Art & Culture in Unexpected Places

While Greater Miami & Miami Beach may be widely known for its arts and culture, including Art Basel Miami Beach, to get a pulse on the destination’s local talent and cultural offerings, you sometimes have to explore a little further afield from the usual hot spots of Miami Beach, Wynwood and the Miami Design District. Do so and you’ll find vibrant neighborhoods with murals and sculptures you can enjoy for free as well as some top museums and galleries.

Art Blooms in Allapattah: Miami's Newest Arts District

Inspired by its famous neighbor, Wynwood, Allapattah has become an arts district that’s now home to some of the destination’s biggest art heavyweights. One of the most notable venues is the Rubell Museum, which showcases the incredible collection of longtime Miami residents Don and Mera Rubell. Just across the street, interactive art takes center stage at Superblue, a sprawling warehouse filled with everything from mirrored mazes to digital walls of growing flowers.

Take time to pop into prominent art galleries as well, such as the Mindy Solomon Gallery. Solomon is an art pioneer who was one of the first gallerists to open a space in Allapattah. Another highlight is El Espacio 23, which features the personal modern art collection of Miami real estate mogul Jorge M. Pérez. Exciting newcomers in the neighborhood include Voloshyn Gallery, featuring Eastern European art, KDR, which highlights emerging and prominent Miami artists, and Andrew Reed Gallery (scheduled to reopen in September 2024) for contemporary art.

Doral: A Thriving Hub For Art & Culture

Doral is another dynamic neighborhood for art and culture. The large gallery space at the Doral Cultural Arts Center showcases art exhibitions that change regularly. Many of the exhibitions intermingle art and culture from South America. You can also take part in creative workshops ranging from concerts to pottery classes. Mark your calendar for annual events held at the Doral Cultural Arts Center, like the Doral International Art Fair, which takes place in November and displays quality art from different periods, along with talks, live performances and workshops.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated art museum, the Doral Contemporary Art Museum (DORCAM) is another cultural hotspot with richly curated art exhibitions and regular programming, including educational lectures.

Miami Springs: Explore A Vibrant Art Scene

History is just as important as the present, and the Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum does a good job of bridging the two. Dive into exhibitions that showcase the evolution of Miami Springs, from its founders to the city’s role in aviation, along with exhibits from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The museum is free to the public and is open on Saturday afternoons.

You can also pop in at City Hall, where each month there’s a new artist highlighted in the lobby as part of the Art in City Hall program. All the featured artists live in Miami Springs (and range in age from 4 years old to their 80s) and exhibit everything from paintings to photography and even sculptures. The art can be viewed during city hall operating hours, and there’s a reception honoring the current artist at the first council meeting of the month.

Locals also look forward to the annual River Cities Festival, which has been running for more than 50 years. For three days in April, attendees can enjoy live music, shop for handmade arts and crafts, and dive into different cuisines.

Hialeah: A Hidden Gem in Miami's Art & Culture Scene

Miami culture also reigns supreme in Hialeah, where there are plenty of public art-filled spaces if you know where to look. A hidden Hialeah gem is the Garden of the Arts, where you can take a leisurely stroll in nature as you view art. Weave around well-manicured paths to peep at Instagram-worthy murals and sculptures by renowned artists. Another place to immerse yourself in art is the Leah Arts District, an industrial area that’s lined with street art and murals.

Head to Don Quijote Plaza, where you’ll see a 28-foot sculpture of Miguel de Cervantes' iconic literary character by local artist Ramon Pedraza. It’s also worth stopping at the local Miami-Dade Public Library branch – the John F. Kennedy Library – to see its array of dreamy murals and sculptures.

Miami Lakes: Discover Vibrant Public Art

Stroll or bike through the picturesque streets and parks of Miami Lakes to discover an array of public art. Look for murals and sculptures – including life-size cow sculptures splashed with emblems of civic pride – sprinkled throughout the town. Artwork by longtime Miami Lakes resident Barbara Baron even embellishes traffic control boxes. A great way to see local art outside of a typical museum is on the MiGlo Walking and Biking Trail along Northwest 170th Street between 77th and 89th avenues, where painted artwork is powered by the sun and glows in the dark after sunset, providing light for walkers and bikers.

Miami Gardens: Home To A Historic Landmark

A historic landmark and notable piece of public art stands tall in Miami Gardens. The Sunshine State Arch is a 110-foot arch that hovers over the entrance of the Sunshine State Industrial Park at the intersection of Northwest 167th Street and 13th Avenue. You can see it from the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826), and you can even drive under it on Northwest 13th Avenue.

Uncover North Miami's Art Scene: A Museum, Music & Cultural Center

In North Miami, the Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami is a treasured museum that launches fresh exhibits every November and April and is home to permanent works by artists like Keith Haring. The museum is beloved by locals for its rich programming, including the popular Jazz at MOCA on the last Friday of every month, when attendees can enjoy free concerts in the open-air plaza.

New to North Miami is The Copper, by the Copperbridge Foundation, an expansive cultural arts and educational center that showcases international art exhibits, lectures and workshops that focus on everything from photography to architectural preservation. A separate events space called Casa Fe and an artist in residency program will debut soon.

Discover Homestead: Cultural Gems and Rich History

Homestead may be known for the rich soil of its farmlands, but it’s also abundant in culture. One of the most fascinating sights in Homestead is the Coral Castle Museum. While not typically thought of as a work of art, the level of craftsmanship on display here is undeniable. It’s a castle made entirely of coral rock with amazing design features like a sculpture garden, hefty gates and a coral-rock sundial. The castle has an incredible story – one man completed the incredible project all by himself in an attempt to regain a lost love.

Another historic space in Homestead is the Seminole Theatre, where you can catch everything from comedy shows and Broadway-style plays to jazz performances. While the Homestead Center for the Arts doesn’t have a physical location, this organization features an online gallery of around 40 artists and is a great group for those looking to connect with others who have a passion for fine art, dance, theater and more in the Homestead area, since it is affiliated with many groups, such as the Seminole Theatre and the South Florida Woodturners Guild.

If you’re looking for art and antiques, stop at Etc. in downtown Homestead, where you can also grab a cup of coffee.

Art and culture are thriving in areas throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach. Wherever you find yourself, you’re sure to be surrounded by inspiring works of art.