By: Kara Franker
Downtown Miami’s vibrant art and culture scene continues to evolve
What started as a handful of artistic spaces only a decade ago has exploded into more than 30 thriving arts and culture organizations and more than 40 artists’ studios in Downtown Miami alone. And the community’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Art is everywhere in Downtown Miami—from the walls that line the Miami Riverwalk to the impressive "Slide Mantra" sculpture by Isamu Noguchi in Bayfront Park. Downtown Miami is home to a wide range of art in unexpected places, including pedestrian walkways, inside hotels and in several other public places.
Let’s take a closer look at Downtown Miami’s dynamic offerings in the form of unique art and cultural experiences.
Admire the art at Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
World-Class Museums
Directly on Biscayne Bay and housed in a state-of-the-art campus designed by world-renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) features 200,000 sprawling square feet of artistic wonder. A playground for adults and kids alike, with experiential art, up-close-and-personal exhibits, forays into film and education, and a shaded outdoor veranda with hanging gardens and panoramic water views. PAMM is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Wednesdays.
In the heart of Downtown Miami, HistoryMiami Museum is located on historic Flagler Street and preserves exhibitions showcasing Miami’s rich history. For a unique and educational take on Miami’s past, book one of the many city tour options (walking, biking, by boat or by coach) and learn from distinguished scholars. Additionally, HistoryMiami is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Freedom Tower is home to MOAD in the heart of Downtown Miami
Nestled inside the historic Freedom Tower, the Museum of Art + Design at Miami Dade College showcases visual art and design. Attend one of the many year-round events including lectures, symposiums and art exhibitions. Group tours are also available. Museum hours are from 1 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; and from 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Centro Cultural Español (CCEMiami) takes a step into the artistic side of Hispanic culture through music, theater, art and dance. This organization collaborates with local organizations and artists to co-produce projects in order to offer a continuous annual program in every cultural discipline. CCEMiami is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a unique experience, its Microtheater Miami program features 15-minute performances inside a 160-square-foot shipping container Thursdays through Saturdays from 8 p.m. until midnight and Sundays from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Private & Non-Profit Art Collections
For a look at stunning art collections maintained by private and non-profit organizations, visit:
Stop by Olympia Theater and bask in the ornate décor and colorful history
Performance Spaces
Dress up for an evening at the theater, ballet or opera, or take in a live music performance. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located in the heart of Downtown Miami. The center is comprised of the 2,400-seat Ziff Ballet Opera House, the intimate Carnival Studio Theater, the 2,200-seat Knight Concert Hall and the spacious Thompson Plaza, designed for outdoor performances. The Adrienne Arsht Center hosts greats like the Cleveland Orchestra, Miami City Ballet, the Florida Grand Opera and New World Symphony.
Nearby, the Olympia Theater offers a majestic escape into a historic venue featuring ornate decor and gold balconies. It’s the crown jewel of Miami’s art and entertainment facilities. Dating back to 1926, the theater has hosted such greats as Elvis Presley and Etta James.
The modern day mecca for major entertainment events is AmericanAirlines Arena, located at the edge of Biscayne Bay. Not only is the arena home to the NBA’s Miami HEAT, it also hosts some of the biggest musical headliners in the world—from Gloria Estefan and Andrea Bocelli to Madonna.