I drove by The Underline’s Brickell Backyard, the first phase of 9 phases, and am excited to see that construction has started. This ambitious project will convert 10 miles and 120 acres of unused space under the existing MetroRail into a vibrant linear park. In the process, it will transform the real estate along the 10 mile corridor as well.
With cooler weather and Miami’s “in” season almost here, I thought it might be appropriate to give us all a jump start on Miami Art Week, by listing some places where we can see art. Year round. In our own back yard. Without crowds. For FREE!
Other than the obvious Wynwood, there are so many places to see art in Miami. Thanks to Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places and astute business owners who also happen to be art aficionados, there are plenty of places to see art in Miami. In no particular order, and by no means all inclusive, here are a few of my favorites:
Aventura Mall art collection – Better known for world class shopping, Aventura Mall has an extensive and impressive art collection
Institute of Contemporary Art – In the Miami Design District, this museum is ALWAYS free. The art installations are sometimes trippy, but always thought provoking.
Miami Beach – I think the ocean and colorful life guard stands on the beach are art enough, but Miami Beach Art in public spaces include sea inspired as well as modern and art deco pieces.
Miami Design District Art Tours – In addition to being able to see great, fun architecture for free as you stroll through the MDD, they have regular art tours in conjunction with Arts Encounters.
PAMM – Perez Art Museum Miami free second Saturdays. The second Saturday of each month you get to see their art exhibits for FREE!
Is your favorite free art space in the northern part of Miami-Dade not on the list? Please share it with us!
One of the many great attributes that Miami offers residents and visitors alike is the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle. Our wonderful weather, scenic parks, flat terrain, and extensive offering of races, yoga, golf, tennis, swimming, rowing, and many more events allow us to exercise year round. If you want to avoid summer humidity, there are also gyms for every person at any fitness level.
But how can we design the built environment to contribute to a healthy lifestyle by offering more opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating? That is what this year’s Fit City 5 explores. Join the AIA and Miami Center for Architecture and Design tomorrow to discuss Age Friendly Active Design with a focus on public places.
If you haven’t been to the Miami Design District lately and still need a 2018 New Year’s resolution, here is an easy one. Go visit the Miami Design District. It is so Miami! In case you need more reasons than that, here are 5:
Last weekend I flew to New York City for a quick weekend getaway and during my run along the Hudson River Park, I wondered why we don’t have more fabulous waterfront parks in Miami. We are finally getting Bayfront Park cleaned up, but wouldn’t it be amazing to have waterfront access for runners, walkers, and bikers that weaves from Bayfront to the Miami River and then connected to the soon-to-be-built Underline and the path to Key Biscayne?
A couple of days ago a wrote about what South Florida will look like in 2070 if we continue developing the way we are. The state of Florida is growing by 1,000 people per day, making traffic unbearable and threatening our quality of life. Luckily, there are many projects going on in South Florida that will improve our community and increase property values around them. Three of them include:
Okay, so you survived February’s packed art, boat and food calendar and now it is time for March Madness Miami Style. There is so much to do that you will not have time to do everything, so I am picking some of my favorite March activities to highlight here. Whether you are into sports, dancing, film or food, there is something to do this month!
Carnaval On The Mile March 1-2 – FREE
Winter Party Festival March 5-10
World Golf Championship March 6-9
Miami International Film Festival March 7-16
Calle Ocho Street Party March 9 – FREE
Miami_Dade County Fair and Expo March 13-30
Sony Open Tennis March 17-30
Winter Music Conference March 21-30
Ultra Music Festival March 28-30
Deering Estate Seafood Festival March 30
If you were so busy with Art Basel and Art Miami that you missed opening week of PAMM, take the opportunity to visit it for free this Sunday. It is a beautiful addition to Miami’s growing cultural scene. I would recommend taking the metro since the Frost Science Museum is still under construction. There is a “Museum Plaza” stop on the Outer Loop.
Designed by Herzog and de Meuron, the Perez Art Museum Miami, is a beautiful new addition to Miami’s growing sophisticated skyline. Attendance is free for Miami-Dade residents this week.
I love October in South Florida. Not only does the weather start to tease with occasional cooler, drier temperatures, but it is the official start of our art season. Although we now have cultural activities year-round with our monthly art walks, museum exhibits, and great musical programming at the Arsht Center and venues throughout South Florida, we really kick into high gear in October. Here is a list of some venues to try in October:
In case you have a free day in October with this calendar,remember most of our museums have free days every month.