The Wolfsonian - FIU (Florida International University) is a Museum, Library & Research Ctr. In the Art 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. read more

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We walked into the Wolfsonian FIU Museum, which is free to Florida residents. We left our bags in lockers. 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. read more

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The Wolfsonian was a phenomenal museum! It's small but mighty, and has such an interesting collection of objects. I wasn't sure what to expect as I couldn't quite imagine what the museum would encompass, but it's so unique and inspiring, you just have to see for yourself. The building itself is interesting. Set in an area of Miami Beach rife with Art Deco buildings, The Wolfsonian itself is a beautiful building and is a great stage to showcase the different exhibits on each level. To start the tour, we took the elevator to the 6th floor (the 7th was closed for restoration) and then made our way down each subsequent floor. There was an array of unique objects on display. Everything from paintings to ceramics and even an infant's kimono. The mission of the Wolfsonian is to "illustrate the persuasive power of art and design to explore what it means to be modern and to tell the story of the social, political and technological changes that have transformed our world." To understand that framework, helps to better understand what the Wolfsonian is about. The objects on display were thought provoking and beautiful- and despite the building being smaller, the collection has an outsize impact. You can tell the items were thoughtfully curated, and made for a very memorable and impactful visit. It's hard to really categorize this museum, so definitely check it out for yourself. No doubt you will be pleasantly surprised and delighted. read more

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If you are into Art Deco and who isn't in Miami, then this is definitely a place that you would enjoy. It takes anywhere from 1-2 hours to view, depending on your interests. The Wolfsonian building is located in the middle of South Beach and is not easily noticed when you are driving by it but when you enter, you see how large it actually is. There are 7 floors. The elevator takes you to each floor. The top floor is currently under construction to add insulation. The 3rd floor is the library and it was closed the day we went. You need an appointment to see it, which we didnt know. The first floor has the lovely gift shop and the coffee bar. Admission is free to all Florida residents. You are free to do your own self guided tour. Art lovers and artists have been very positive about the unique collection of the art deco and other collectibles from the early 1900s to the 1940s, including exhibits on the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and World War I. It also says a lot about Wolfsonian that the staff are friendly and helpful in pointing out the well-curated exhibits, and the charming gift shop and cafe. We were very impressed with the art collections and the way they were presented. This is a worthwhile museum to visit. read more

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We've done it! It was a long haul but we've made it to the 21st century! Now, how does it match with the visions of the future expressed by the 1880-1930's during the Art Deco period? Well, brave time traveler, drop in and take a look at the artistic renditions of what people thought the future would be like and compare for yourself! You'll see beautiful portrayals in paintings, carvings, manufactured goods, fountains, and clippings and films that portrayed what people were seeing and thought on the future. You dear inhabitant of this lovely blue planet, the third one from the sun, get to be the judge. Take a step into the past TO SEE THE FUTURE! read more

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Nice collection and educational presentation of the various exhibits. Enjoyed my time at the museum and would recommend. read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Untitled by Denman Fink c. 1930 - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

I've been wanting to check out the FIU Wolfsonian museum for quite sometime but they were remodeling it. I did however get to check out their bookstore/gift shop and I love it. Such fun and quirky things for sale. Earrings, books, cards and so much more. Yesterday, I came by and the museum was open on two floors so I was able to check it out beyond the lobby and bookstore. The museum is small but mighty and was beautifully remodeled. The currently exhibitions were cool and different from the usual material at museums. I loved their first floor and Art Deco influence throughout the museum and even within the elevator. It was free yesterday and I know prices vary with Florida residents, students etc. A great view throughout the 6& 7th floors. Definitely want to come back again soon! read more

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Entering this place was a true privilege for me. The intricate architecture and captivating array of art pieces truly caught my attention. The museum possesses a one-of-a-kind charm with its distinct style. I must say, the gift shop here stands out as the most exceptional one I've encountered in any museum so far. The discounted entry fee offered to veterans was a gesture that I deeply valued. read more

