Best Museums in Westchester

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user B137 used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Have you thought about spending an afternoon to see the beautiful art of the 20th and 21st centuries?. Pérez Art Museum Miami is the perfect centre to have such a beautiful experience."

"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"

"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."

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

"The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) has come a long way since its inception as a single gallery space in 1981. Now one of Miami’s most beloved cultural institutions, the MOCA hosts around eight to 10 special exhibits a year alongside its stellar permanent collections. Among those showcased in the MOCA permanent collection are Keith Haring, Gabriel Orozco and José Bedia, with the collection boasting a whopping 500 works of art."

"Those wanting to see contemporary art while in Miami should really go to the Institue of Contemporary Art, Miami. Here you find all kinds of artworks from well-known artists, but the museum also likes to feature up-and-coming artists. Besides the permanent collection, the museum also has many temporary exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of contemporary art."

"A free contemporary arts museum, the ICA sits in the midst of the Design District and hosts a good range of contemporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collection pieces. The building, designed in 2017 by Aranguren & Gallegos architects, is especially beautiful, with its sharp geometric lines and large windows overlooking the back garden."

"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."

"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 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."

"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."

"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."

"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"

"Whether it's raining or just too hot, head inside to enjoy the air conditioning of the Miami Children's Museum. You'll find hands-on exhibitions including a play cruise ship, supermarket, and even a kids-sized television studio. A post shared by Juliette V (@jvulpetti) on Jan 20, 2017 at 7:57pm PST"

"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…"

"Situated in the middle of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach developer Carl Fisher dredged this island to create a suitable site for a monument dedicated to Henry Flagler, which remains at its center."

"Hop aboard for a fun 90-minute sightseeing cruise that takes you past waterfront mansions, Port Miami, Fisher Island and other highlights. See captivating views of the Miami skyline while enjoying beverages and light snacks."

"A post shared by Katarzyna Arkusińska (@kate_through_the_looking_glass) on Sep 14, 2018 at 8:28pm PDT. Miracle Mile features an upscale shopping experience in the Coral Gables area of Miami. Miracle Mile is one of Miami’s coolest shopping centers with boutiques and one of a kind stores lining the beautiful tree-lined street."

"The one-mile street has everything — bookstores to restaurants to boutiques. If you’re looking for a clean and classy backdrop with European vibes then here it is. Also, the Umbrella Sky Project is within walking distance."

"Pop into Threefold Cafe for breakfast, then spend a few moments walking off your meal in the Miracle Mile area."

"Crandon Park Beach boasts some of the clearest waters Miami has to offer, thanks in part to a strict ban on floatation devices and its offshore sandbar — itself an idyllic place to bask like the Floridian lizard you are at heart. Not to worry though, there’s plenty else to keep the whole family entertained, including unique eco-adventure experiences, picnic and cookout areas, and concession stands. If the sun becomes too much, head to the Family Amusement Center open on weekends and holidays only to check out its restored carousel, beachfront playground, and splash fountain."

"Just a short drive to northern Key Biscayne, Crandon Park is an island park equipped with volleyball nets, cabanas for rent and pristine turquoise waters that beckon for a dip. Aside from the stunning beaches and pearly white sands, the park is also home to mangroves, dunes and a nature center that houses exotic fish and other wildlife. Just five minutes away from Crandon Park is Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park which is home to the Cape Florida Light – the oldest standing structure in Greater Miami."

"Parents love Candon Park for its gorgeous 2-mile beach, lifeguards, and picnic areas. But kids keep coming back for the vintage carousel, paved roller rink, and a seahorse fountain. Throw in the pretty arboretum and gardens and you've got one of the best spots in Miami for kids of all ages."

"For a more chilled beach day option, head to North Beach Oceanside Park, a serene destination, out of the way of the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach’s hotels and restaurants. Pack your cooler to the brim, bring a Pub sub, and take in the blissful scene of the Atlantic Ocean. The park also features shaded walking trails, a bike path, and a dog park and playground to entertain the kids and fur babies."