Daniela Candela

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The 8 Best Art Museums in Miami

One of my favorite past times to do in South Florida is to visit art museums. Miami hosts one of the biggest art events in the world called Art Basel. I've always been into art. I love the different mediums used, the textures, colors, the literal and hidden meanings, and how it evokes different types of emotions. South Florida has amazing art museums that are great to visit on a Sunday afternoon or if you are on vacation.

1.Perez Art Museum

The Perez Art Museum is located in the Miami downtown area right next to the arena where the Miami Heat play. This is really a great spot to lounge around, try out their cafe whether indoors or in the outdoor area that has a view of a bridge and the ocean. One time I saw dolphins swim by. The last exhibit I got to see there was an exhibit featured around Jean-Michel Basquiat's notebooks where he wrote down his poetry, doodles, random comments, and more. There was even an interactive space where you could write your own poetry.

http://www.pamm.org/

2.The Bass Museum

If you're in the South Beach area, the Bass Museum is a great art museum to go to. They have great exhibits that are literally just steps away from the beach. You can also find the W South Beach hotel where you can catch lunch at The Dutch or next door at Mr. Chow. Embody an afternoon as a classy and hip art enthusiast.

https://thebass.org/

3.Lowe Art Museum

Located in the University of Miami campus, this art museum is one that you wouldn't expect to be that good. Usually you think of museums to be these museums to be like the Met or MoMA but even though this is way smaller than those, it packs a lot of great and interesting art.

https://www.lowe.miami.edu/

4.Institute of Contemporary Art

A small museum that packs a punch. Conveniently located in the posh and stylish Design District, this museum is a great place to see contemporary and modern art. They also have a lot of weekly/monthly programming where you can catch a talk by artists and lecturers part of the art world.

https://icamiami.org

5.Rubell Family Collection

My favorite fun fact about the Rubell Family Collection is that it was an old DEA warehouse that was used for confiscated goods. It's a family owned collection that started in New York and moved down to Miami. It's featured well-known artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, and Kara Walker. One of the cool things is that they acquire, exhibit, and support young artists trying to break into the art world.

https://rfc.museum/

6.de la Cruz Collection

One of the museums I have yet to visit but it is on my list to go. They have great exhibits and lectures. It was started by a couple named Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz who had been collecting art. Now, it's evolved into a big location filled with art in every corner."Our art collection includes works made since the mid 1980s that interact and engage in dialogue amongst themselves. Here, you can witness 'the push and pull’ of abstraction and figuration as well as that of the accidental gesture versus the deliberate one. This is the story of contemporary American art influencing and being influenced by the contemporary artists from Central Europe over the last three decades.”

https://www.delacruzcollection.org/

7.Wynwood Walls

This is always the best go-to when there is nothing to do or when you have no idea of what you want to do for the day. While it's no official museum, it is a great place to walk around and see great art. There are also many restaurants, bars, and boutiques to try out that are all at walking distance. This is definitely a must if you have never been here.

thewynwoodwalls.com

8.NSU Art Museum

This probably the museum I have visited many times. While not in Miami, its located in the downtown Fort Lauderdale. They have great exhibits here that have included archival fashion exhibits and works by big-time artists such as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Frank Stella, and more. Once you have finished viewing all the art, you can walk down a couple blocks to check out restaurants, bars, and there's even a small riverfront to walk along.nsuartmuseum.org