We popped in here for a talk during Art Deco Weekend and had the chance to check out the museum as well. It was free during that weekend but is also free for Florida residents! There were a lot of neat exhibits about both history and art, and there was a neat coffee shop inside the gift store as well. I took a picture of a very impressive Art Deco fixture in the lobby. Worth checking out if you're in the area and into art and history! read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Loved it. Exhibits were outstanding. I have to add they have the world's BEST museum gift shop- super cool selection of books, gifts, children's items, etc. I can't wait for the upcoming world's fairs exhibit! While a small museum, it is a gem for south Florida and I will be visiting on a regular basis. read more

An absolute gem! Architecturally interesting building with a few fantastic special exhibitions. The Roberto Longo exhibit blew me away and was one of the top highlights of my Miami Art Week trip. Loved the exterior murals as well. read more

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During a trip to Miami, my partner and I went to the Wolfsonian museum in South Beach. This was our first time in SoBe. We had taken an Uber there from where we were staying in Brickell. Miami Beach was one of the neighborhoods that we couldn't reach using the Metromover. The Wolfsonian was my favorite museum that we visited in Miami. At the time, the exhibitions and installations there were 'The Art of Labor', 'Deco: Luxury to Mass Market', "All Roads lead to Rome: 20th Century Tourism in Italy' and 'Made in Italy: MITA Textile Design 1926-1976.' The mission stated on its website perfectly sums up what you will experience there when you visit: The Wolfsonian-FIU uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, political, and technological changes that have transformed our world. It encourages people to see the world in new ways and to learn from the past as they shape the present and influence the future. It's one of the largest American university art collections, and is a landmark building in SoBe's Art Deco district. The building was erected in 1927 as a business building on the corner of 10th Street and Washington Avenue and built in a Mediterranean Revival style. It was taken over in the late 90s and made into the museum. Admission was free when we went (Free Friday 6-9pm); otherwise there's an admission fee. It's free for museum members, Florida residents, students in the FL system, and children under 6 (though I don't know if this would necessarily be an interesting museum for children under 6 - at least their parents who are interested will not need to shell out extra cash). We started touring the museum by taking the elevator to the top most floor open and then working our way down. Some of the exhibits had digital experiences that augmented your visit. These are actually still accessible on their exhibit pages on the website (wolfsonian.org) which is one of the better museum websites I've navigated. I'm a fan. I support the museum and will definitely visit again when I am in Miami! read more

They mistakenly didn't mention it was cost museum, meaning we got on the elevator and proceeded to explore the floors not knowing you had to pay. We finally got to the 6th floor and were met with a very unkind security guard asking for our ticket. He ruined what could have been a positive experience. I don't think this place is worth the money, 0 stars for the unhappy security guard that made is feel like criminals. We left immediately, never will return. read more

This museum was opened in 1995. It was founded by Mickey Wolfson, a wealthy acquirer of objects, who is also an author, philanthropist, and former diplomat. It was based originally on his eclectic collections. As his collections grew, he bought the building, to store them in. The building is attractive in its own right -- having been built in 1927 in the Mediterranean revival style. The building was adapted to become the museum we see today. The public exhibitions are on 3 floors -- the 7th and the 5th floors having the most items on display. The Art Deco designs on the 7th floor were the most interesting to me. I love the clean lines and the use of the bold geometric shapes and colors in art, architecture, and advertising. The style was shown even in common household objects from furniture to appliances. The fifth floor showed "modern" art objects and included various items from different world fairs including the one held in New York in 1939. The 3rd floor has a library/research area. There's a very small display just in front of the elevator. On the first floor are some very large and dramatic sculptures. There's also the gift shop and a tiny room with a movie running where Wolfson explains his philosophies and fascinations (obsessions?) with collecting. From what I've read there are thousands more items stored and not on display. Hopefully, they will be cataloged and collated so the general public can enjoy more of what Wolfson (and now others) have amassed. It was well worth the price of admission to visit here. A nice air conditioned break from the summer heat -- and a chance to view a small part of a remarkable collection. read more

