Museums in Miami

Art Basel is not the only reason to visit the vibrant city of Miami. There is a bevy of museums in Miami worth visiting, from a museum dedicated to a cigar baron to a museum devoted to chronicling women’s history. Whether you want to explore art or science, Miami has something for every interest and taste.

Top 10 Best Museums in Miami

• The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum;
• The Historical Museum of Southern Florida;
• The Jewish Museum of Florida;
• The Wolfsonian-FIU;
• The History Miami Museum;
• The Deering Estate at Cutler;
• The Miami Science Museum;
• The Miami Children’s Museum;
• Pérez Art Museum Miami;
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University (FIU) is one of the best museums in Miami. The museum opened in 1969 (under its former name, the Institute of Contemporary Art) but it has changed with the times. Today, visitors can explore 20th-century art on rotation in galleries devoted to American artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Alex Katz. But they can also explore works from artists around the world, including Niki de Saint Phalle and Yayoi Kusama.

The Frost Art Museum

The Frost Art Museum is known for its large outdoor sculpture garden. The four galleries each have a different feel: one features an airy courtyard; another lets light pour in through clear walls; another is enclosed in a shady grove. Some of the most impressive works in the collection are showcased here: Roy Lichtenstein’s “House I,” Tony Cragg’s “Neck and Head,” and Paul McCarthy’s “The Garden.”

The Frost Art Museum has also become known for its exploration of new media, which includes exhibits from artists around the world. One recent exhibit from local artist Tony Matelli, “New Gravity,” used large-scale sculptures and a video to examine how our bodies change as a result of gravity and time.

The Frost Art Museum is unique among Miami museums in that it’s free and open to everyone. And it’s just one of several great Miami museums to visit.

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida is a museum devoted to telling the history of southern Florida from its earliest days to the present day. Visitors will find exhibits on everything from the Seminole Indians who inhabited the land before white settlers arrived, to a time capsule buried by several mayors in 1965. Visitors can learn about Henry Flagler’s railroad and the opening of Miami Beach as an Art Deco resort.

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is $8 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.

The Jewish Museum of Florida

The Jewish Museum of Florida: A Cultural Center focuses on preserving and sharing the multicultural history of Jews in Florida. Visitors can explore the history of Jews who came from around the world – Europe, Central, and South America – to make a new life in Florida. As one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Miami has long been a draw for immigrants and entrepreneurs, and it’s fitting that one of its best museums is devoted to those seeking freedom.

The Jewish Museum of Florida is open on Sunday and Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $5 for adults, $1 for students over 18, and free for children under 18.

The Wolfsonian-FIU

The Wolfsonian-FIU focuses on design in the modern world. This museum is unusual among Miami museums in that it’s dedicated to material objects rather than art, with special attention paid to the design of everyday objects like posters, furniture, and propaganda.

The Wolfsonian-FIU is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students with ID and seniors (65+). Admission is free on Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm.

The History Miami Museum

The History Miami Museum is a museum dedicated to telling the history of Miami from its earliest days to today. Visitors can learn about Miami’s history through exhibits that explore different themes: historical events, places, and cultures. At any given time, visitors might find an exhibit on fashion in Miami or on Florida Crackers (white settlers who moved to Florida during the 18th century).

The HistoryMiami Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors (65+), students (18+) with ID, children (12-17) and free for children under 12.

The Deering Estate

The Deering Estate at Cutler is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children (6-12), and free for children under 6. The historic manor house on the property is only open Thursday through Sunday, and tours are given hourly between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission for tours of the historic manor house is $7 for adults, and $4 for children (6-12).

The Miami Science Museum

The Miami Science Museum focuses on presenting science in an engaging way that visitors of all ages can enjoy, exploring subjects ranging from the human body to outer space with interactive exhibits. The Miami Science Museum also plays host to traveling exhibitions throughout the year.

The Miami Science Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+) and students (with ID), and free for children under 5.

The Miami Children’s Museum

The Miami Children’s Museum is an engaging hands-on museum for children that focuses on providing educational programming through interactive exhibits. The goal of the Miami Children’s Museum is to provide a positive experience that will teach children about science, culture, and art in a fun way.

The Miami Children’s Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), and students with ID, and free for children under 2 years of age.

