Must See Museums in Miami

Miami is renowned for its sprawling beaches, crystal blue ocean waters, a few professional sports teams, and its vibrant Latin American community. However, what often goes unnoticed is the thriving arts culture that thrives in Miami. Beyond the numerous art museums showcasing the works of local artists, there are museums that narrate stories from the area’s history and its people.

The Bass Museum of Art specializes in art from various eras, dating back to the Renaissance. Established in 1963 by John and Johanna Bass, the museum features exhibitions that display international pieces borrowed from collections around the globe. Renowned artists such as Peter Rubens, Ferdinand Bol, and Armand Guillaumin have had their works showcased here.

The Charles Deering Estate was once the residence of Charles Deering, a prominent businessman and philanthropist. Both his father and brother were successful industrialists. The estate, which was built in 1900, is a three-story wooden house known as Richmond Cottage. Following its complete restoration after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, which cost $7.2 million, the property now offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and achievements of the Deering family.

In 1956, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum was established on the former Naval Air Station Richmond. The museum is not only a place for displays but also serves practical purposes such as providing engineer training programs, train car attendant programs, and model exhibitions. One of its most popular attractions is Thomas the Tank Engine, a beloved character from a well-known children’s show. However, the museum’s most significant piece is the Ferdinand Magellan Presidential Car #1, the only train car ever custom-built for a U.S. President in the 20th century. President Franklin Roosevelt commissioned this vehicle based on his advisors’ recommendation, seeking maximum protection during rail travel.

The Haitian Heritage Museum is a non-profit exhibition space dedicated to preserving Haitian culture in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood. The museum sheds light on the history of Haitian immigrants in Miami, showcasing their music, artifacts, art, dance, and films. It also hosts Haitian dance recitals, art exhibitions, and classes for those interested in Haitian culture.

The Historical Museum of Southern Florida, now known as History Miami, is housed in a large building in downtown Miami. Its mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of Miami through tours, exhibitions, education, and research. The top floor of the museum features a permanent exhibition titled “Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida,” which documents 12,000 years of history in the South Florida region. As the largest and most comprehensive museum in Miami, it serves as the official repository of all archaeological artifacts found in Miami-Dade County.

In Miami Beach, there is a memorial dedicated to Holocaust survivors of World War II. The Holocaust Memorial, erected in 1990, is a sculpture created by Kenneth Treister, depicting a large hand reaching skyward as if searching for the hand of God, while figures of hundreds of individuals climb from it. The Jewish Museum of Florida is located in a beautifully restored historic building that was once a synagogue. The museum aims to portray the lives of Jewish people living in Florida since their settlement in 1763. Alongside the Holocaust Memorial, it houses numerous artifacts from World War II, including photographs, documents, and religious items.

The Miami Science Museum, originally known as the Junior Museum of Miami, is privately operated. It features live science demonstrations, a planetarium, and a wildlife center. The museum offers a wide range of programs, exhibits, camps, classes, and workshops catered to children and youth.

Miami offers much more than just its stunning beaches. The city boasts an incredible array of art, research, and recorded history. While enjoying your vacation here, be sure to set aside some time to venture beyond the beach and explore the remarkable museums that Miami has to offer.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME