Free Museums in Miami Shores

"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."

"One of Miami's most impressive spaces, designed by Swiss architects Herzog & De Meuron, integrates tropical foliage, glass, concrete and wood – a melding of tropical vitality and fresh modernism that fits... Top ChoiceState Park in Key Biscayne"

"In the midst of rusted warehouses and concrete blah, there's a pastel-and-graffiti explosion of urban art. Wynwood Walls is a collection of murals and paintings laid out over an open courtyard that invariably bowls people over with its sheer color profile and unexpected location. What’s on offer tends to change with the coming and going of major arts events such as Art Basel, but it's always interesting stuff."

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

"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."

"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."

"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"

"If you are a history buff or culture buff, then you will love the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. Here you’ll find many contemporary visual art exhibitions, live stage performances, educational facilities for aspiring local artists, and much more. Just be sure to check their website for listings and seasonal exhibitions that are so good."

"The Center, which is southeast of Young Circle, has a great reputation for presenting übercool contemporary art exhibitions and providing…"

"The Young at Art Museum (youngatartmuseum.org) in nearby Davie offers a wealth of fun for kids of all ages, including changing exhibits, special shows and entertainment. Permanent exhibits include a global village that features various cultures and activities, including participating in an archeological dig, learning origami and discovering a Mayan pyramid. Another exhibit features a black light environment where kids create works of art that come to life under the special lights."

"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 capture that narrative. This highly recommended place, located in the Miami-Dade Cultural Center, does just that, weaving together the stories of the region’s successive waves of population, from Native Americans to Nicaraguans."

"Learn about Miami's history at this museum that's fun for all ages. On the second Saturday of the month they offer free admission and special family programming. 101 West Flagler StreetMiami, FLOnline: historymiami.org"

"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."

"These are probably my favourite and the most fun on this list of instagrammable places in Miami. I just love the iconic colourful lifeguard towers in Miami, but especially the ones at South Pointe beach!. Expect to see all sorts of bright colours and fun shapes as you stroll along the beach."

"If you’re feeling ambitious on your townie cruiser, you can ride north to Bal Harbour or Haulover beaches; natives know these as water-sports havens—and for Bal Harbour’s luxury shopping. Otherwise, drop off your bike along Ocean Drive and grab a spot on the beach, Lummus Beach, which runs from around 6th to 14th streets. This is a beach for locals and tourists alike, and the spread of humanity—supermodels, families and even topless tanners—make this a go-to spot for people-watching."

"1111 SW 1st Avenue, MiamiA former El Bulli employee, and recognized as one of the most talented chefs in the world, Diego Muñoz, has created one of the most interesting new restaurants in Miami, in the innovative 1111 Peruvian Bistro. Chef Muñoz travelled the world for work and for inspiration. This inspiration manifests itself food that hints of his global view, his mentors, and the places he has lived."

"Just shy of the beachfront, visiting West Lake Park is ones of the best things to do in Hollywood, Florida if you love to Kayak. You see, here they have a heap of waterways to test your skills and master the art of bobbing and not crashing into fellow kayakers. Trust me, that’s the biggest challenge… I always end up smacking into Yaya, which usually results in a few splashes from his paddle!"

"2660 Coolidge Street This small neighborhood waterfront park is enjoyed by residents seeking a quiet place for reflection. This passive park has a view of the adjacent waterway."

"A guide to the ultimate weekend in Miami, any time of year, with cocktails by the pool, art walks and Art Deco spotting, and a little Latin flavor."

"Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts serves up first-rate theater and other live performances. Located in the center of the city and easily accessible through public transportation, you and your party are sure to be impressed with the quality of the shows at the state-of-the-art performance venue, which serves as home to The Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet, as well as a home away from home to the Cleveland Orchestra and various touring Broadway productions. Check out their online calendar and book your group's tickets today!"

"Description: Set in the heart of downtown Miami and designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is one of the world’s leading performing arts organizations and venues. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center, a 501C3 non-profit organization, has emerged as a leader in presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity as well as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area."

"The monolithic Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts was built by Cesar Pelli, the architect famous for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. It is not his loveliest building: In daylight, it resembles a collapsed layer cake with jutting angles. But when lit-up at night, the two main buildings look like glowing spaceships preparing for liftoff."

"The shining beacon of historic buildings of Miami is located right in the middle of Downtown. The recently restored 1926 silent movie palace, complete with baroque balconies and red velvet curtains, exudes charisma. The Olympia Theater hosts film screenings, concerts, art exhibits, and other events under a simulated night sky ceiling graced by Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Luciano Pavarotti, and many others."

"Situated in the center of downtown Miami, Olympia has a 1920s vibe. The building makes for some great images. Tell your photography assistant to take the picture from across the street."

"Ft Lauderdale shows they especially understand this with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This is a tremendously beloved institution in Florida for live entertainment. More than half a million people have taken in entertainment at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts."