Millions of people flock to Miami every year for the warm weather, vibrant nightlife scene, and world-famous South Beach, but the city’s art scene is holding its own against art meccas like New York City, L.A., and Chicago. Miami is home to many of the most prominent art events, galleries, and museums in the world, and we’ll tell you where to go to see creativity in South Beach hard at work.

 

Wynwood Walls

When most people think of art in Miami, they think of the murals that dominate the Wynwood Walls. At less than 10 years old, the collection of elaborate graffiti walls have become a symbol for art in South Florida, and are home to large-scale pieces by artists from around the world. Wynwood was originally a warehouse district, and the popularity of the public, outdoor art space has revitalized the neighborhood and made Wynwood a must-visit during any trip to the city.

 

Photo courtesy of Shontel Horne

 

RELATED: 5 Black-Owned Restaurants To Visit In Miami

 

 

MUSEUMS

 

Haitian Heritage Museum: Learn about the history of Haitian immigrants in South Florida at this museum and cultural center, and view artwork from Haitian artists working today like Charles Philippe Jean-Pierre as well as exhibits about the Haitian experience in America.

 

The Bass : Located on Miami Beach, The Bass showcases contemporary art in one of Miami’s most beautiful locations. The museum opened in 1964 and completed a major renovation in 2017, and it’s here where you’ll find the most prestigious art collection in the city.

 

American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora: One of Miami’s newest cultural institutions, The Cuban opened in 2017 and explores how those that fleed Cuba and their children brought their culture to South Florida and beyond. Here you’ll find deeply personal exhibits highlighting artists that used their creativity to protest political turmoil in Cuba.

 

GALLERIES

 

N’Namdi Contemporary Gallery: Morehouse graduate Jumaane N’Namdi manages this gallery and has made it his mission to showcase black artists that are rarely exhibited elsewhere. Here you’ll find work from established artists like Ed Clark and Rashid Johnson and creatives that are just getting their start.

 

Photo courtesy of N’Namdi Contemporary Miami

 

Gary Nader Fine Art: With more than 55,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, this private gallery rivals most museums and remains one of the largest and most prominent art galleries in the world. The museum opened its doors in 1985 and is home to fine Latin American Art with pieces from Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as pieces by Picasso, Monet, Warhol, and Basquiat.

 

ART BASEL

 

You can’t talk about art in South Beach without talking about Art Basel. Every December, the world’s most high-profile art dealers, collectors, and artists make their way to Miami for a week of exhibits, parties, and A-list events. While you may not be able to drop serious cash on blue-chip art like J and Bey or Diddy, there are plenty of emerging artists on display that exhibits photographs, paintings, drawings, and sculptures for reasonable prices.

 

Want more art while Miami? Rubell Family Collection, Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, and Pérez Art Museum Miami are not to be missed during your art tour of Miami.