If you haven’t heard, Miami’s art scene is booming. From the mural-splashed walls of Wynwood to buzzy art fairs like Art Basel, culture vultures have plenty to snack on year-round. And while the beach might be Magic City’s biggest draw, its world-class museums are certainly worth popping into in between doses of Vitamin D. Here are the best ones to check out.
The Bass:
This contemporary art museum in South Beach sits just across the famous shores, making it a perfect stop for those who want to experience some culture. In 2017, The Bass doubled the footprint of its exhibition space after a renovation led by architects Arata Isozaki and David Gauld, adding four new galleries, a boutique, café, and an educational lab called The Creativity Center. (📷: Michael Del Riego)
Pérez Art Museum Miami:
PAMM in Downtown Miami is acclaimed for its massive permanent collection of artworks, which comprises more than 3,000 contemporary pieces across eight galleries. Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron designed the impressive 120,000-square-foot building using a patchwork of glass, concrete, wood, and tropical greenery. Don’t pass up a stroll in the sculpture garden, which overlooks Biscayne Bay.
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Miami:
Located in the Design District, ICA Miami was founded to foster the exchange of art while promoting emerging local talent. Free to access, the museum is also easy to find—just look for the striking metallic building designed by Spanish firm Aranguren + Gallegos Arquitectos. Spot works from Picasso and Lichtenstein in its permanent collection, plus rotating exhibitions that highlight Latin American artists.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens:
Built as the home of tycoon James Deering in 1914, this over-the-top Mediterranean Revival mansion is now a National Historic Landmark and living museum—all in all, a captivating portal to Miami’s nascent years. You could spend a whole day wandering its manicured gardens and 70-plus rooms, which house more than 2,500 pieces of antique treasures.
