Culture and museums
Miami is not just beach and parties: it has a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, internationally famous street art and unique architectural heritage. This guide gathers the best for art and history lovers.
The Bass Museum of Art
Contemporary art museum right in Miami Beach, in a renovated Art Deco building. Rotating international exhibits, workshops and a more intimate vibe than PAMM. Ideal for a cloudy day.
TIP: Admission ~$15. Closed Mondays. Combine with the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (3 blocks away, free entry).
2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 2,8 mi · 10 min by car
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Modern and contemporary art museum in a stunning building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, overlooking Biscayne Bay. Hanging gardens, rotating international exhibitions and a strong Latin American collection.
TIP: Admission ~$16 adults, kids under 6 free. Second Saturdays of the month are free for everyone. Add lunch at the museum café with bay views.
1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami FL 33132 · 6,5 mi · 20 min by car
Frost Art Museum (FIU)
Florida International University's art museum, with a permanent Latin American art collection and rotating exhibits. Always free admission.
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TIP: Free, no crowds, university feel. Sundays have storytelling and free family workshops.
10975 SW 17th St, Miami FL 33199 · 17 mi · 30 min by car
Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA Miami)
Contemporary art museum in the Design District, in a modern metallic building. ALWAYS FREE admission. Collection and rotating exhibits of top international quality.
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TIP: Free and under-rated: one of the best exhibits in Miami. Head up to the rooftop to see the Design District from above.
61 NE 41st St, Miami FL 33137 · 5,5 mi · 15 min by car
Museum of Graffiti
World's only museum dedicated to graffiti. 12 galleries telling the movement's story from 1970s New York to today. Live workshops and art shop.
TIP: Admission ~$20 adults / $15 students. Unmissable for street art lovers. Combine with Wynwood Walls and lunch at Wynwood Brewing.
299 NW 25th St, Miami FL 33127 · 6,7 mi · 20 min by car
Wynwood Walls
Miami's most famous open-air museum. Massive murals from international artists (Shepard Fairey, Os Gemeos, Kenny Scharf) on walls of former factories. The artistic soul of the city.
TIP: Main yard admission ~$12. But you can see 80% of the street art for free walking the surrounding blocks. Saturday midday with brunch at Coyo Taco = perfect combo.
2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami FL 33127 · 6,5 mi · 20 min by car
Miami Design District
Neighborhood dedicated to design, public art and fashion. Permanent installations by artists (don't miss Buckminster Fuller's Fly's Eye Dome) between luxury boutiques and trendy restaurants.
TIP: Free self-guided walk. First 2 hours of parking free at Palm Court. Add a visit to ICA Miami (free) and coffee at Michael's Genuine.
3841 NE 2nd Ave, Miami FL 33137 · 5,5 mi · 15 min by car
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Italian Renaissance-style mansion built in 1916, overlooking Biscayne Bay. Formal European gardens, sculptures, fountains and one of the best views in Miami. A historic gem.
TIP: Admission ~$25 adults / $10 kids. Book online — limited capacity. Bring bug spray and water: gardens are extensive. Wednesdays close at 4:30 p.m.
3251 S Miami Ave, Miami FL 33129 · 9 mi · 25 min by car
Cape Florida Lighthouse
The oldest building in Miami-Dade (1825). Historic 95-foot lighthouse with 109 steps to climb and see spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
TIP: Park entry $8/car + $2 per person to climb the lighthouse. Free guided tours at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Thursday to Monday).
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park · Key Biscayne 15 mi · 30 min by car
History Miami Museum
Museum dedicated to Miami and South Florida history: from the Tequesta people to the Miami Beach boom, Cuban migration, the Mariels and modern development.
TIP: Admission ~$10 adults / $5 kids. Ideal to understand where the city comes from. Combine with lunch at Bayside Marketplace (a few blocks away).
101 W Flagler St, Miami FL 33130 · 7,5 mi · 20 min by car
Jardín Botánico de Miami Beach
Free green oasis right in Miami Beach. Japanese garden, lily pond, endemic tropical plants. Free outdoor yoga on Saturdays.
TIP: Free admission, open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Perfect walk to combine with a visit to The Bass (3 blocks away).
2000 Convention Center Dr, Miami Beach FL 33139 · 2,8 mi · 10 min by car
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
The most important tropical botanic garden in the U.S., with 83 acres of palms, orchids, butterflies and an exhibition building. Tram tours included.
TIP: Admission ~$25 adults / $12 kids. Bring sunscreen and water: lots of open sun. Special events (Orchid Show, Mango Festival) check online calendar.
10901 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables FL 33156 · 17 mi · 30 min by car
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Giant science complex: planetarium, 3-floor aquarium, interactive exhibits on the human body, robotics, weather. Designed for all ages. A full day guaranteed.
TIP: Admission ~$32 adults / $23 kids. Buy combo with PAMM next door to save $10 per person. Planetarium shows every hour — don't miss them.
1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami FL 33132 · 6,5 mi · 20 min by car