Free Museums in Miami Beach

"In Biscayne Bay, you’ll find the PAMM – the Pérez Art Museum Miami (pictured above), spearheaded by the billionaire real estate developer and collector Jorge M. Pérez – in an impressive 2013 building designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron. Originally launched in 1984, the PAMM has always focused on contemporary art, but in the last three decades it has increasingly featured Latin American art, and it holds one of the largest collections of contemporary Cuban art in the USA. Besides its permanent collection, there’s an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, which have included artists such as Steve McQueen, Haroon Mirza and Hew Locke."

"Pérez Art Museum Miami is a modern and contemporary art museum dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries. They offer many programs for families including an art camp, art day for kids and after school programs. 1103 Biscayne Blvd.Miami, FLOnline: pamm.org"

"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."

"One of the most photographed locations in Miami, Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard. Artist-led tours are available, but it’s free to simply explore on your own. What invariably bowls people over is the sheer exuberant colors and commanding presence of the murals, which only tend to be around for less than a year before they are painted over."

"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."

"Miami’s ICA(pictured above) is housed in a sparkling 37,500-square-foot building in the city’s Design District. The opening of the ambitious venue, a striking design by the Spanish firm Aranguren & Gallegos Arquitectos, was delivered a year later than originally expected, which only added to the sense of anticipation. As well as housing a must-visit permanent collection with works by Louise Bourgeois, Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin and more, it now includes a sculpture garden."

"This museum in Miami's Design District offers free admission and lots of art that the kids will love exploring. Large scale sculptures, a 15,000-square-foot garden and interesting works of art by local artists are particularly interesting for kids. 61 NE 41st StMiami, FLOnline: icamiami.org"

"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."

"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."

"The original Homestead Town Hall was built more than a century ago and has been converted into a museum boasting one of the area’s most complete collections of historic memorabilia related to the town. The items on display include vintage photographs, historical documents, and other unique tidbits of local interest; there’s even an old fire engine that was retired long ago. The Homestead Historic Town Hall Museum is located on North Krome Avenue and doesn’t get a lot of foot traffic, so it’s quite possible that visitors will have the place to themselves."

"Play, learn, imagine, create at this educational and fun destination for kids of all ages. A wide variety of exhibits and activities include arts and crafts, a construction zone, the locally inspired Port of Miami, and Sketch Aquarium. 980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami | 305.373.5437 l Distance from Hotel: 7.0 miles"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user qwesy qwesy used under CC BY 3.0. You may have visited many kids’ museums with your young ones, but this is not like the traditional ones you have seen before. It features an interactive playground for children and aims to help them attain their maximum potential."

"While not shooting from the museum itself, head under the bridge and see why this is one of my favorite spots. Sunset and night are my favorite times at this awesome spot."

"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."

"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?"

"The privately funded luxury collection of Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz finally got a name as the de la Cruz Collection in Miami, designed by John Marquette. The de la Cruz art museum, established in 2009, has been the home of the art-lovers for more than three decades, and now they have opened it for the public to encourage the free flow of artistic thoughts in the neighborhood. Covering an area of 30,000 square feet, the gallery is stuffed with contemporary art exhibits and also organizes lectures, summer workshops, and scholarships for students at DASH and NWSA."

"South BeachWhat you're getting: Mint Chocolate CookieNot only does this fudge cookie with bright green mint chips in it recreate your favorite flavor of ice cream in a cookie, you can actually get ice cream between two of them, and have it delivered to your house until 3am."

"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."

"At this artisanal donut shop tucked away in a shopping center in South Miami and at The Falls in Pinecrest, the donuts are made fresh each day from decades of family recipes. Like its name, there is a signature Honeybee Doughnut, a raised doughnut stuffed with fresh whip cream and local honey, but the menu is vast when it comes to everyday donuts and specialty flavors. Pretend like it’s your birthday and order the festive Happy Birthday donut or go for the dulce de leche, guava with cream cheese, s’mores topped with roasted marshmallows, or the epic Oreo doughnut with buttercream."

"The award winning Honeybee Doughnuts is located in South Miami and The Falls. Honeybee Doughnut boasts over 18 flavors served daily in addition to their speciality and seasonal flavors. They also serve Panther Coffee, (a Miami favorite) and doughnut ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or Matcha ice cream, doughnut milkshakes and delicious bubble tea!"