The Must Visit Galleries in Miami
Miami is one of the nation’s best loved art centres, and you can see why for yourself at the outstanding galleries listed below.
Courtesy of Greater Miami and The Beaches
Perez Art Museum Miami
This Herzog & de Meuron-designed building houses the ever popular modern and contemporary art museum, the Perez Art Museum, 200,000 square foot of modern, innovative art. Popular with both art lovers and tourists, this museum promises you will find something to love. The space is home to George Segals emotive Abrahams Farewell to Ishmael and has seen exhibitions of Sid Grossman and Pablo Picasso. These world class exhibitions turn PAMM into an unmissable gallery, for everyone. In recent years, permanent sculptures and garden exhibitions such as Felice Grodin’s Invasive Species have made the museum into an Instagram must visit. The large, interactive spaces make for a perfect Instagram moment, combining the appreciation for art and the need for social media presence – the Perez Museum has got it right.
The PAMM has a reputation for being one of the best museums in Miami, and this is reflected in their number of visitors – don’t be surprised if you are surrounded by plenty of other tourists, families, and art lovers during your visit. Visit in the afternoons and evenings if you enjoy a quieter gallery experience. Often labelled as the best museum gift shop of all the galleries in Miami – take the time to visit the gift shop before you leave – and don’t forget about the outside exhibitions.
Courtesy of Greater Miami and The Beaches
The Bass
This contemporary museum is right across the road from the beach – settled in the northern part of South Beach, this museum reflects the vibrant and overall fun that Miami has become known for. After an extensive two year renovation beginning in 2017, the museum has become an iconic spot on south beach – beginning with their bright outdoor exhibitions. Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain, a towering, brightly coloured, 42-foot sculpture placed on the front lawn, of the Bass, Collins Park, attracts instagrammers and tourists alike, whilst their Jim Drain chess board complete with pink playing pieces welcomes children and families to play with the artwork.
Exhibitions at the Bass range from capitalist exploration pieces from Mika Rottenberg’s to the educational classes and tours the Bass runs every day. Since the renovation, education has certainly been the main focus, allowing for children, and adults to learn as much about the art on show as possible. Visit the Bass to get a true creative Miami, sleek experience.
Courtesy of Greater Miami and The Beaches
Institute of Contemporary Art Miami ICA
This cutting edge, metallic building designed by Aranguren + Gallegos Arquitectos befits the art inside – opened in its permanent building in 2017, the ICA holds one of the best permanent collections in all of Miami. Their outstanding pieces include those from Pablo Picasso, Yves Klein and Roy Lichtenstein, while their commitment to local emerging artists is also reflected in their collection and overall ethos. Aside from the striking exhibitions on show, the ICA’s, light open plan gallery structure is enjoyable in itself – making for the perfect place to enjoy a day of culture.
Temporary exhibitions also play an impressive role in the ICA’s draw, the current Infinity Room by Yayoi Kusama, “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Pumpkins” is intended to be enjoyed by one person at a time for one minute, garnering a truly immersive and personal experience. Before leaving the ICA ensure you visit the sculpture garden, which immerses you in the luscious Miami environment – alongside some impressive and striking sculptures.
Courtesy of Greater Miami and The Beaches
Rubell Museum
The Rubell Museum is a family ran and operated museum, the family began their collection in 1965, paying for the piece in weekly instalments – now this collection has grown to an impressive array of diversity with hundreds of nationalities represented. The gallery itself is 100,000-square-foot of galleries, with works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Jeff Koons. This gallery allows visitors to see artwork that would previously of been inaccessible - the Rubell family want to open up art to as many people as possible, and by creating their wide, open gallery space – the museum really is available to everyone and a must see. The new space promises to excite and interest every new visitor.
Courtesy of Greater Miami and The Beaches
Museum of Contemporary Art Miami MOCA
This large, contemporary focused museum has 8 – 10 different exhibitions each year. The gallery is known for its innovative and explosive collections, ranging from Keith Haring to Tracey Emin, alongside incredible smaller Miami based artists. The museum is community focused and runs interactive family tours and activities on the weekends, the centre aims to be an active part of the Miami community, welcoming in anyone and everyone. The gallery is committed to educational programs and tours– so there will always be something to learn on your visit to MOCA.
For anyone with an interest in art at all – this gallery is a must see, as it combines a variety of mediums, artists and eras all into one amazing space created for everyone to enjoy.
