Free Museums in City Center

"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."

"Showcasing the best contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries while also reflecting the multitude of nationalities that call Miami home – that’s the aim of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The Pérez Art Museum is an absolute staple in modern art in the US alone, providing a deeply visceral experience through sight, sound and touch. Since 2016, it’s estimated that over 2,000 works live in the PAMM’s permanent collection."

"Located at 1103 Biscayne Blvd. downtown, the art museum and art gallery is the highest-rated art gallery in Miami, boasting four stars out of 342 reviews on Yelp."

"Miami’s Wynwood Wallsare among the most popular, and colourful, outdoor attractions in the city. Vibrant street art and graffiti-style murals cover more than 80,000 square feet of wall space. Inspire your budding young artists with an exploration of this former warehouse district now known for its funky, eclectic, and very ‘gram-worthy, works of art."

"Our last day was spent at the creative Wynwood Walls art exhibit. Beautiful mosaics are spread across a few blocks on streets and on buildings, even on the sidewalks!"

"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."

"Located in North Miami, MOCA was founded in 1981 in an effort to bring contemporary art to an underserved population. This art museum in Miami blends the works of newly discovered artists with the beauty and history of the masters. MOCA has 8-10 exhibits throughout the year, and approximately 600 permanent works."

"HistoryMiami doesn't sound like the name of a historical museum, which is exactly what organizers and 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 (George Merrick and Marjory Stoneman Douglas were members) continues to offer the exhibits that were developed throughout the previous decades, along with new ones."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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…"

"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."

"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"

"Established by restaurateurs Mauro Bortignon, Stefano Cavinato, and Tommaso Morelato, Toscana Divino is an authentic Italian restaurant in Miami offering traditional and modern Tuscan dishes in the heart of the Mary Bricknell Village. Inspired by Italy's rich culinary history and penchant for locally sourced and sun-ripened ingredients, Italian Chef Andrea Marchesini creates dishes that reflect these principles and bring a taste of Italy to diner's plates in Miami. Appetizers range from bruschetta and ribollita (a thick Tuscan vegetable bread stew) to thinly sliced beef carpaccio and Octopus puttanesca."

"Toscana Divino is an Italian Restaurant and wine bar located in the central square of the Mary Brickell Village. The restaurant, built in partnership with the consortium of leading Italian businesses Wine & Fashion Florence, brings the best of Tuscan cuisine and Tuscan products to Miami. Toscana Divino presents an expansive view of modern Tuscany, ranging from the art, crafts and fashion items of the region to the diversity of its cuisine."

"Head west and you’ll be rewarded with the self-proclaimed “weirdest brewery” in the city. The staff here might have an irreverent sense of humor, but the beer they produce is serious business. American IPAs, imperial stouts and barrel-aged browns are served up in an eclectic warehouse space, complete with cushy couches, barrel tables and a bar top featuring thousands of pennies—a shout-out to the brewery’s namesake—that have been painstakingly glued on by hand."

"Lincoln’s Beard Brewing Co. has an absolute ball putting on events like you could never predict. Before stopping by Lincoln’s Beard Brewing, check their site for any themed events going on. They did an emo-themed karaoke night recently."

"Bars Breweries Industrial Area (Tropical Park). Happy hour: Yes, Mon–Fri 4–6pm; Tue 4–11pm"

"The speakeasy underneath Faena Hotel Miami Beach is the place to go to sip timeless cocktails in an equally timeless (and very exclusive) setting. If you can’t get past the often impenetrable door, soothe your ego with some smooth live jazz at The Living Room upstairs. 3201 Collins Ave.Miami Beach, FL 33140+1-305-534-8800"

"Voodoo is the new place to see and be seen in South Beach, enjoy our full liquor menu of tropical drinks, frozen cocktails and margarita’s . The party ignites after sunset with a DJ, dancefloor, and VIP seating at the new tiki bar located steps from Ocean Drive on Level 1 of Voodoo."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Voodoo Nightclub / Rooftop Bar (@voodoomiami)"

"Nice to know that the more things change, then change again, then get downright effing surreal, some things stay the same. Like how Night Owl Cookies will still bring you a dozen cookies at almost any hour of the night. And, though you can still go into the store to pick them up for now, you’ll have to wait outside until you get a text saying they’re ready.Cost: $2.75 a cookie; order through Postmates"

"It’s a flavorful explosion of guava, Maria cookies (crunchy tea biscuits), white chocolate chips and a cream cheese frosting—and when we say it’ll keep you full for hours, we mean it. 10534 SW Eighth St.; 786-360-5011 or nightowlcookieco.com. Courtesy of My Ceviche"

"After quarantining for weeks on end, we all deserve a cookie—or five. Cue Night Owl, ready to service all your sweet cravings with curbside pickup and delivery options. Count us in for a gooey chocolate chip cookie stuffed with whole Oreos."

"Midtown Creamery has some pretty intense ice cream creations, like a “giant” ice cream sandwich, brownie sundaes, and milkshakes that could last you three days. The Edgewater spot is currently delivering on most major delivery apps. You can also call (786) 536-2281 to order."

"There are good cookies and then there are cookies you would brave traffic for. Cindy Lou’s is the latter, offering a selection of gooey, delicious options (like butterscotch walnut and lemon cloud) that are guaranteed to be some of the tastiest you’ll ever try. But the best part has to be the passionate baker, Cindy Kruse, who can be found spreading her baked-goods gospel all over Miami."

"The ultimate sweet spot in Little River, Cindy Lou’s Cookies, guests can order individual cookies, cakes, brownies, bars, and more for a sugar rush that’s bound to last all day. Cindy Lou is also sending boxes of cookies to hospitals around the city and taking donation orders, and with each donation she will match cookie for cookie and handle delivery. View this post on Instagram"

"Over in the Little Haiti, check out Cindy Lou’s Cookies, which has earned five stars out of 93 reviews on Yelp. You can find the bakery, which offers desserts, macarons and more, at 7320 N.E."