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'Made in Italy: MITA Textile Design 1926-1976' is a cool little exhibition with some very large tapestries on display. MITA was a design powerhouse that offered one-of-a-kind works for the wealthy and mass-produced designs for everyone else. Of course, the permanent collection is steeped in design from displays of amazing old toasters, desks, and vacuums down to bronze window frames from a long-gone department store. There a number of surprises here. read more

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Always a wonder to pop in and marvel at the collections of Mickey Wolfson Jr. A gem of a museum in the heart of the Art Deco district in Miami Beach. read more

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Opened to the public in 1995, the Wolfsonian was created by millionaire Mitchell "Micky" Wolfson, Jr., a Miami Beach native and collector and expert on modern design, architecture, and the decorative arts. He began acquiring much of what makes up the collection in the 1970's and he stored it at the Washington Storage Company facility on Washington Avenue in Miami Beach which is a building from 1926. By 1986, 90% of the building housed his collection so he bought the building and established The Wolfsonian Foundation in order to preserve the collection and make it available for research. In 1992 architect Mark Hampton to expanded and renovated the Washington Storage Company building, converting it into a museum and research center. Hampton and architect architect William Kearns created a modernist lobby, museum café and shop. Upstairs are permanent and temporary galleries along with a library, offices, and storage. The museum is one of seven campuses of F.I.U. University. The first thing you need to be aware of when visiting is that parking here like in all of South beach is a nightmare. The first time I came I had to give up. The second time I came with a friend who has a bit of an aura of luck about her and even then we had to walk a few blocks in the heat. Admission is $12 for adults. Once inside you can forget the stress of parking as you immerse your self in a collection curated from 120,000 objects from 1885 to 1944 which span the Industrial Revolution to just after WWII. The collection tells the story of American culture during that time period through furniture, paintings, sculpture, books, and textiles. In addition to visiting the museum you can also attend free lectures, art classes, and guided tours at the Wolfsonian. It is a worthy excursion in South Beach. read more

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We really just ducked into this very cool-looking building just to get out of the heat, but what a find! Only $5 admission, but really well-put-together exhibits - the regular collection galleries were closed for renovation, but it was still a great experience. The building itself is also beautiful. read more

I spent the day with my parents and headed over to this little gem in the heart of South Beach. Since my husband is a professor, we have been coming to the Wolfsonian and enjoying each visit. We first replenished our thirst by visiting their cafe and boutique shop. I love sitting in this quaint area and enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and then browsing through their unique collection of items and books. They also have a very special section for children. Once we finish our coffee, we are ready to enjoy the museum. From the moment the you step into the first floor, you begin to enjoy the deco feel that this museum offers. We usually go up to the 7th floor which is where the latest exhibits are and make our way down. There are plenty of benches to sit which is important to me when I take my parents. I highly recommend this gorgeous museum, every detail is meticulously thought of. Take your time and enjoy this beauty. Tip: The museum is free on Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. read more

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I would honestly recommend the gift shop more than the actual museum, but it's free anyway so you might as well walk through the literally one and a half rounds of this museum. It was clutch mid day though to get out of the heat and the sun, and I bought some dope shit at the gift shop. It seems like they're using a ton of space for staff and employees, and I wish they would expand it to be a little bit more thorough to truly be a full museum experience. also, the people working here are super clear and helpful and friendly! The gift shop though, five stars! read more

Definitely worth seeing. Great museum and the admission is only 12 dollars but I think that's about right for what you see. I wish they had more Art Deco objects on the 7th floor and less of the Italian textiles but that's just my taste. On the whole though, it's an all round interesting place and they do have some really good pieces. Takes about an 1 hour and a half to do. It would have been nicer if the gift store had more Art Deco items to sell. Apart from the super expensive books on the subject, there wasn't much else. On the positive - you can have a coffee there. read more

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Fantastic museum that features exhibits at the cross-section of politics, culture, and art (specifically art deco). Very educational and a nice blend of artifacts that offer different insights into life during WWII and the cold war. read more

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Five stars for what it is. I will upload more pictures later. Lets just say I ditched our tour-guide woman and went on my own. Elevator's with a bunch of people bore me. So did the tour guide. read more

