Free Museums in Sunset Islands

"If you’re looking to veer away from the conventional art gallery scene, visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), which overlooks Biscayne Bay. Walking through the 200,000-square-foot museum, visitors experience curated nature through PAMM’s remarkable hanging gardens. The thousands of plants stemming from the outdoor ceiling transports museum-goers into a jungle-like world."

"Miami is known for its art, and this collection of contemporary works, Miami’s flagship art museum, is a must-visit. In addition to its rotating exhibits, the museum is home to the Caribbean Cultural Institute, which promotes the arts and culture of the Caribbean. 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami | 305.375.5662 l Distance from Hotel: 5.6 miles"

"Not far from that is the superb Pérez Art Museum. I highly recommend the guided architecture tour. It's free, it takes about half and hour, and it gives you a great explanation of the architects' work. It's stunning, a beautiful mix between green and concrete."

"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]"

"Between Northeast 25th and 26th streets on Northwest 2nd Avenue, the Wynwood Walls are a cutting-edge enclave of modern urban murals,…"

"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."

"North Miami's Museum of Contemporary Art is known as the venue "where new art is discovered," leading the way for modern artists to connect with their audience.[Learn more]"

"HistoryMiami Museum, formerly known as the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, was founded in 1940 and is the largest history museum in the state of Florida. The museum offers the community, its residents and visitors meaningful ways to connect with the rich past as well as the ever-evolving future of the region and its diverse inhabitants."

"The HistoryMiami Museum is the largest museum in Florida (and thus also Miami). Here you'll learn about the history of the city through various collections and exhibitions. Items of the collection on display here are, among several other types, visual materials, archives and manuscripts, and archaeological artifacts."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user 8ABL used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Formerly known as University of Miami Art Gallery, Lowe Art Museum is the first professional art exhibition spot in the city. It was established in 1950 and housed within Merrick Classroom Building of the institute."

"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 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."

"We hate to break it to you, but you haven’t had bread until you’ve eaten a slice of deliciousness from Zak the Baker. Luckily, this dough is served in dozens of restaurants, available for purchase at Whole Foods and always in stock at the flagship bakery in Wynwood. Plus, the bakery offers a spate of other freshly baked goods like chocolate babka, croissants, cookies and cinnamon rolls."

"The popular kosher baker, who’s bread can be found all over town in grocery stores and restaurants, also boasts his own successful standalone shop. Expect not only his signature breads, but also an assortment of soups, bagels, sandwiches, and pastries during the day, along with falafel pop-up in the evenings."

"A French patisserie specialising in delicious, exquisite cream puffs!. The puffs are not only appealing to the eyes but to the stomachs too!. The handcrafted puffs have light and airy crisp shells piped with different custard cream fillings."

"Once you enter Buena Vista Bistro you’ll be immersed in a laid-back, 1950s-inspired setting that won’t distract you from the food. When renowned Chef Claude Postel moved to Miami, he was certain that he wanted to open a true neighborhood joint where diners could gather for a taste of authenticity and value. After five years on South Beach, he opened Buena Vista Bistro, a small, intimate restaurant that quickly became the neighborhood hot spot."

"At Buena Vista Deli, terrace seating inspires the feelings of a French bistro in the heart of the Miami Design District. Not only does the ambiance have a French flair, so does the cuisine, which includes an array of freshly baked croissants, pastries, and pate, with daily specials displayed on the hanging chalkboard sign inside."

"Restaurants Buena Vista. This popular neighborhood cafe serves all sorts of authentic and tasty French treats and takes its croissants very seriously. Though if you want them toasted, which you do, they won’t shun you for Americanizing their national treasure."

"My favorite croissants in all South Florida are made at La Crepe Bistro in South Miami. This unassuming French restaurant makes delicious baked goods, tartines, and crepes. La Crepe Bistro is located at 7340 SW 57th Ave, South Miami, FL. For more information visit their website."

"Known for the spirit, freshness, and French flare they put into every dish, L'Edito French Restaurant is the place to go for a full-on French meal. Start your night with a glass of wine then move onto an appetizer. Favorites include the French onion soup, escargot in flaky puff pastry, and pan-seared foie gras."