Pérez Art Museum Miami

Pérez Art Museum Miami, or PAMM, is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Miami. The museum was founded in 1984 as the Center for Fine Arts and has since expanded its collection to include contemporary art from around the world. The museum is named after Jorge M. Pérez, a Miami-based philanthropist and art collector who donated $40 million to the museum in 2011.

PAMM’s collection includes over 2,000 works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and mixed media pieces. The museum’s exhibits showcase a diverse range of artists, including both established and emerging talents. In addition to its permanent collection, PAMM hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and tours.

The museum’s waterfront location offers stunning views of Biscayne Bay, and its outdoor space features sculptures, gardens, and a hanging garden installation. Overall, PAMM is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art and culture.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a historic estate located in Coconut Grove, Miami. The estate was built in the early 20th century by industrialist James Deering, who was inspired by the palaces and villas of Europe. Vizcaya features an Italian Renaissance-style villa with 34 rooms, surrounded by 10 acres of formal gardens and 40 acres of native forest. The estate is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as a museum, showcasing the art, architecture, and lifestyle of the Gilded Age.

Visitors to Vizcaya can take a guided tour of the villa, which is decorated with original furnishings and art from the 16th to 19th centuries. The gardens at Vizcaya are equally impressive, featuring fountains, sculptures, and a maze garden.

The gardens were designed in the Italian Renaissance style and feature formal elements such as parterres, terraces, and water features. The estate also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including concerts, films, and art exhibitions. Overall, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a unique and beautiful destination that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Miami.

Museums in Miami FAQ

Q: What are some of the best museums to visit in Miami?

A: Miami has a diverse array of museums to explore. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) – featuring modern and contemporary art exhibitions.
2. Frost Science Museum – a state-of-the-art museum with exhibits on science and technology.
3. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens – a historic mansion and gardens with art and architecture from the Italian Renaissance.
4. HistoryMiami Museum – showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
5. The Wolfsonian-FIU – features exhibits on design, art, and propaganda from the 1850s to the 1950s.
6. Lowe Art Museum – showcasing art from around the world, with a particular focus on Latin American and Native American art.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – featuring contemporary art exhibitions and performances.
8. Bass Museum of Art – showcasing contemporary art from around the world.
9. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum – features a wide range of art and artifacts from around the world, with a focus on American art.
10. Miami Children’s Museum – a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits and programs for children.

Q: Are there any free museums in Miami?

A: Yes, several of the museums in Miami offer free admission. These include the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) on the first Thursday and second Saturday of each month, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) on the last Friday of each month, and the Wolfsonian-FIU on Fridays from 6-9 pm. The Miami-Dade Public Library System also has a Culture Pass program that allows library cardholders to receive free admission to several museums in Miami.

Q: Do these museums have special events or exhibits?

A: Yes, many of these museums have special events and exhibits throughout the year. These can include lectures, workshops, film screenings, performances, and more. It’s best to check the individual museum’s website or social media pages for information on upcoming events and exhibits.

Q: Are there any museums that focus on Miami's history?

A: Yes, the HistoryMiami Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Miami and South Florida. The museum has a permanent collection that includes artifacts, photographs, and documents that showcase the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The museum also has rotating exhibits that explore different aspects of Miami’s history, including its early settlers, the impact of immigration, and the city’s role in the civil rights movement.

Q: Are there any museums that feature art from Latin America?

A: Yes, the Lowe Art Museum at the University of Miami has a significant collection of Latin American art, including works from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, as well as textiles and other decorative arts. The museum also has a Latin American Art Pavilion that features rotating exhibitions of contemporary Latin American art.

Q: Are there any museums that focus on the natural history of Florida?

A: Yes, the Frost Science Museum has a variety of exhibits on the natural history of Florida and the surrounding region. The museum’s “Feathers to the Stars” exhibit explores the history of flight, from the evolution of birds to the development of space travel. The museum’s “Living Core” exhibit showcases the unique ecosystems of South Florida, including the Everglades and the Florida Keys. The museum also has a planetarium and an aquarium with a variety of marine life.

Q: Are there any museums that are particularly child-friendly?

A: Yes, the Miami Children’s Museum is designed specifically for children and has a variety of interactive exhibits and activities. The museum’s exhibits include a miniature city where children can play and explore different jobs and roles, a bank where children can learn about money and finances, and a music studio where children can make their own music. The museum also has a variety of programs and events, including story time, art classes, and science workshops.

Last Updated on April 9, 2023 by Viktoria