We were looking for something fun to do near our hotel and saw this on a sign and decided to check it out. We were so glad we did - definitely worth the small price of admission (around $7 I believe). Nice collection of art - our favorite was the furniture. My boyfriend also loved the political posters and said just that section was worth the price of admission. I really enjoyed the postcards of the Wiener Werkstaette, having studied that period many, many moons ago in college. Depending on how you do museums, this will take about an hour to go through. There's a fun (albeit expensive) museum gift shop and cafe. Photographs are allowed (sans flash) on the floors with the permanent exhibits. read more

Great little museum in a beautiful building in South Beach. Admission was free after 6 pm on Friday nights. It was the perfect spot of design and culture before my dinner reservation a few blocks away. The exhibit descriptions gave a nice little background to history/design/social climate of the artifacts. Great pieces and small collections. You can go through the museum pretty quickly if you only have a short amount of time. read more

The fact this museum exists is pure joy. I believe it was a private collection and Mr. Wolf is still alive. You walk in and there's a giant 1920s Art Deco dark green and gold fan like piece behind some still water. To the left is the cafe/gift shop and to the right is where you get your ticket. The main floor is the 5th floor. Here you'll find a good bit of the pieces - a time capsule of postcards/brochures/posters/propaganda/advertisements plus more! It is a design lovers dream come true. The gift shop hold many interesting books ranging from journals to architecture to specific movements to graphic design...and they're all great editions. You can get a few vintage postcards and and buttons, and have a gander at all the design friendly and color coordinated items from coffee cups to globes to bags to lunch boxes to Pantone universe cups. There's a 3rd floor I believe that is the research room. A brief old film on Miami during WWII and some more postcards and propaganda items, and the research rooms. Which you can request to get into. The fellow researchers are lovely, and the archives include items to drool over and things that one might've thought lost. This museum is one of my favorite (in the world) and really highlights Miami and what Miami was, and I feel is something the city should really be supporting and getting behind more than the typical south beach shops and crazies. This is a museum not really found other places and certainly lot containing the specifics to such a specific era that distinctly appears in the buildings throughout Miami and so often forgotten placed it on the map. read more

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This is a museum that showcases mostly artifacts from late 18th c. and early 20th c. With that, the museum has a pretty cool permanent collection of American industrial design objects and a nice array of art nouveau, Bauhaus, British arts&crafts, and of course art deco (South Beach, after all). An extension of the Florida International University, the museum seems to stay pretty neatly in line with its chronological and aesthetic niche whenever they introduce special exhibits. Several years ago, I enjoyed an exhibit of photography by Margaret Bourke-White. More recently, they had an engaging collection of early 20th c. political posters from a wide range of regional sources including Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. read more

This to me was more of an exhibit than a museum however I found everything very interesting. There are multiple floors that have different themes. I really enjoyed looking at the furniture through the decades as well as some of the old appliances that they had on display. There was an exhibit titled "BUMMER" which was very depressing yet thought provoking items. I think my favorite item in the whole museum was an old scale that not only weighed you but claimed to give you a fortune as well. On a side note the museum allowed you to take pictures which was nice. read more

This was an unexpected treat. For $7 admission they had some really interesting collections. The propaganda items from Europe were fascinating. read more

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

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Nice exhibits, but the security was rude, because of the fact the person at the ticket desk forgot to give the stickers needed to enter the museum They continued to hover/follow throughout my visit. Besides that, there are some neat exhibits on the 6th and 5th floor. read more

The museum offers a large variety of post industrial pieces. There are only three floors open to the public with the extent of fabrics, coffee makers, and yawns. It is pain stakingly quiet and offers room after room of vases and people pretending to be interested. The elevator and lobby are the highlights. read more

Loved, loved, loved this museum! This is a MUST stop if you are in South Beach. The exhibits were eclectic and very well done. But almost better than the museum was the gift shop. The items in the shop, like the museum itself, were eclectic and fun. Carlton, the manager, was absolutely fantastic. He took the time to talk to us about the museum and South Beach in general. He also recommended a restaurant for dinner that was the absolute highlight of our stay in South Beach. read more

The last event I attended was the Pecha Kucha nights... very typical for this museum. The Wolfsonian is a bit different than most other museums for it really focuses on the people it serves. Sure there are great exhibits here and the propaganda materials are quite inspiring. What I like more about this place, and the reason I ended up getting the year long access subscription, are their ongoing events. They are not overwhelming, but rather thought provoking, going in line with the permanent exhibits. Pecha Kucha nights was a great example of this and the small auditorium is perfectly laid out for such and other events. I believe there is an upcoming film series of "Love and Carnage on the beach"... In these uncertain times, it is nice to be reminded of the materials others have used in their uncertain times. Propaganda lives! read more

