Four Days in Miami's Art Scene: From Street Corner to Museum

By Alyssa Schwartz

While it would take weeks, potentially years, to see all of the art the city of Miami has to offer, these highlights promise a four-day art adventure the whole family can enjoy.

In between your long walks (and lounging) on some of the east coast's most beautiful white sand beaches, here's a peek at Miami's art scene.

Day 1: Wall-to-wall art

On the second Saturday evening of every month, people spill off the sidewalks of Miami's Wynwood neighbourhoodOpens a new window in your browser — a former warehouse district that has catapulted into one of the city's most popular destinations — for the Wynwood Art WalkOpens a new window in your browser. 

Some lick ice cream cones or sip juice from freshly-carved coconuts as they stroll. Others push strollers, or step to the beat of the music that thrums from surrounding parking lots and courtyards. But unlike your typical block party or street festival, these revelers have gathered to partake in something more than to just have a good time. They're here to celebrate world-class art.

Begin your morning at Panther CoffeeOpens a new window in your browser, a hip roaster that is serious about its small batch roasts. From here, you'll step into the street, where you'll be surrounded by street art.

Located just 15 minutes from glitzy South Beach — Wynwood remains a collection of aging warehouses and clothing wholesalers, yet this is precisely what gives it its charm. What started as a pilot project to replace graffiti with murals by international artists is now one of the forces catapulting this once-gritty neighbourhood into a sought-after art destination. In all, there are more than 200 huge murals to be found within Wynwood's 50 city blocks.

After a long day of walking, snapping photos and sparking your imagination, you'll likely work up an appetite. Be sure to pop into Coyo TacoOpens a new window in your browser, a local taco establishment, that is affordable and family-friendly. (The fish tacos are an art form in their own right.)

The nearby Vagabond HotelOpens a new window in your browser, a fully-renovated mid-century motel, makes a convenient and stylish base, close to Wynwood and not far from downtown and the beaches.

Day 2: The galleries of Wynwood

Though Wynwood's street art is world-renowned, its galleries are also a top draw for art aficionados. And while collectors from around the globe descend upon Wynwood's privately-owned galleries every December during the massive art fair Art Basel, visitors can get their fill of culture any time of the year.

Situated inside a 40,000-square-foot facility once used by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Rubell Family Collection is one must-visit. Though it's scheduled to relocate to a new museum that is more than double the size in 2019, for now, you can still view one of the world's largest privately-owned contemporary art collections at its Wynwood location. (Swing by Thursdays to Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. for a complimentary guided tour.)

Representing more than 80 artists from around the world, with four contemporary exhibitions annually, Art FusionOpens a new window in your browser is another worthy visit. When you've had your fill, stop in at the art-filled Wynwood Kitchen and BarOpens a new window in your browser, located within the Wynwood Walls, for roasted cauliflower and a Wynwood Inferno cocktail.

Day 3: Museum day

Having checked out the city's independent art scene, it's time to hit Miami's world-class art museums. One great option for art-loving families is Perez Art MuseumOpens a new window in your browser (PAMM). Located at the Museum Park, a 30-acre downtown park that is also home to the American Airlines ArenaOpens a new window in your browser and Frost Science MuseumOpens a new window in your browser, the 200,000-square-foot facility focuses on international contemporary art.

Much of the museum's exhibits incorporate light, sound and video, making it more compelling for younger guests than some traditional art museums. PAMM also has rich hands-on programming and amenities to inspire the creativity of younger guests. These include a free app, activity booklets, and pencil sets available anytime, as well as story-time sessions, art classes, and family-oriented tours. (If your visit coincides, the museum is also free for guests of all ages the second Saturday of every month.)

For views as gorgeous as the art inside, snag a table for lunch at PAMM's onsite cafe, Verde, set right on the water, for lunch.

If you're up for a second venue in the afternoon, the Museum of Contemporary Art North MiamiOpens a new window in your browser is a great option, especially if you're with kids. Like PAMM, the museum offers fun kid-focused programs, such as its Creative Arts 4 Kids classes in which young visitors learn to paint, draw, or sculpt in the style of a renowned artist.

Day 4: Urban exploration

New art is constantly popping up across Miami, so save some time for the city's varied neighbourhoods.

For art close to the beach, check out the Faena DistrictOpens a new window in your browser, one of the city's newest art destinations. Located in the Mid-Beach area, a comfortable walk from South Beach, the district offers public installations, a theatre, and hotel complex.

At Brickell Key in downtown Miami, the UnderlineOpens a new window in your browser is transforming the land below the city's Metrorail into an art-filled park. Though still under construction, come for a stroll and to discoverer Miami's early version of New York's High Line.

The area's burgeoning dining scene — including restaurants by Jose AndresOpens a new window in your browser and local chef Michael SchwartzOpens a new window in your browser — make it worth the trip. Just don't be surprised if your family comes home with more than a suntan and instead boasts a whole new appreciation for art.

Opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of CIBC or their partners.