The best art museums and galleries in Miami and what to see in them

Amidst the palm trees, beaches, and golden light, Miami boasts a world-class art scene for contemporary art, showcasing the best and brightest emerging artists. With iconic events like Art Basel, the vibrant Wynwood Arts District, and the Art Deco elegance of South Beach, it's no surprise Miami ranks among America’s most art-friendly cities. Discover the top 10 art museums, from the immersive digital exhibits at Superblue to the Rubell Museum’s vast contemporary collection. Plan your cultural journey through Miami’s finest art and design institutions.

1. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Perched on Biscayne Bay, PAMM isn't just about the art inside—though that's spectacular, too. The Herzog & de Meuron-designed building floats like a modernist treehouse, with hanging gardens and panoramic views. The art on display is as cool as the city, focusing on postwar and contemporary art.

Highlights:

The permanent collections that have a special focus on Caribbean and Latin American works are great to see. Visit on Second Saturdays for free admission and family-friendly activities.

Address and opening hours:

1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 6:00PM.

2. The Institute of Contemporary Art

In the heart of the Design District, ICA Miami's striking metallic, geometric facade houses cutting-edge contemporary art. The museum’s leafy sculpture garden is a further oasis in the midst of the bustling Design District. The best part? Admission is always free.

Highlights:

ICA's permanent collections and temporary exhibits offer a delightful blend of new talent and seasoned masters. You’ll find local Miami talent next to giants like Roy Lichtenstein.

Address and opening hours:

61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. The Rubell Museum

The Rubell Museum in Allapattah, housed in a massive converted warehouse, features South Florida’s premier contemporary art collection. It showcases the Rubell family’s vast collection of contemporary art from the 1960s onward.

Highlights:

Highlights include works by Jeff Koons, Kehinde Wiley, Keith Haring, and prominent Japanese artists like Takashi Murakami.

Address and opening hours:

1100 NW 23 ST, Miami, FL 33127. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:30 AM-5:30 PM.

4. The Bass Museum of Art

South Beach’s contemporary art gem, The Bass, occupies a stunning 1930s Art Deco building. The Bass specializes in contemporary art that makes you think—and sometimes laugh. Its rotating exhibitions feature international artists who push boundaries and challenge perspectives.

Highlights:

Don’t miss the whimsical outdoor sculptures in Collins Park.

Address and opening hours:

2100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, closed Monday-Tuesday.

5. Wynwood Walls

Less a museum and more a living art gallery, the Wynwood Walls is a must-see destination for public art. A street art tour offers a unique way to experience this open-air monument to creativity. Ride past its vibrant murals and gain exclusive access to the Wynwood Walls warehouse.

Highlights:

As you cover Wynwood's 10-block radius, there will be plenty of opportunities for selfies and to learn about the graffiti artists behind the paint.

Address and opening hours:

2516 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Tour times and dates vary.

6. Superblue Miami

Superblue Miami taps into the immersive art experience, providing multi-media, multi-sensory exhibits that you can step into. Explore a breathtaking mirrored maze, interact with awe-inspiring digital works, and see your own heartbeat in the glow of 3,000 lights.

Highlights:

This multi-media center hosts blockbuster exhibits by artists like Nick Cave and Joanie Lemercier, so look out for innovative exhibitions for the full wow factor.

Address and opening hours:

1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Extended hours Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

7. Lowe Art Museum

University of Miami's cultural cornerstone, the Lowe Art Museum, houses Miami's oldest art collection. From ancient American artifacts to Asian art treasures, the Lowe offers a globe-spanning journey through art history. Their Renaissance and Baroque collections are particularly impressive.

Highlights:

Head to the Art of the Native Americas and Art of North America for special pre-Colombian crafts. Fans of European masters can beeline for Picasso and Monet.

Address and opening hours:

1301 Stanford Dr, Miami, FL 33146, United States. Open, Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

8. Wolfsonian-FIU

South Beach's hidden gem, the Wolfsonian at Florida International University, explores how design shapes our world. This unique museum focuses on art and artifacts from 1850 to 1950, telling stories through decorative arts, propaganda, and industrial design.

Highlights:

You’ll explore exceptional Art Deco exhibits, including the stunning "Crowning Art Deco Turret.” This museum beautifully showcases the artistic movement’s splendor and provides a deeper understanding of its influence on design and architecture.

Address and opening hours:

1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

9. Coral Gables Museum

Housed in a 1939 coral rock building, the Coral Gables Museum was once the city's fire and police station. It now celebrates the City Beautiful’s architectural legacy and cultural heritage. Step inside to discover how George Merrick's dream shaped this leafy suburb, or join one of their popular walking tours to spot hidden courtyards and secret gardens.

Highlights:

From thought-provoking art exhibitions to tales of Miami’s earliest days, this intimate museum captures the soul of Coral Gables without the tourist crowds.

Address and opening hours:

285 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, United States. Open Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 - 5:00 PM.

10. The Museum of Graffiti

In the same area as the Wynwood Walls, the Museum of Graffiti is the first dedicated street art museum in the world. It details graffiti’s journey in Miami, showcases street art’s evolution, and celebrates its emergence in design, fashion, advertising, and galleries.

Highlights:

View mixed media sculptures and murals with an audio tour voiced by the urban art icon KET.

Address and opening hours:

276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Miami?

There are ways to save money on a Miami art tour. The Institute of Contemporary Art and Lowe Art Museum are always free, and the Perez Art Museum is open on the second Saturday of each month.

Can you visit any of the Miami museums at nighttime?

Yes, several Miami museums offer evening hours or special nighttime events, allowing visitors to experience art and culture after dark. The Pérez Art Museum Miami hosts "Third Thursdays: Poplife Social," featuring live music, cocktails, and extended hours until 10:00 PM. on the third Thursday of each month. The Bass also offers free admission and extended hours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. The Frost Science Museum features "Laser Evenings" with spectacular laser light shows set to music, typically starting at 7:00 PM on select dates. It’s a unique way to enjoy science and technology with a touch of evening magic.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Miami?

The Rubell Museum has one of the biggest contemporary art collections in the world. Its 100,000-square-foot grounds are home to works by Jeff Koons and Basquiat. The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum is another hidden gem that contains the 1-AD sculpture Ibeji Twins.

Which art museums in Miami have works by famous artists?

If you want to see masterpieces by history's greatest artists, the Museum of Art and Design boasts work by John Baldessari, Harry Callahan, and Larry Rivers. Wynwood Walls has reproductions of some of the world's most renowned street artists, including the mysterious Banksy.

Are the art museums in Miami wheelchair accessible?

Most of Miami's museums are wheelchair-friendly, with the Vizcaya Museum and Perez Art being two of the most prominent. The entire Art Deco District is designed for disabled travelers, and many visitors' services provide free wheelchair loans.