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Sticking with the theme of the day... We headed to the Wolfsonian at the advice of my boyfriend's dad, who studied art history, teaches art history, and worked at the McNay in San Antonio. Of course we're going to listen to him. The Wolfsonian is a design museum, and honestly...I was a bit skeptical. I've had some really dull experiences visiting the Cooper Hewitt and the like, so I wasn't holding my breath. This museum was a pleasant surprise. While some might think that 2 exhibits is a bit of a cheat, I thought it was perfect for the occasion. We had stopped before going to the beach, and it's nice to know that you're not going to spend your entire day indoors when you're in a city as sunny as Miami. On the top floor we enjoyed an exhibit on the history of bathing attire. I have an obsession with the fashions of past so it was definitely up my alley. They displayed advertisements, swim suits, and even had a wonderful video with clips of bathing suit contests from as early as the 20s or 30s! I was in seventh heaven. The other exhibit consisted of pieces from the Wolfsonian collection, ranging from paintings, to ovens from the 50's (I WANT ONE!) to furniture. I loved wandering around and furnishing the home in my head with sleek wooden chairs with interesting shapes and painted chests from Sardinia. There was also a room filled with American war time propaganda/posters, another one of my faaavorite things. There's something about an image of a man drowning with bold type reading "SOMEONE TALKED" (or something like that) that just gets me excited! If you're in the area of this museum you really must stop in! at seven dollars and some change you have nothing to lose! read more

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A neat little museum and at a decent price for $7. If it's especially hot, this little oasis of air conditioning might be a great way to spend some time indoors. When I visited in March, it was an eclectic collection that is quite varied with a wide variety of exhibitions. Ranging from souvenirs from World's Fairs between 1851 and 1939, French propaganda and design and advertising for electricity companies back in the early days. Very strange and unlike many museums I have visited. Different is good, but this was a bit too different. I don't know if I would return. read more

I always knew the Wolfsonian was here...I just never...bothered...to visit. But a recent trip landing at MIA showed a snippet of the exhibit that was currently at the Wolfsonian, and I dragged my SO with me to see it. We borrowed museum passes from the library (if you are a Miami-Dade resident, I sincerely hope you take advantage of how many amazing places partner with the MDPLS to make culture and parks easy to access) and stopped by on a Saturday afternoon. Parking is great because the Wolfsonian is on Washington, and there's an awesome $1/hour garage not 5 minutes walking. There is also a public surface lot across the street at a school, which converts to metered parking on weekends. There are also tons of cafes, restaurants, and bars nearby, which made for a great Saturday outing. We spent an hour and a half at the museum, and I was sorely disappointed to learn that there were only really 2.5 exhibits available. The library on the third floor is closed on weekends, and otherwise has a few historical sports displays in the elevator lobby. However, the exhibits on the 7th and 5th floors were fantastic. Start at the top and work your way down! Right now, the 7th floor is all about Cuban culture and history, and how Miami fits into it all. Floor to ceiling Tropicana displays, short films about the cha cha cha, photos, pamphlets, outfits, and more were amazing to see from a non Cuban-American perspective. I loved seeing how Miami was so incredibly influenced by all the Cubans who came to make homes here. The 5th floor was a hodge-podge of American and European history. I was particularly drawn to the section about the World Fair, and the common household designs around the Industrial era. There were tons of pieces about WW2, paintings touching on racial tension and biblical interpretations, and so many things I wanted to touch (I resisted, don't worry). The elevator that took you to different times and places (no TARDIS needed) was equally beautiful - it looked straight out of a Gothic confessional with it's vaulted roof, and sculptures of creatures on its wall. Lastly, the first floor was breathtaking. The bright fold fountain, the dark floors, and the fun rumba/cha-cha guides pasted on the floor of the lobby below old fashioned advertisements, I loved it all. There was a family activity that was cleaning up as we arrived, so I imagine there is a little something for everyone at Wolfsonian. Also, don't be alarmed by the sculpture in the elevatory lobby. Bonus: the gift shop/cafe has quirky and unique items for purchase (right now, Hillary and Donald are on several politically charged tchotchkes like tiny hand soap and EmbarrassMints), alongside your standard jewelry and postcard selection. Staff member there was super nice! I can't wait for the next exhibit, this museum was a small slice of peace in an otherwise humid and chaotic South Beach. read more