What a treat for the Art Deco loving eye! Loved the Norman Bel Geddes exhibit and the permanent collection. Especially the household stuff. For $7 it's a really good activity for a rainy day in Miami, actually it would've been good in a sunny day too! Only wish would be to get a tour or some sort of description on the different exhibits or some more info on the different pieces. read more

The Wolfsonian-FIU - Beautiful Art Deco / modern furniture - Museums Near Me - Miami Beach, Florida

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An incredible gem of a museum, the Wolfsonian dabbles in art but focuses on design. I've been to many museums over the years and some left me awestruck, some left me pensive, some left me cold, and some left me marveling at the beauty of it all. This was the first museum that filled my heart with acquisitive, covetous, passionate longing. I just wanted to own everything in the place - or at least to be allowed to be surrounded by such things for the rest of my life. The curator is a genius. That common objects from the 1920s-1950s were designed for form as well as function is well understood and appreciated. But who would have thought such power and beauty could be found in a series of posters for the Maine Traffic Safety Association? Or a series of European posters warning of the importance of workplace safety? The interior spaces are gorgeous and the gift shop is very, very dangerous. We happened upon this museum by chance as we were walking down Washington Ave...but I strongly recommend you plan a visit as soon as you can. read more

It's a small museum that requires several trips to the elevator. However, it's a neat museum in a way that it shows everything "modern" from the past century, especially during the World War eras. This museum is more more of a history trip than an art museum. Still worth it and their gift shop, bookstore and cafe are noteworthy and a great place to visit and enjoy oneself (eating, shopping, reading) as well. read more

Even with half the collection closed, this was so cool. It is an art deco museum.

In the heart of South Beach the historical Wolfsonian FIU makes a distinct mark in the area. Clean and beautifully laid out the appreciation for art deco is clearly seen in the lobby entrance. We enjoyed a Russian themed exhibit: red and black. We covered about four different floors each artifact historical or modern was immaculately displayed. The pieces were so original , there's a mixture of paintings, posters everything seemed curated so well. There is definitely a sense of history and I believe one that appreciates culture could easily spend a good two hours here. The service we received at the front was very friendly .Upon entering you'll be given a locker so no book bags or purses are allowed or drinks. The only suggestion I would give is to be wary of the parking as most places in Miami Beach. We were very lucky and found a close parking spot nearby on the street. Other than that this museum was a delight and I'm very happy I went I definitely consider it a cultural location in Miami and I look forward to visiting again and seeing the future exhibits. read more

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

Completely impressive collection in the current 'Speed Limits' exhibit that runs until February 20, 2011. From the entrance's fountain, to the elevator with a stone-like appearance, to the ceiling on the 7th floor, this building makes me want to walk slowly from each gallery. And for $7, it is well worth an afternoon jaunt. I most definitely intend to return to this small but full Miami art museum. I'm slightly ashamed I had not been there before but am glad that I'm now able to return to such a pleasant experience in crazy, wonderful Miami Beach. Oh and the Cafe/Shop is lovely. Great design, great books, great gifts (if you have the wallet), over all, a wonderful experience. read more

Not your average museum, but worth your time. It's a small building but the collection is extensive and rich. I recommend a tour to learn the history of the building, it's partnership with FIU, and how items were acquired. The staff was knowledgeable and accommodating to my group. Works showcase graphic arts as propaganda, art in the time of war, industrial innovation and revolution, etc. Truly unique. read more

The Wolfsonian Museum is one of the best places in Miami Beach. This place is clean and friendly. They have a lot to show and the admission prices are very reasonable. They have a lot of Free programs such as tours, family day program, meeting curators. Definitely a must see read more

Great exhibits, though there aren't a lot of them. Considering the low price, it's worth a visit. There's a nice gift shop too, if you want to bring home some souvenirs. read more

The Wolfsonian was recommended to US by a tour guide during Art Deco Week. It was Free on Friday from 6-9 pm. We just caught the tail end of things at 8:15pm, but I'm glad that we stopped in. The museum is beautiful with both classics and contemporaries (that I could understand). read more

Can't say enough good things about this museum. Really interesting and eclectic collection of art and objects from the 20th century, well-organized and with placards that add to rather than detract from the experience. If you're interested in Art Deco, mid-century modernism, and/or propaganda, check it out. read more

Wandered in on a hot afternoon my last day in Miami. Even if you don't want to check out the museum, the cafe is a nice place to just sit and read/do some work on downtime with free wireless. I had fun looking at the neat art deco items, posters etc as previous reviewers mentioned. I read each caption and the whole visit probably took around an hour. If you're into art deco and looking at some neat furniture from that period, this is a unique experience. read more

Based on the reviews posted on Yelp, I had higher expectations for this museum. I agree with a previous reviewer that the collections are small and hit-or-miss (mostly miss). It took me less than a half-hour to see the collections. I really liked the concept for this museum and would have liked to have seen much more, and given the themes, there is much unrealized potential. Given that there wasn't very much to see, I don't think the $7 admission is justified for casual visitors. read more

Nice smallish museum with interesting Art Deco piece and culture. It is part of FIU. Recommend a visit took about 1 hour.

