This museum was founded in 1984 as the Center for Fine Arts, and was only an exhibiting museum. Ten years after opening, it changed its name and began collecting art with a focus on 20th and 21st century art of the Western hemisphere. The permanent collection began with 300 works, and has continued to grow since then.
The museum’s comprehensive collection features works by the artists Chuck Close, Carrie Mae Weems, James Rosenquist, Odili Donald Odita and others. Some highlight pieces include a Christo rendering of the Gates in New York City, a diptych by Brazilian artist Anna Maria Maiolino, and the oil and enamel painting Regard the Class Struggle as a Main Link in the Chain by Kehinde Wiley.
The museum also offers free admission on the second Saturday of each month, lecture series and tours to engage visitors. It also participates in the annual Art Basel Miami fair with its Party on the Plaza, an evening event with live music, food, and open galleries throughout the city.
Miami Art Museum Information
- Public Transportation: Excellent (Buses 21 & 95 from the W Flagler St. and NW 2nd Ave. stop are steps from the museum; buses 11, 51, 77, 208, and 277 from the NW 1st St. and NW 1st Ave. stop are a 1-minute walk)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good
- Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Saturday–Sunday Noon–5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Admission: $8 adult, $4 senior, free for children (under 12), students (w/ID), and members. Free admission on the second Saturday of each month
- Tour: Docent-led tours available
- Audio Tour: Available by request
- Membership: Individual membership is $45; seniors and students are $35. Dual membership is $60 and for seniors and students $45. Members receive unlimited free admission for 12 months, complimentary invitations to members-only preview parties and special events, free or reduced admission to educational programs, a 10% discount off all purchases at the MAM Store, additional members-only discounts and sales throughout the year at the MAM Store, discounts at local businesses, eligibility to join the volunteer docents, and the opportunity for members between 21 and 41 to subscribe to MAM Contemporaries, MAM’s young professional support group volunteer docents program
- Other Benefits: At the Friends level ($1,000–$2,499), members receive invitations to an exclusive First Look series with visiting artists and lecturers, and invitations to MAM Art Treks, featuring visits to private collections and artist studios.
