friendly. I did like the art work

What a beautifully and well organized event. Loved how safe I felt with the covid restrictions…read more Everyone in attendance honored (from what I witnessed) the mandates. Each artist represented had beautiful art and pieces of their soul displayed in a beautiful manor. Was honored to be able to meet and speak with some artists. Sir Daniel certainly was the most kind and approachable artist. Love the passion he expressed with each piece displayed. Cannot wait to make this part of my annual tradition.

Art Basel weekend in Miami was awesome! Hubby & I visited New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) in the…read moreMiami Design District. It had a beautiful garden in the front lawn surrounded by art pieces & hammocks to relax on/unwind with skyscrapers in the background. Inside, there were fabulous paintings, sculptures, drawings and numerous unique pieces at some hefty prices. There were a handful of affordable pieces, but most were untouchable. The untouchable ones were sponsored by galleries. We collected information about the artists and learned the history and inspiration behind the pieces. For more travel tips, fun info & reviews visit @emptynestliving1

I usually only stroll the "Beaten Path" on Gallery Night..you know remembering that old B-movie…read more"Judgement Night" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judgment_Night_(film). However, I'm a sucker for cute hostess girl with an invite! Off I trod down 24th Street to check out the space. Obviously I came back in one piece, and enjoyed an interesting photographic collection. I believe the exhibiting artist was a Brazilian gentleman who did interesting works with the natural reflection of water to create mirror images sans photoshop. Being Second Saturday night, there was also an assortment of crackers, hummus and red wine for your culinary pleasure. All in all a cool welcome to the Wynwood Art Scene!

Our next summer adventure with kids took us to the Britto Gallery store located at Dolphin Mall in…read moreMiami, with a 5.0 rating and over 555 reviews. This store is something that makes you see art in a different way. Romero Britto is a Brazilian-born, Miami-based pop artist, painter, sculptor, and founder of the Happy Art Movement, using bright colors that make his vision of art catch the attention of visitors coming to see works in galleries. Britto is an icon in Miami, winner of different awards such as: Montreux Jazz Festival, Global Summit of Women Project Medishare International Prize. Britto is known for his extensive charitable work, supporting over 250 organizations. His art often serves as a means to raise funds for various causes, including children's healthcare and AIDS awareness programs. One of rhe best thing ofvthis store is costumers service is very friendly and professional Nicolas and Avril. Thanks for the experience

Romero Britto is a vivid pop artist and the founder of what he calls the Happy Art Movement. He…read morebelieves the purpose of art is to radiate happiness, fun, love, and hope while inspiring people. The New York Times has said Britto's art, "exudes warmth, optimism and love". Britto was born in poverty in Brazil in 1963. In 1983 he made his way to Europe where he was inspired by artists such as Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. In 1988 he moved to Miami where he still maintains a studio. Britto's earliest work was done on newspaper which was all he could afford and he sold it on the sidewalk. Influenced by the sunshine of Miami Britto began working in bright palates which attracted people to his work. He received his first major commission to design artwork for Absolut Vodka for a 1989 campaign that also had bottles that featured art by Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Corporate partnerships and licensing deals followed. His designs have been used by companies like Disney, BMW, IBM, Apple Computers, Grand Marnier, Pepsi, and Royal Caribbean Cruises and his art has been featured on cruise ships, cars, Barbie dolls, and pet collars. His art has even made it to the World Cup, Superbowl, and Olympics. Britto art has been exhibited art galleries and museums in over 120 countries but his brightly colored artwork has become synonymous with Miami where you can find it everywhere from city vehicles, hospitals, parking meters, and lottery tickets. Britto Inc. generates 250 million dollars of sales annually. He has become the most collected and licensed artist in history. Britto works out of art gallery dubbed the Britto Palace in Wynwood. You have to win your way in for a tour through charities or Britto picks one person a week with a golden ticket to visit from anyone that spends $250 or more with him. Everyone however is free to visit and shop his flagship gallery on Lincoln Road which opened on 1993 or any of his stores. I discovered this Britto gallery in the Dolphin Mall by entrance 5. The grand opening was on May 10th and this is his 14th store. In development are over 180 U.S. stores across the U.S. and more than 2,000 globally. Inside the Britto store you will find paintings and sculptures for many thousands of dollars but there is also much more affordable art on T-shirts, plushies, tea pots, socks, ties, bags, hats, mugs, keychains, and candles. I especially loved the pet items and his collaboration with Disney. Everyone can afford to leave with a piece of Britto art from here or perhaps with just a smile on your face.

If you are coming to Miami, and your calendar is manageable, make your visit land on Second…read moreSaturday. If you make it on Second Saturday, well, all galleries are open late, and many galleries offer free drinks. Many galleries also have cash bars, if you really want to hang. If you like walking around, this could be a problem. The streets are packed with art lovers. If you like to sit down, this could also be a problem. It's overcrowded, and finding a seat may be a hard commodity to find, but don't lose hope. If you come to Second Saturday, you'll have fun.

How could I have not reviewed this before?…read more I was one of the brave souls exploring Wynwood back at the beginning in '02 / '03 when Second Saturdays had a more underground feel to it and was just three or four gallery spaces. (I remember this area when I went to high school nearby and it was just the hood, but I'll leave it at that...don't want any more gray hairs to pop up!) Anyways, Wynwood / Design District has grown up and diversified now and known by the mainstream. Nowadays you're likely to see a DJ performance in front of a local (non green mermaid) coffee shop with live breakdancing, live street painting, performance art such as planking in one of the public spaces, and bands in the other . You're also likely to run into a bunch of majorly cool people around the different galleries too. Don't forget the bunch of new restaurants, plus the food trucks either! Sure, parking can be an adventure and / or overpriced ($10 for an unimproved lot where my "Eleanor" gets dirty?? ) But what would a hot night in the city be without a little adventure!

Phenomenal experience Re-visiting one of the first museums I went to when I was a kid! I still…read moreremember that elementary school field trip & the magic it brought me! I think Museum Miami was where I fell in love with South Florida!!! It showed me soooo much beauty that was & IS in my own backyard! Going back decades later & I can still feel the same magic & joy!!!! Can't wait to return!

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.

Had the opportunity to finally visit the Freedom Tower and was amazed by the architecture and…read morecurrent exhibitions. I came for one of the recent MoAD panels discussing Purvis Young and his work. Looking forward to coming back and spending more time with the exhibitions to really appreciate the work, history, and intention of the space.

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.