Nothing to it--the Wolfsonian is as good a collection as it gets. It's professional and forward without devolving into a corporate faceless machine. The space is gorgeous, and full of details original to the Miami-specific building. Can you believe this art deco gem was once a storage facility? Go on Fridays from 6-9pm when it's free (park in the nearby garage on Washington and 1st for $1 an hour... and if you ruin this for me, I will find you) or literally ANY OTHER TIME. Art Deco, Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey (the later seasons) fans will all rejoice, and museum buffs (Of which I include myself) will have no complaints. #Toofineapoint: Security guards could do better. Get off your phone and look like you give a damn outside of collecting a check. As my pal and I shut down the place, we were escorted by a security guard who was clearly just getting off shift. She kept ramming the elevator door-close button and actually said to a lift full of guests--"Thank God it's over." I've done your job, and that's not how it's done. read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Museum friends! - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

The Wolfsonian never disappoints! I have been here so many times over the years - for special exhibits, lectures and happy hour. For tourists and locals alike, the Wolfsonian offers a fantastic snapshot of both the art deco period in general and it's evolution in South Florida. Don't leave Miami Beach without a visit to the Wolfsonian. read more

We were killing some time before we had to leave for the airport and the Wolfsonian was in walking distance of our hotel. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to explore the museum so we were only able to experience the gift shop. It has a nice collection of eclectic items. The Pouchbook by Mollaspace caught my eye in the window display and is the reason we went inside. They only had one on the shelf so I purchased it and the one on display in the window for myself and my sister. It's the perfect size to organize smaller items for traveling. read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Pouch Book by Molla Space - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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The collections are small and hit-or-miss (mostly miss, with a few solid hits), but there are upsides. First, because it is small you can see everything without spending a lot of time here. "Museum fatigue" is unlikely. Second, the descriptions and curation are more interesting than average-- I learned something interesting about the politics of Irish sex and the history of anti-microbial design, and you'll probably learn something too. Third, the gift shop has some funky stuff too (especially in terms of books), although it is disappointingly scant on posters and postcards related to the exhibits. (I would have liked to have prints of some of the few "hits" in the museum, but they don't sell them.) It's probably not worth paying for (about $7) more than once, but it's a fun little interlude, and the attached Dynamo Cafe looks like a great secret place to work. (See my review of it here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dynamo-cafe-miami-beach#hrid:piY-jxnaF62k-cqJiU1bHA) read more

I really enjoyed this museum! The featured exhibitions were well curated and Thoughts on Democracy: Freedom to Vote was poignant and timely. The permanent collection was nice as well. I really love seeing vintage furniture, home décor, and appliances. I have to say I've walked past it many times over the years of visits to South Beach and never even realized it was a museum. Will definitely check out what's on exhibit next time I'm in town. read more

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3.5 I wanted to like this museum. It was cool and inviting. Admission was $7.49, just 50 cents less than the Miami Art Museum and they probably had more objects than MAM. As you walk towards the elevators, you see one of the current art pieces that was created specifically for the Wolfsonian, the Lo and Behold (Mira & Ve) mural. http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/9MHxmTbXRtzGsV8XKE4FEQ/l To your right are the two elevators with all sorts of interesting objects including what seems to be the mascot of the Wolfsonian. http://static.px.yelp.com/bphoto/6tMCm4pRUtsJRpVaomRtmQ/l He was made before the 1900s. Wow! He looks so...spacy. There are two floors of exhibits. I started with the 7th floor featuring an exhibit on American Streamlined Designed. Everything was so "retro-modern," I loved it. Next, I went to the 5th floor which had an exhibit on Art and Design. The objects and art pieces were culled from the Wolfsonian's collection. Oh, there was just so much to see! The museum was fairly busy for a Tuesday afternoon or at least seemed like it because of the two floors. However, I found the companionable silence of my fellow art lovers comforting as most of the lighting in the Wolfsonian is dim. The Wolfsonian also has a research library in which you need to make an appointment to use. There's one small display in the center of the room for you to look at but otherwise, I would not bother stopping on this floor. Overall, like I said, I want to like this museum but I think having two exhibits that are so similar was a bit of an overkill. I would have liked to have seen more diversity. read more

