South Florida is known for its remarkable natural beauty. But the southern part of the stunning Sunshine state is also home to a bounty of artistic, cultural, historical, and scientific treasures. Here are six museums every resident of Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach County should visit at least once.
1. Bass Museum of Art
Miami Beach’s premier contemporary art museum closed for major renovations in 2015. Since reopening at the end of October this year, the space is more amenable and impressive than ever. Housed in a historic 1930s art deco building listed on the National Register, the museum’s highlights include 500 pieces bequeathed by founders John and Johanna Bass. The museum also has a vast collection of contemporary North America, Latin America, Caribbean, and Asian art. Current exhibitions feature works by Ugo Rondinone, Mika Rottenberg, and Pascale Marthine Tayou.
2. HistoryMiami Museum
A Smithsonian-affiliated institution, this South Florida Museum celebrates Miami’s cultural and geographic role as the crossroads of the Americas. It is one of only two history museums in Miami-Dade County to meet the standards required American Alliance of Museums accreditation. Current exhibitions include an outdoor photography collection featuring photos of Miami through the ages and a collection of South Beach photographs captured between 1974 and 1990. This South Florida museum is located 10 miles northeast of AMLI Dadeland.
3. Miami Children’s Museum (MCM)
This South Florida museum is all about learning by doing. Interactive, educational zones include a bank, construction zone, health and wellness center, castle of dreams, and art space. MCM hosts theater camps, classes for parents and children, and other kid-centric events.
4. Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS)
MODS, dedicated to the exploration of natural sciences and technology, receives more annual visitors than any other museum in Florida. The family-friendly institute’s AutoNation IMAX 3D theatre boasts the biggest screen in the region. A 34,000 EcoDiscovery Center Expansion, centered around the region’s natural history and biodiversity, doubled the museum’s exhibit space in 2011. Another expansion, which will feature a colorful physics playground, is currently underway. MODS is a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk from AMLI Flagler Village.
5. Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
This beloved contemporary art museum displays modern art from around the world. Housed in a sleek waterfront building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, PAMM houses some of the finest collections of modern African-American, Cuban, and Mexican art in the world.
6. Young at Art Museum
This South Florida museum was founded on a belief that art should be an integral part of a child’s education. In addition to exhibit galleries, this Davie gem houses an art institute, museum preschool, enrichment center for artistically inclined teenagers, and public library. The Young at Art Museum is a 10-minute drive from AMLI Toscana Place.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst