Best Arts and Culture Places in South Miami Heights

"DowntownMiami’s largest art museum is as much a showcase of architectural mastery as any other art form, where large rooms, rounded walls, and hanging gardens with more than 54,000 plants give it an aesthetic like no other art museum in the world. The view’s not bad either, where you’ll catch glimpses of Biscayne Bay in between showcases of contemporary art from throughout Latin America and the world. The museum is also home to Verde, which we’ll humbly call the best museum restaurant in America even without its breezy bayside terrace.Know before you go: PAMM is currently only open 2-9 pm on Thursday, and 11 am - 6 pm Friday through Sunday."

"To witness some eye-goggling mural arts in the lap of Miami, the one and only destination are Wynwood walls, a mosaic of colors and vibrancy created under the guidance of Tony Goldman. Started as an initiative in the early 2000s to support and encourage artists, now the Wynwood Walls, a popular open-air art gallery in Miami, stands out in the history of wall art, around the world. You can see artworks displayed at all corners and buildings of the neighborhood represent a grand fusion of wall murals."

"‘Instagram walls’ have become extremely popular on the ‘gram in recent years, so if you’re looking for some colorful wall content to keep you going for the next few months, Wynwood is the place to go. Situated in Miami’s Art District — renowned for its murals — Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing graffiti and street art from some of the world’s most talented artists. From cartoon artwork to multi-colored murals, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami!"

"Located at the new W South Beach Hotel, the WALL is a chic destination, brought to the Miami night scene by KNR Group: the name behind other dining and clubbing hot spots including Solea, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Mokai and Mynt. Velvet ropes, bron...[Learn more]"

"These are just some of the artists whose work can be found in the impressive collection at the Institute of Contemporary Art–"a space committed to the advancement of 20th and 21st-century art in Miami and beyond. The ICA three-story building features numerous rotating exhibitions, complete with an outdoor sculpture garden. But what sets the ICA apart (aside from their free admission, which is huge for a Miami museum to offer) are their public programs–"which are also free to the community. From lectures to symposiums, panel discussions to film screenings, plus multiple educational youth programs, the ICA truly is a space where all artistic thought is welcomed and nurtured. Recommended for Free Things to Do because: Free museum tours are held on Sundays and are the perfect way to spend an afternoon learning about history and architecture."

"Art lovers won’t want to skip a visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Miami. This free museum is located in the Miami Design District and is focused on fostering the exchange of art and ideas through the Miami region and beyond. With exhibitions from local, emerging, and under-recognized artists, this is the place to visit if you want to support the arts."

"The Museum of Contemporary Art in North Miami first opened to the public in 1996. The facility has 23,000 square feet of exhibition space, and houses more than 400 permanent installations from artists such as Larry Rivers, Claes Oldenburg, and Jasper Johns. With eight to ten changing exhibits annually, even more artists are represented."

"DowntownFew things are more fascinating to a South Floridian than seeing how this city went from a swamp to major world metropolis in just over 100 years. You’ll learn all about Henry Flagler, Julia Tuttle, and the rest of the characters that made Miami what it is, as well as rotating exhibits exploring everything from the legacy of Hurricane Andrew to photos of the lost era of elderly Jews in South Beach. The museum also offers frequent walking tours with preeminent Miami historian Paul George, where even Dade County lifers will learn something new about the place we call home.Know before you go: Open Monday through Saturday 10 am - 5 pm; Sunday 12-5pm."

"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."

"South Florida – a land of escaped slaves, guerrilla Native Americans, gangsters, land grabbers, pirates, tourists, drug dealers and alligators – has a special history, and it takes a special kind of museum to... Top ChoiceMuseum in Downtown Miami"

"Recognizing Miami as the crossroads for Latin American culture in the United States, Gary Nader, who moved from the Dominican Republic to the U.S. in 1981, opened the Gary Nader Art Centre located in Wynwood. Whether you appreciate historical or contemporary pieces, you will find both categories at the gallery. You can discover the beauty of the continent’s art by viewing the prestigious Gary Nader Private Collection, examining the Exhibition Gallery and walking through the haute Sculpture Park."

"Named for Dominican art expert Gary Nader, the Art Centre has been promoting Latin American artwork since 1985. It is the biggest private gallery in the world at 55,000 square feet of exhibitions, which include Nader’s private collection, Sculpture Park, and the Exhibition Gallery. Presentations at this Miami art museum have included the works of:"

"Founded to give Broward County kids more access to art education, Young at Art (YAA) is much more than just a children's museum. Since moving into its current home — a custom-built, LEED-certified building in Davie with its own Broward County Library branch — YAA has been able to attract serious, professional artists to exhibit there by challenging them to design with kids in mind. That means, unlike other museums, the art must be touchable."

"Founded in 2007 in Miami Beach, Avant gallery showcases artworks which talk about Miami, encouraging contemporary artists of all ages to contribute in such endeavors. With flagship galleries in different places including New York and Dubai, Miami’s Avant Gallery has an amazing sculpture display which includes works of Tom Fruin, Will Kurtz, Dan Alva, Nathan Savaya, and many others. An engaging walk inside the art gallery will reveal to you a wide array of artwork from artists around the globe."

"Under the moniker Gallery Diet, Nina Johnson exhibited a range of works, from sculptures by the world-renowned Betty Woodman to Miami artist Emmett Moore’s conceptual furnishings and design pieces. Moving her Wynwood gallery to Little Haiti in 2015, Johnson renamed it Nina Johnson – the name signifying this next, more personal iteration. In a four-building compound featuring a 1940s church-turned-storefront and two-story residential building, Johnson presents conceptual, design-led works by names such as Katie Stout, Nicolas Lobo and Jim Drain."

"Cielito Artisan Pops, a bakery and ice cream and frozen yogurt spot that offers desserts and more, is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 135 Yelp reviews. Head over to 2750 N.W. Third Ave., Suite 20A to see for yourself."

"Congelatte is famous for its delicious strawberry walnut pavlova dessert; a crispy walnut meringue-based dessert, topped with dulce de leche, whipped cream and fresh strawberries. It comes in sizes that can serve up to 32 people."

"To witness some eye-goggling mural arts in the lap of Miami, the one and only destination are Wynwood walls, a mosaic of colors and vibrancy created under the guidance of Tony Goldman. Started as an initiative in the early 2000s to support and encourage artists, now the Wynwood Walls, a popular open-air art gallery in Miami, stands out in the history of wall art, around the world. You can see artworks displayed at all corners and buildings of the neighborhood represent a grand fusion of wall murals."

"‘Instagram walls’ have become extremely popular on the ‘gram in recent years, so if you’re looking for some colorful wall content to keep you going for the next few months, Wynwood is the place to go. Situated in Miami’s Art District — renowned for its murals — Wynwood Walls is an outdoor museum showcasing graffiti and street art from some of the world’s most talented artists. From cartoon artwork to multi-colored murals, it’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Miami!"

"Located at the new W South Beach Hotel, the WALL is a chic destination, brought to the Miami night scene by KNR Group: the name behind other dining and clubbing hot spots including Solea, Quattro Gastronomia Italiana, Mokai and Mynt. Velvet ropes, bron...[Learn more]"

"This Miami art museum is a centerpiece of the University of Miami, and is home to a variety of Native American, ancient Egyptian, Renaissance and Baroque, Asian, and European originals. The Lowe is the oldest art museum in Miami, which originally opened in 1950 as an art display across the classrooms in the building. Originally established through a gift by Joe and Emily Lowe, this stunning 17,500-piece collection includes paintings from Claude Monet, African sculptures from 500 BCE, Asian costumes, medieval manuscripts, and The Samuel H. Kress collection."

"Situated inside the University of Miami, this long-standing museum is a favorite for UM students and the Coral Gables community. The Lowe is home to a well-rounded collection of art from the Italian Renaissance, Baroque, Greco-Roman, and Spanish Old Masters, among others. The museum also holds a sizeable assortment of Native American, African, and Asian art and antiquities."

"Miami's reputation on the international art scene tends to focus on the new. The Magic City is the place where, once a year, collectors from around the world come to scope out the cutting edge of contemporary art. But what about the old?"

"Pay a visit with your little ones to the Miami’s Children Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and learning materials related to arts, literacy, culture, community and communication. The museum is for sure one of the top fun museums in Miami for families, as it has also been awarded in the past as “Best Museum in Miami” by the Miami New Times and the “Best Children’s Museum” by South Florida Parenting Magazine. Families tend to enjoy this museum, as it is an “institution” where they can play, learn, imagine and create all together."

"At Miami Children’s Museum, kids can wander through more than 14 interactive and bilingual galleries here. The Sea & Me, Ocean Odyssey, the Health & Wellness Center and the Supermarket are just a few of the stimulating spots where children can have a good time while learning about the world around them. A full calendar of exhibits and special events adds to the fun."

"Restaurants Chinese Midtown. Perhaps more notable for its glitterati crowds and over-the-top decor than its food, this international upscale chain does do several Chinese dishes exceptionally well. Much is still said about Mr Chow’s signature chicken satay, hand-pulled Singapore-style noodles and crispy duck, which are flavorful, delicately portioned and accompanied by a hefty price tag."

"A mix of old-school elegance and traditional recipes sets Mr. Chow apart as one of Miami’s chicest Chinese spots. Diners can feel fancy under a swank lighting fixture while munching on scallion pancakes, Mr. Chow Noodles, and a Peking duck that justifies the splurge. Available for dine-in, delivery, or takeout."

"When searching for a traditional Chinese restaurant, Western diners often take the presence of Chinese customers as a good sign. West Miami-Dade's Chinese Guy is beloved by the countless Chinese students who attend the University of Miami and Florida International University. The eatery's owners are Tianjin natives Kun Bao and Yanan Cai, who just happen to be PhD students at FIU."

"Located in West Kendall, Yum Yum Delights just launched offering “protein donuts that will blow your mind.” Check out their Instagram for detail about how to order. Instagram.com/_yumyumdelights_"