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Great little museum. If you need a break from the sun and . This is a great way to spend a couple of hours. It is intriguing and interesting read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Nice entrance - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

Really cute museum with 6 floors (depending on what's on display). Lots of history on pre Embargo us/Cuba relations. I'd recommend this for anyone visiting or wanting to learn about our neighbor. read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

The museum is very beautiful and as an art deco lover this museum is even more special. Everything inside was AMAZING. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because some floors were under renovation but definitely a must if in Miami. read more

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The Wolfsonian is one of my favorite museums... when I have out of town visitors, I always take them to the Wolfsonian. When they ask what the museum is about, I usually respond with "well, its industrial age themed, they have World War propaganda, some toasters, lots of gates to buildings, a cool mailbox" which elicits confused looks but they always come out glad to have seen this amazing collection. What it lacks in its size of collection, it makes up in its assortment of unique decorative and fine arts, curated around concepts and larger cultural movements than solely on art period. It is a great location to spend a few hours in the afternoon after hitting the beach but before dinner and 2-3 hours in most museums is usually sufficient. Who wants to go to a giant museum like the Met where you end up either exhausted from traipsing around for hours and hours or feeling unfulfilled thinking you missed some amazing hidden wing. One of the best highlights is the gift shop that has a nice cafe, lots of interesting books, and very unique home goods and accessories. read more

The company I work for rented the auditorium and classroom space of The Wolfsonian for a conference we were had. I really liked the space. There is sort of a courtyard when you walk in with a few scattered tables and a gorgeous water fountain. Perks: -Nice space -Great location -Good Audio/Visual capabilities -2 spaces to host events -Cafe provides great sammies Know before you rent -You are not allowed to tape (at all) on surfaces -They do not stock tons of beverages (so make sure they will have enough) -The AC is on sooo high it feels like the North Pole -Street parking only -Set up wi-fi before you get there Overall nice space, just a little strict. read more

Some colleagues of mine invited me to this opening at the Wolfstonian on a Thursday night. They know my taste well enough to recognize that I enjoy the finer things in life like art openings at fancy museums. It was for a new exhibit there called the Pursuit of Abduction, which I think is about aliens. Upon arrival, a nice colored man greeted me, held the door open, and took my hat and overcoat. J/k, this is Miami, you can wear flip flops and a wife beater all year round. I opted for actual shoes tonight though since it looked like it may rain. Also, this is Miami Beach folks, don't wanna blow out your flip-flop and step on a pop-top, there's all kinds of weird objects floating around these parts. Once inside some lady asked what my name was so she could check her fancy list of Miami movers and shakers, elbow rubbers and baby kissers. My name wasn't actually on the list but she let me in anyway. Probably because I wasn't wearing flip-flops. They keep this place nice. Almost MOMA nice, save for the beach trash floating around outside. There's a liquor store called Bacardi® that apparently cares enough about this place to give it a bunch of bottles of free booze. I was hoping these drinks wouldn't run me more than a dollar since that's all I had. I'm a "starving artist" as the bourgeoisie like to say. Lucky for me the drinks here were all FREE! I spotted a few servants walking around in black attire carrying trays of delectable horse devours. Artsy little bites like goat cheese filled puff pastry, fish eggs on a peach with grass, frog tongue with duck jizz, and brain croquettes. All free as well. I spotted another servant holding a tray filled with half empty cups and crumpled up napkins, fare for the less privileged I presume. Some guy made a speech about asking people for money. Some lady talked about her shirt then introduced the Courier of the exhibition who made a joke about his wife being pregnant. I really couldn't understand much else of what they were saying since people in the audience can't seem to keep their fat mouths shut while others are speaking. I didn't actually view the exhibit itself, the Pursuit of Abduction, which is about missing children. Not really my bag. But I'm sure it's nice. PROS: The free drinks and food. The museum's effort to provide less desirable fare for the not so fortunate. CONS: I've had a pretty bad head cold for the last few days and was feeling quite miserable. read more

