Did you know Miami is home to over 50 museums? Yet, most people only hit the beaches and clubs.
Last year, I skipped the usual tourist traps and explored Miami’s art scene—and it blew my mind.
From world-class contemporary art to quirky exhibits (yes, there’s a museum dedicated to ice cream), Miami’s museums are a treasure trove of culture.
Whether you’re an art newbie or a seasoned connoisseur, here’s your guide to the 16 best museums in Miami.
1. Rubell Museum, Allapattah
Why it’s awesome: A massive collection of 7,200 works in a converted warehouse.
- What to expect: Contemporary art, sculptures, and installations.
- Pro tip: Visit on Friday or Saturday for extended hours.
- Cost: $15 for adults; free for kids under 6.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 11:30 AM–5:30 PM (Fri-Sat until 7:30 PM).
2. Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), Downtown
Why it’s awesome: Waterfront views + cutting-edge contemporary art.
- What to expect: Outdoor installations, sculpture gardens, and indie events.
- Pro tip: Check out their Thursday night events for live music and drag shows.
- Cost: $18 for adults; free for Florida educators and military.
- Hours: Thu, 11 AM–9 PM; Fri-Mon, 11 AM–6 PM.
3. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Downtown
Why it’s awesome: A planetarium, aquarium, and interactive exhibits.
- What to expect: Sharks, space shows, and hands-on science fun.
- Pro tip: Don’t miss the 31-foot Oculus lens in the Gulf Stream Aquarium.
- Cost: $29.95 for adults; free for kids under 3.
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM.
4. Wolfsonian-FIU, South Beach
Why it’s awesome: Historical artifacts told through design.
- What to expect: Paintings, posters, and propaganda from the 1800s to 1945.
- Pro tip: Visit on Fridays from 6–9 PM for free admission.
- Cost: $12 for adults; free for Florida residents.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 10 AM–6 PM (Fri until 9 PM).
5. Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA), Design District
Why it’s awesome: Free admission + cutting-edge art.
- What to expect: Rotating exhibitions and a stunning sculpture garden.
- Pro tip: Attend ICA Speaks for free artist talks.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 11 AM–6 PM.
6. HistoryMiami, Downtown
Why it’s awesome: Miami’s history, from the Beatles to Stiltsville.
- What to expect: Interactive exhibits and city tours.
- Pro tip: Take the Stiltsville boat tour for a unique experience.
- Cost: $15 for adults; free for kids under 6.
- Hours: Wed-Sat, 10 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12–5 PM.
7. The Bass, Miami Beach
Why it’s awesome: Art Deco charm + iconic public art.
- What to expect: Contemporary art and Ugo Rondinone’s Miami Mountain.
- Pro tip: Visit on the last Sunday of the month for free Family Day.
- Cost: $15 for adults; free for Miami Beach residents.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 12–5 PM.
8. Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), North Miami
Why it’s awesome: Avant-garde exhibitions + local artist focus.
- What to expect: Big-name Art Basel debuts and public art projects.
- Pro tip: Bank of America cardholders get free admission on the first weekend of each month.
- Cost: $10 for adults; free for North Miami residents.
- Hours: Wed, 12–7 PM; Thu-Sun, 10 AM–5 PM.
9. Frost Art Museum at FIU, University Park
Why it’s awesome: Smithsonian-affiliated + free admission.
- What to expect: African artifacts, pre-Columbian art, and American prints.
- Pro tip: Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Tue-Sun, 11 AM–5 PM.
10. Lowe Art Museum, Coral Gables
Why it’s awesome: Miami’s first art museum + serene sculpture garden.
- What to expect: International art and traveling exhibitions.
- Pro tip: Stroll through the garden for a peaceful escape.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Wed-Sat, 10 AM–4 PM.
11. Museum of Graffiti, Wynwood
Why it’s awesome: Celebrates the art form that put Wynwood on the map.
- What to expect: History of tagging and iconic graffiti works.
- Pro tip: Take a graffiti lesson or bike tour.
- Cost: $16 for adults; free for kids under 13.
- Hours: Mon-Fri, 11 AM–6 PM; Sat-Sun, 11 AM–7 PM.
12. El Espacio 23, Allapattah
Why it’s awesome: Jorge M. Pérez’s personal collection + free admission.
- What to expect: Rotating exhibitions and artist residencies.
- Pro tip: Check their website for special events.
- Cost: Free.
- Hours: Thu-Sat, 10 AM–5 PM.
13. Miami Children’s Museum, Watson Island
Why it’s awesome: Hands-on fun for kids (and kids at heart).
- What to expect: Interactive exhibits and a giant piano.
- Pro tip: Bank of America cardholders get free admission on the first weekend of each month.
- Cost: 26;26;18 for Florida residents.
- Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM.
14. Coral Gables Museum, Coral Gables
Why it’s awesome: History of Miami’s most luxurious neighborhood.
- What to expect: Exhibits on Coral Gables’ architecture and culture.
- Pro tip: Join a guided walking or bike tour.
- Cost: $15 for adults; free for military and kids under 6.
- Hours: Tue-Sun, 11 AM–5 PM (Sat until 6 PM).
15. World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM), South Beach
Why it’s awesome: Celebrates erotic art in all its forms.
- What to expect: Picasso, a wall of vulvas, and a six-foot-tall penis.
- Pro tip: Attend a nude sketching session for a unique experience.
- Cost: $25.
- Hours: Mon-Thu, 11 AM–6 PM; Fri-Sun, 11 AM–11 PM.
16. Museum of Ice Cream, Downtown
Why it’s awesome: A sprinkle-coated wonderland.
- What to expect: Interactive installations and unlimited ice cream.
- Pro tip: Book tickets early—it sells out fast!
- Cost: 24–24–30; free for kids under 2.
- Hours: Wed-Sun, 10 AM–8:30 PM.
Final Tip
Plan your visits around free admission days (like Wolfsonian’s Friday nights or The Bass’s Family Day). And don’t forget to check museum websites for special events!
FAQs About Best Museums in Miami
Q. What’s the best free museum?
A. ICA Miami or Frost Art Museum at FIU—both are free and fabulous.
Q. Where should I take the kids?
A. Miami Children’s Museum or Frost Museum of Science—they’ll love the hands-on exhibits.
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