Wynwood Arts District

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA

By LORI VAJDA

Courtesy of Greater Miami and the Beaches

When you think of a Miami vacation, you might think of miles of sun-drenched beaches, (we do have over 325 days of sun), urban chic style, trendy nightclubs and pricy attractions.

While all that may be true, Miami is also a metropolis that offers even the budget-conscious traveler endless opportunities of activities to try, attractions to enjoy and neighborhoods to explore.

From world-renowned Art Deco and Miami Modern architecture, and endless outdoor activities, to thriving arts and cultural communities, sightseeing tours and award-winning restaurants, Miami (and South Florida overall) offers a host of attractions that are sure to entertain and inspire.

With so much to see and do here, the most difficult part of planning will be squeezing it all in.

ART & CULTURE

Miami’s art and cultural scene might be just as hot as our beaches. Monthly Miami Art Walks and other cultural festivals offer you a chance to meet local, regional and international artists, view private collections and hear live music for free.

ART EVENTS

Set around Ponce Circle Park and expanding outwards, the Coral Gables Gallery Night Art Walk is held the first Friday of the month. Walk along the streets and explore artwork on display at dozens of galleries and exhibits, many by Latin American artists. Sample complimentary food and listen to live entertainment.

Free continuous shuttle bus and trolley service makes it easy to take in the many galleries and other art venues.

The Coconut Grove Art Walk takes place the first Saturday of the month and brings together local and international artists, musicians and dancers. This outdoor extravaganza is the perfect place for art enthusiasts to view paintings, photography and mixed media, while listening to music and sampling free food.

Once an industrial neighborhood, the Wynwood Arts District, holds an art walk the second Saturday of each month, and has made a big splash on the Miami art scene. Visitors can stroll through the Bakehouse Art Complex, galleries and art studios, like the Robert Fontaine Gallery, where you can meet renowned artists as well as up-and-coming local artists.

Just north of Wynwood is the Miami Design District Art Walk, which also takes place on the second Saturday of the month. A bit more traditional compared to its counterpart, over the years it has become an international destination for art, design, food and fashion.

Each December art patrons from around the world descend on South Florida as Miami Beach hosts one of the world’s most influential art fairs, Art Basel Miami Beach. This week long fair features more than 250 galleries, including talks and seminars. Special exhibitions are held at museums and galleries throughout the city, transforming Miami into a dynamic cultural destination.

ART VENUES 

Bass Museum of Art is located in South Beach’s Collins Park neighborhood. With its permanent collection of European art from the Renaissance and Baroque periods to hosting world-class travelling exhibitions, the Bass Museum is an art lover’s paradise.

Recently the museum underwent a renovation by world-renowned Japanese architect Arata Isozaki. The expansion tripled the former exhibition space, and allowed for the addition of a museum café, courtyard and shop, among other improvements.

The New World Center is host to the New World Symphony, a top-rated training orchestra. Concertgoers will enjoy performances from leading classical soloists, composers and conductors of this era.

Several times throughout the year music lovers gather in the 2.5 acre park located right outside the facility, to watch and listen to free video ‘Wallcasts.’ The good sound quality and terrific live videos provide for a memorable musical experience.

CULTURAL VENUES

Big Night in Little Haiti is host to one of the best block parties the city has to offer. The night opens with live performances from Haitian musicians, and heats up as a local DJ spins the music between sets.

This is a family friendly event and includes arts and crafts by local artisans, food, children’s activities and more. Big Night in Little Haiti happens on the third Friday of every month.

Smaller than many of the other art walks located throughout Miami, Viernes Culturales/Cultural Fridays is an outdoor monthly festival complete with artists, sculptors and musical performances.

Held the last Friday of every month in Little Havana, this free event is open to anyone who wants to explore Latin art, music, food and hand rolled cigars.

Participating artists, painters, sculptors and jewelry crafters make their products by hand, presenting authentic, one-of-a-kind works of art.

FREE MUSEUMS 

The Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum is an internationally known art museum. Located in a 1926 Mediterranean revival-style warehouse in the heart of Miami’s historic art district, the museum uses art to explore, to tell a story and to view the historical changes of our world.

Collections range from the Industrial Revolution to the end of World War II, and include a variety of media, such as paintings, ceramics, posters, books, furniture and architectural creations.

Visitors can wander the museum gift shop and café located on the grounds or peruse the selection of unconventional gifts, books and films inspired by the museum’s collection. Budget minded visitors will enjoy the museums free day; every Friday after 6 p.m.

Perez Art Museum Miami is free the second Saturday of every month and features hands-on activities for children and adults as well as guided tours and occasional guest artists and performers. Call 305375-3000 or visit www.pamm.org.

Please note this article has been edited for brevity and clarity.