Whether you are interested in art, history, science or immersive experiences, the City of Miami offers an immense range of museums designed to attract visitors. From beautiful galleries displaying million dollar artwork to exhibits showcasing slithering snakes, these places make clear why our city stands out.
It can often be difficult to enjoy and have access to these activities for low to no cost. However, some of the best museums are open to the public free of cost.
Choose the perfect museum from the list below to provide you and your loved ones with an informative and entertaining experience.
The Wolfsonian Museum
1001 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 531-1001
The Wolfsonian museum is open and completely free for all Florida residents. Located in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco District, it offers guests a wide variety of options from art exhibitions and guided tours to help visitors to discover the unexpected. There are multiple floors that include a research library as well a rare materials on the fifth, sixth and seventh floors.
The Wolfsonian is housed in a stunningly restored 1927 Mediterranean reivival building that used to be home of the Washington Storage Company. In 1986, founder Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson Jr. established The Wolfsonian Foundation, a research center and the museum.
The collection includes over 200,000 objects dating mostly from the 1850s to the 1950s. It is one of the largest university art collections in all the United States.
It houses 125,000 rare books, periodicals, references materials, and special archives such as household objects and groundbreaking designs. There is propaganda from the First and Second World Wars as well as the Spanish Civil War. A standout is what is allegedly the first radio ever made.
The art installation includes exhibitions of paintings, decorative art, architectural models and sculptures. One of the most notable installations is a transformative light system “The Art of Illumination,” which employs a groundbreaking technique of lighting designs and digital technology to project contemporary art videos and animations on the museum’s landmark facade after sunset.
The museum is also an ideal venue for hosting special events of all kinds, from business luncheons and meetings to big receptions, lectures and more. It offers several different spaces to a range of events.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the museum offers free family days with musical performances, art-making activities and gallery tours.
The Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU
301 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-672-5044
Located just a few blocks south of the Wolfsonian, the Jewish museum is dedicated to telling the story of Florida Jewish heritage, culture, art and memory.
The museum was established in 1995 by historian Marcia Jo Zerivitz, a leader for Jewish causes since fifth grade. She traveled miles throughout Florida recruiting volunteers and retrieving the state’s hidden history. The museum now stands in two historic buildings that were once home to the first Jewish congregation in Miami Beach.
Their art exhibitions illustrate the richness and range of life, and the exceptional ways in which Florida Jews influence and are influenced by the historic and cultural dynamics of the state. The museum’s core exhibit, MOSAIC, tells the story of more than 250 years of Jewish life in Florida. Topics are selected that expand on themes in the core exhibit through temporary ones.
The museum’s archives include documents and sound recordings, including a collection of audio tapes and transcripts from descendants of pioneer families. It also preserves other archival material such as films, newspapers and pictures illustrating the complexity and vibrancy of the Jewish culture. Some of the artefacts found date all the way back to the early 1900s. The museum also offers a shop where guests can buy items to commemorate their visit or the place’s history.
It is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, except for holidays and admission fees vary depending on the visitor. However, entrance is entirely free on Saturdays and students of Florida International University always get to enjoy the museum for free.
Frost Art Museum–FIU
10975 SW 17th St.
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-2890
The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum is located near the SW 107th Avenue entrance to the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Since opening in 2008, it has provided the community of Miami with free access to world-class art that reaches different cultures and transcends time periods. Ranging from exhibitions, collections, tours and more, FIU’s on-campus museum offers visitors three different floors.
The museum collection includes over 6,000 objects from the United States, Latin America, Asia and Africa. It hosts temporary exhibitions as well as works from its permanent collection. In 1989, the museum acquired a portion of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum and Art Center of Coral Gables. It also showcases art from Miami-Dade Public Schools to highlight students and offers educational summer programs for summer campers.
The Frost is more than a collection of art for the public; it also serves as a host for educational programs, workshops, lectures, concerts and artist talks. Students may also join the insider program to obtain exclusive access to this and other FIU museums at no additional cost. It prides itself as a foster of community and arts.
The museum offers gallery spaces, an atrium, and a terrace for events of all sizes, with capacities ranging from 20 to 200 guests. Some membership levels include discounts on facility rentals.
Visitors can also enjoy the refreshments found next door at the Vicky Cafe. There us everything from sandwiches, deserts or Cuban pastries. Receiving more than 35,000 visitors annually, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum is a must for visitors and residents of Miami.
Homestead Town Hall Museum
41 N Krome Ave
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 242-4463
The Historic Homestead Town Hall Museum was established in 1994. Visitors can explore multiple exhibits featuring historical artifacts.
The people of Homestead built a unique building called the Town Hall in 1917. It was a place where city leaders worked and made important decisions. The building was also used as a police and fire station. Today, visitors can see old photos, artifacts, and videos of what life was like in the past.
One of the museum’s highlights is the City of Homestead’s original 1924 American LaFrance fire truck. It was one of the earliest firefighting vehicles used in Homestead, Florida. The LaFrance fire truck establishes a transition from traditional horse-drawn fire equipment to modern mechanized firefighting. Due to its age and rarity, the truck is highly valued by historians and collectors.
There are also photos in black and white which display what the town looked like during those times. The museum also has artifacts, such as tools and clothes, that people used in the past. Short films that tell the stories about Homestead’s history are also available.
Admission is always free; operations are from Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The museum is a special place and shares the growth and changes of the town over the years. The memories are kept safe so the stories are passed down for generations. It’s an important part of the community and a great spot to pass by.
Coral Springs Museum of Art
2855A Coral Springs Dr
Coral Springs, FL 33065
(954) 340-5000
In 1996, the city was set to build a comprehensive recreation and community center, however this soon turned into The Coral Springs Center for the Arts – a performance theater and art museum. Established in 1997 it is dedicated to connecting diverse communities through exhibits, art education. It has had a crucial impact in the communities of Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties.
The museum’s layout is unlike any other, with breathtaking open architectural design, and atrium view, coupled with its warm and inviting ambiance it is a unique place for all.
Over the years, the museum has showcased a wide range of artists, some who are known on a national level, others known in the local Florida area. They have featured Hunt Slonem, Alexandra Nechita and Kandy G. Lopez.
A notable piece that highlights the Coral Springs Museum of Arts is “A Cartoon Celebration of the Masters,” made by Charles Fazzino. In this piece, Fazzino pays homage to renowned artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Leonardo da Vinci. The fusion of pop culture and classical art offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors.
As a keystone of the Coral Springs cultural scene, it offers diverse programs and events for art fanatics. There is a wide range of classes, workshops, and events for preschoolers, youths, teens, and adults designed to encourage people to get to meet other art enthusiasts, display their art skills, and learn new ones.
The hours of the Museum are unique. From Tuesday through Thursday, the Museum opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, they’re open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays are only open by scheduling an appointment, which you can do by contacting the Museum’s number or email.
All these museums serve to highlight the vibrancy and the vast cultural differences found in the state. The city offers many options for residents to enjoy and explore, however, one main aspect that makes these places stand out and pilar to the community is its accessibility. Visitors may enjoy all these options and activities free of charge.
