miami street art
miami beach
There’s much to explore in the city beyond Miami Beach (although that’s definitely worth some time, as well!). Photo courtesy of Rusty Clark.

Although Miami is known for its miles of white sandy beaches for lazily working on a tan and partying nightclubs, the city is also home to many cultural treasures. For a true taste of the city, be sure to soak up all of its cultural attractions, including museums, galleries and historic neighborhoods.

Stroll The Museums

As you land at Miami International Airport, the city’s appreciation of good art is clearly displayed on the airport walls. Miami is a treasure trove of world-class museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art, PĆ©rez Art Museum Miami (once the Miami Art Museum), the Frost Art Museum and the Lowe Art Museum. At the Museum of Contemporary Art, there’s a splendid showcase of paintings from both new and established artists. TheĀ PĆ©rez Art Museum Miami features a collection of 20th and 21st century art. Even the city’s universities have museums. Nestled at Florida International University, the Frost Art Museum is home to pre-Columbian arts and works from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Explore The Galleries

Like museums, Miami is home to many galleries, where art lovers can gather in their appreciation of the arts. These galleries can be found in the Miami Design District, the Wynnewood area and the Brickell area. There are also alternative arts spaces for hosting innovative arts and small gatherings. Sign up with the neighborhood business groups for gallery walks.

miami street art
Miami street art. Photo courtesy of IVESONE.COM.

Discover The Historic Homes, Buildings And Churches

Situated in the city’s Art Deco Historic District, there’s a large cluster of historic hotels and homes constructed from the 1920s and 1940s. Enjoy a walking tour of buildings and homes in dramatic geometric shapes and attractive pastel colors with art deco and Mediterranean revival styles. Downtown, the Gesu Church and Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church are architectural delights. Railroad baron Henry Flager donated the land for the Gesu Church. It features a revival-style tower, portico and ornate alter. Both churches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Without a doubt, the Art Deco Historic District is a cultural step back in time.

Book A Performing Arts Show

The city is chockfull of theater and dance venues. At the La Rosa Flamenco Theater, there are colorful shows with dancers performing pure flamenco. The Little Haiti Cultural Arts Center features professional Afro-Cuban dancers. Other great venues to catch a show include the ornate Olympia Theater, Colony Theater and the legendary Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The Jackie Gleason Theater showcases an incredible variety of comedians and concerts. A newer performing arts venue is the South-Miami Dade Cultural Arts Center. This $51 million center features lawn concerts, art shows and festivals along with dance performances.

At every turn, Miami is a city bursting with opportunities to take a dip into its unique and diverse culture.

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Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you donā€™t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

Jessica Festa

Jessica Festa is the editor of Epicure & Culture as well as Jessie on a Journey. She enjoys getting lost in new cities and having experiences you donā€™t read about in guidebooks. Some of her favorite travel experiences have been teaching English in Thailand, trekking her way through South America, backpacking Europe solo, road tripping through Australia, agritouring through Tuscany, and volunteering in Ghana.

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