Love this museum! It has diverse exhibits, albeit only a few. They range from vintage household items to sculpture and painting. Perfect for a date night. And go on Friday from 6-9 when it's FREE entry! read more

This is a really interesting museum that sort of defies quick description. The museum itself is housed on some of the upper floors, but the displays really start in the lobby with an amazing art deco fountain and some lovely bronze work. During our visit there were exhibits of furniture, propaganda posters and even a small exhibit about the history of Miami Beach itself. I think we may have spent as much time in the gift shop as the museum but it had such a wonderful mix of wonderfully designed objects for the home as well as the most standard options like blank books, jewelry and cool doodads ala a science museum. read more

Definitely not my taste or style of art. What was awesome is I was able to go on a Friday eve when it is free/open to public. If I would have had to pay admission I would have been upset!! There is a decent amount of items on multiple floors, but none I could appreciate. They also have a cafe open for extended lunch hours in a super nice book store that seemed to have reasonable prices. Enjoy!!!! read more

I stopped by on a Friday morning, and the guy at the desk was kind enough to tell me that entry is free from Friday from 6-9 PM, and there is also a tour included! I returned Friday evening, and enjoyed the tour. It definitely added some information that I would not have known had I gone through the Wolfsonian earlier that day. This is a great museum, with an interesting collection. read more

Nice layout. Very small. Great art pieces and exhibits. Reasonably priced. Beautiful historic architecture in the heart of south beach. Love that it's sponsored by FIU! read more

This is a wonderful museum! I had a few hours to kill, and I enjoyed myself so much here. Would highly recommend. They have a lot of cool stuff here, with a strong focus on design. read more

Museum featuring art of a different kind. Mostly decorative art and advertisements that reflect certain eras (i.e. Fascism in Italy, Industrial Revolution, the emergence of advertising drugs, etc). The collection is small (2 floors), but I found the museum nicely put together and learned a lot about history through art and furniture. read more

Great museum! Great collection! Awful staff. From buying ticket to visiting the galleries, staff seemed to be pretty angry and mad at the visitors. read more

A Must for all Art Deco Mavens! If you are an art deco fan, this is your place. The permanent collection features so many cool art deco pieces-from furniture to appliances to tchotchkes. The visiting exhibit about Norman Bel Geddes who designed the Futurama/Tomorowland exhibit for the 39 Worlds Fair was a knockout. A highlight of our Miami weekend. read more

A unique museum in south beach featuring propaganda art and ephemera. I usually need a tour guide to help me appreciate art but this museum is for some reason very accessible. It was either the pieces themselves or the signage or both but the collection here is relatable. Perhaps because they feature everyday objects like stoves and posters and furniture. Also it's fun to go for free on a Friday night and feel cultured in South Beach. read more

Very neat museum. It has seven floors of which 2 are off limits. Make sure to hit the gift shop after, they have some neat overpriced gadgets in there. I enjoy the cafe because it has free wifi internet. The staff is friendly and the entry is discounted for students. read more

Got rained off the beach so ended up here What a gem Great Art Deco treasures as well as a fascinating WWI exhibit Relatively small - three floors - but worth it read more

Great museum for Art Deco and Art Nouveau lovers. Excellent technical products, such as radios, household appliances from early-to-mid 1900's. Changing painting exhibits spanning various genres. Visit takes about one hour. Something for everyone in your family. read more

Took my Senior Seminar here, and the research floor- ahhem...was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. Truly. A gem. Thank you, Micky for being a Hoarder. read more

Thanks for all the Amazing events and art exhibits you host!!!! Shout out to Caitlin + Madiana for being Awesome Wolfsonianites! I love the Wolfsonian--the building, said staff, and every event/exhibit I attended (that always inspire conversations + new knowledge + fond memories). You're a goody. Thanks Wolfsonian :) read more

Great personal collection of period art. Very thorough snap shot of the time from political propaganda posters of Hitler and Mussolini, labor and US Communist party mailers, Art Deco furniture, to a great collection of laborer paintings. Reasonably priced. Give yourself an hour or two and don't skip the kitschy gift shop. read more