In a city full of shallow, plastic people, the Wolfsonian is a great cultural addition. Located in the heart of the Art Deco District on Washington Avenue, it is a museum, library and research center. It is housed in the former Washington Storage Company building, due to the fact that the company contained a large collection of art from a collector named Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. (90% of the storage company's holdings belonged to him). Mr. Wolfson purchased the building, the museum was named for him, and the rest is, as you know, history (no pun intended). After some additions and renovations, the museum opened to the public in 1995. The lower three floors of the structure were originally constructed by the architectural firm of Robertson & Patterson in the Spanish Renaissance style in 1926. In order to keep with the heritage of the Art Deco period, there is a stunningly beautiful Art Deco fountain in the lobby, which was built using tiles from the facade of the Norris Theater. Several artifacts throughout the lobby also belong to that period, such as a beautiful bronze 1923 mailbox, and some bronze plaques. There are several floors, which require the use of a rather beautiful Gothic, mirrored elevator that contains wolf sculptures. Some of the floors house permanent collections, while others house temporary exhibits. There is also a floor dedicated to their library collection. The library requires an appointment for visiting, but on my most recent visit, the hallway leading to the library was housing an exhibit dedicated to the history of Miami Beach, called "Miami Beach: From Mangrove to Tourist Mecca", in honor of Miami Beach's centennial. One of the traveling exhibits I saw prior was the "Norman Bel Geddes: I Have Seen The Future". Both of these were very interesting, visually beautiful, and informative, and I enjoyed them. I even had the privilege of a personal little tour and talk with Frank Luca, one of the librarians at the Wolfsonian, who put together the Miami Beach exhibit. This made my visit even more memorable! The topmost floors usually are the ones containing the permanent exhibits. Political propaganda from Europe can be found here, as well as American industrial design pieces, and pieces from the world's fairs and expositions, for instance. Though photography is permitted, flash photography is not. Parking can be a bit of a mission, unfortunately, and that is probably the greatest deterrent to many in deciding whether to come here, or not. There are a few public parking lots, but they fill up and it will take a lot of patience, or you can park in a nearby garage and walk. Admission to the museum is quite reasonable. They also host a happy hour event on one Friday of the month, where admission is free and you get to enjoy half-price drinks for their happy hour, as well as free guided tours (I have yet to come to one of these free Friday nights, but upon further reading, it seems they also feature local artists and live music). If you don't make it to their happy hour event, they still have a free guided tour of the exhibits every Friday of the month, and even some Fridays where they teach you how to sketch and give you an opportunity to test your skills and talent. My first time ever at the Wolfsonian was in the late 90s, when I had the privilege of having one of my photographs on display inside the museum. It was an honor to find my photograph in a museum, especially for a girl in her teens, and my father was actually proud of me for once. The exhibits here change often, so just because you have been here once does not mean you have "seen it all", and if you enjoy art and history, then you should check their website to keep up with their upcoming exhibits. I'm actually surprised to see such few reviews of the museum considering that it's one of a couple of museums in Miami Beach, so I hope my review will motivate others to check it out -- even if it's on one of their "free Fridays" when you really have nothing to lose! read more

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One of the best museums I've been to. A great art collection that's varied yet not overwhelming. The building it's housed in is also beautiful and fits the collection very well -- it's also got the coolest elevator I've ever been inside of. I got in for $5 (student ticket) and it was well-worth it. A great place to spend a couple of hours exploring a different side of Miami Beach. Really enjoyed its exhibits, from AIDS awareness posters to art from the Spanish American Cuban War. It's quiet and great for taking in the art. I wish I could take pictures though, as it's a convenient way to look up many of these pictures later. I also wish the building had clear windows to take in the view of outside (there's one tinted window towards the top that I really just wanted to stare out of for a while). Though some works lack descriptions, those that have them are very interesting and not dull at all. They tell you about the history in which the painting was conceived as well as how it impacted what's on the work itself. Overall, the Wolfsonian-FIU is a must-see in Miami Beach. read more