Best Arts and Culture Places in City Center

"Though the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAAM) has long been one of the city’s most popular modern art museums, it’s become an even bigger player on the Miami art scene since its relocation to the Biscayne Bayfront in 2013. As if the Herzog & de Meuron-designed building weren’t impressive enough, inside the massive 200,000-square-foot museum is everything from kinetic sculptures to replica boats and an outdoor sculpture garden that has become a magnet for Instagrammers ($16/adult). The museum is now close during the pandemic, but you are invited to do a great virtual tour at the official website."

"Showcasing the best contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries while also reflecting the multitude of nationalities that call Miami home – that’s the aim of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The Pérez Art Museum is an absolute staple in modern art in the US alone, providing a deeply visceral experience through sight, sound and touch. Since 2016, it’s estimated that over 2,000 works live in the PAMM’s permanent collection."

"Located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd. downtown, the art museum and art gallery is the highest-rated art gallery in Miami, boasting four stars out of 342 reviews on Yelp."

"Miami’s Wynwood Wallsare among the most popular, and colourful, outdoor attractions in the city. Vibrant street art and graffiti-style murals cover more than 80,000 square feet of wall space. Inspire your budding young artists with an exploration of this former warehouse district now known for its funky, eclectic, and very ‘gram-worthy, works of art."

"Our last day was spent at the creative Wynwood Walls art exhibit. Beautiful mosaics are spread across a few blocks on streets and on buildings, even on the sidewalks!"

"Teach kiddos about contemporary art and get outside at the same time by perusing the city’s colorful and creative murals."

"It's difficult to name a better place to see incredible art for free. Since it moved into its current digs in the Design District, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA) has put on one blockbuster exhibition after another, celebrating contemporary masters such as Judy Chicago, Larry Bell, and Ettore Sottsass alongside underappreciated black and Latin artists such as Paulo Nazareth and Purvis Young. Thanks to its great taste and no entry fee, the ICA is the Miami museum that commands repeat visits."

"North MiamiSouth Florida’s original contemporary art museum has been around since 1981, but moved into its spacious new digs in 1996. The North Miami facility regularly plays host to free jazz concerts in its breezy MOCA plaza courtyard, and features provocative rotating exhibits from up-and-coming young artists. Though the concerts are virtual for the time being, the exhibits are still open and ready for visitors."

"Located in North Miami, MOCA was founded in 1981 in an effort to bring contemporary art to an underserved population. This art museum in Miami blends the works of newly discovered artists with the beauty and history of the masters. MOCA has 8-10 exhibits throughout the year, and approximately 600 permanent works."

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what organizers and board members had in mind. The less-bulky name signified a new direction for what was previously called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Today, the museum, which actually began as a historical association in 1940 (George Merrick and Marjory Stoneman Douglas were members) continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, along with new ones."

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what its board members had in mind. The less-bulky name signified a new direction for what was previously called the Historical Museum of Southern Florida. Today, the museum, which actually began as a historical association in 1940 continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, as well as incorporating new ones."

"Narrow in on the history of Miami itself with this cool museum. For extra fun, head out on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, music, and more as part of Family Fun Days."

"To capture the stories of the marginalized communities, Spinello projects under the ownership of Anthony Spinello are attracting many eyes in Miami and the international world. Projecting ongoing political scenarios through art is an appreciated characteristic of Spinello Projects. Being a nomadic art gallery owner, Arthur Spinello by now had ten shifted stores in Miami and the earlier Spinello Gallery is now shut down."

"Experience fine art, live music and all things Cuban at the eclectic and elegant Cuba Ocho gallery cum nightclub in Little Havana. Located on Calle Ocho, Cuba Ocho is a sensory experience. Antiques fill the large entertainment space; elegant sofas and a mix of intimate seating invites you to enjoy whatever live band is playing on stage. There’s a lovely bar in the front of the house, with a New Orleans-style courtyard and fountain beyond."

"Cubaocho is for most the best place for live music in Miami. Fine Art Gallery with the largest Cuban Art Collection from 1800 to 1956, In Cubaocho you can find a collection of cigars and the largest collection of Rum with around 482 bottles of different brands. it was voted # 1 Tourist visitor in..."

"Over in Little Havana, check out Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center, which has earned four stars out of 96 reviews on Yelp. You can find the art museum and bar at 1465 S.W. Eighth St., Suite 106."

"Begin your day at the Little Haiti Cultural Center. This cultural hub, part gallery, part community space, offers first-rate shows of contemporary art by Caribbean artists from around the world. It has exhibited the works of noted Haitian artist Edouard Duval-Carrié and photos from Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Carl Juste."

"Nestled between the motels along Biscayne Blvd., you’ll find Blue Collar serving comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your tastebuds will be singing by the end of any meal here. Make sure not to leave without trying their chocolate cake (trust me)."

"Heath Bar bread pudding and a rotating selection of cakes are what’s curbing sweet tooth craving at MiMo’s Blue Collar. Call ahead to ask what’s available. Rumor has it, the dessert menu is a bit bigger if the order is placed for takeout versus delivery."

"Back in Coral Gables we have yet another French bistro for you to add to your daily rotation. Frenchie’s Diner has been serving up the classic lunch and dinner staples every day but Sunday and Monday. This charming locale has everything you want from a neighborhood Brasserie–from a low-key diner atmosphere, an owner that knows you by name, and solid comfort food that never fails."

"Restaurants French Coral Gables"

"Before donuts became hip and pastry chefs got their hands on them, they were the everyman’s breakfast pastry. Dandee Donuts is one of the few independent places where you can still grab an old-school, traditional donut. You can also sit down and have an omelet, a patty melt, or even a pizza here."

"Caribbean , Cuban ,  Bar"

"This speakeasy-inspired bar in Coral Gables looks to classic New Orleans watering holes for inspiration. When you walk through the nondescript door, you'll find a lounge area with red leather couches. The space opens to the main room, resplendent with a mahogany bar lined with leather-upholstered stools."

"There are good cookies and then there are cookies you would brave traffic for. Cindy Lou’s is the latter, offering a selection of gooey, delicious options (like butterscotch walnut and lemon cloud) that are guaranteed to be some of the tastiest you’ll ever try. But the best part has to be the passionate baker, Cindy Kruse, who can be found spreading her baked-goods gospel all over Miami."

"The ultimate sweet spot in Little River, Cindy Lou’s Cookies, guests can order individual cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, and more for a sugar rush that’s bound to last all day. Cindy Lou is also sending boxes of cookies to hospitals around the city and taking donation orders, and with each donation she will match cookie for cookie and handle delivery. View this post on Instagram"

"Over in the Little Haiti, check out Cindy Lou’s Cookies, which has earned five stars out of 93 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery, which offers desserts, macarons and more, at 7320 N.E."

"Nice to know that the more things change, then change again, then get downright effing surreal, some things stay the same. Like how Night Owl Cookies will still bring you a dozen cookies at almost any hour of the night. And, though you can still go into the store to pick them up for now, you’ll have to wait outside until you get a text saying they’re ready.Cost: $2.75 a cookie; order through Postmates"

"It’s a flavorful explosion of guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting—and when we say it’ll keep you full for hours, we mean it. 10534 SW Eighth St.; 786-360-5011 or nightowlcookieco.com. Courtesy of My Ceviche"

"After quarantining for weeks on end, we all deserve a cookie—or five. Cue Night Owl, ready to service all your sweet cravings with curbside pickup and delivery options. Count us in for a gooey chocolate chip cookie stuffed with whole Oreos."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."