We love art! You got to--to appreciate this space. Great staff Rachel (so informative), Alex in…read morespray paint, and Alex -the one checking tickets- all sooo friendly and great. Rachel is above and beyond awesome. Beautiful art space outdoor and indoor (this was a great break from the heat). The outdoor fans, great idea but they aren't cold so not helping anyone cool off hehe On our second visit we brought the kids and did some spray painting on canvases and a skateboard. Such a great experience. Alex and her partner Andres were so helpful made the experience very enjoyable.

Wynwood Art Walk Tours isn't just walking past murals. It's walking with someone who knows which…read morewalls have stories attached, which artists took risks, which pieces cost the neighborhood something. The murals themselves are massive and they're professional, but scale alone doesn't make art work. Context does. Shepard Fairey's augmented reality layer is the differentiator here. It's not a gimmick. When you scan a mural with your phone, the piece opens up into layers and motion. It's the artist's way of saying "there's more here than what you see." It works because it's restrained, not constantly pulling you into your screen. You're still in the neighborhood. You're just seeing deeper. The guide we had knew the economics of gentrification in Wynwood. Knew which artists have been here for years and which are new money. Knew the politics of murals, why some walls get painted and others get buffed, why some artists collaborate and some don't. That knowledge cost something to build. You're paying for it. We took three teenagers, ages 14-17. Not a group naturally inclined to stand still for street art. They asked questions about technique, about why certain artists choose certain walls, about whether the AR experience changes how you see the piece or adds distraction. They engaged. That's not about impressive art alone, that's about the tour structure creating room for actual thinking instead of passive consumption. The neighborhood is dense and chaotic and intentional all at once. You'll see pieces that are technically flawless next to pieces that are deliberately rough. Some murals are massive, some are character-scale. Some artists are making statements about politics, some about beauty, some about ownership. The variation is what keeps it alive. A sanitized art walk would kill this. Walking it yourself is free and worth doing once. Walking it with the tour is $29 and worth doing if you want to understand why these walls matter to the city and why some artists chose to paint them. The difference is context. Context costs something, but you leave with more than photos. The sun hits different at 4 PM than at 11 AM, so timing matters if photography is part of your thing. The neighborhood gets foot traffic but it's not overwhelming. You're in a real place, not a theme park. That texture is part of why this works.

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.

We explored this museum the other day, and I was so impressed! It was incredibly well done, and is…read morebeautiful inside. The majority of it has to do with the history of Cuban immigration to the U.S., but there was also history of the building and of Miami, an exhibition about the "languages of migration", and there was a FIFA museum inside. There were so many different media types to take in all the information, and a lot of it was interactive. We were there about 2.5 hours and that's with our 3-year-old and trying to rush bc she was hungry for lunch. I would definitely go back to take in more.

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!

My husband and I visited this museum as part of our day trip to Miami. I wish parking wasn't so…read moreexpensive ($18 flat rate). It took us about 2.5 hours to explore the entire place including the planetarium show. The show that worked out best with timing was called "How to Die in Space: An Interactive Adventure Through the Cosmos." The girl leading it was wonderful but as you may figure by its name, the show was not a peaceful experience. There were a number of explosions that I think scared some of the kids in attendance. The other exhibits included one about flight, the human body/mind, an aquarium, dinosaurs, and general Florida wildlife. I can't say I learned a terrible amount of new information but it was fine. I appreciate the museum's mission and it probably would be cool for toddlers-little kids.

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.

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.

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.