Miami has become a world-class art destination, from an apartment complex in Opa-locka to a SoFL Seafood Shack to the Women’s Detention Center, here are 20 places around Miami to see some unexpected great art.
Little Haiti Soccer Park
Little Haiti
Visit this soccer park in Little Haiti, which got murals even bigger than Wynwood’s. Here, Pinnacle Housing has teamed with residents and artists from Haiti and Miami to create a true cultural urban gallery.
Vizcaya Metrorail Station
Shenandoah
Ride the Metrorail and be treated to some impressive art at every station — and several stations along the Metromover as well. But the most impressive is the fountain outside the Vizcaya station titled “Delights and Terrors from the Sea.” Noted sculptor Mark Jeffries re-cast them from molds.
Villa Aurora Administrative Offices
Little Havana
Here, instead of drab industrial walls you’ll see 20 original works from contemporary artists like this one titled “The Lair” from Jill Cannady. Enjoy them before complaining about your neighbor’s all night salsa dancing party.
Miami International Airport – South Terminal H
Virginia Gardens
The Carybé Murals in concourse H are definitely great! These iconic murals were once housed at JFK airport, but when American Airlines planned to demolish its terminal there, the airline worked with Odebrecht — a Brazilian company with ties to Carybé — to restore and display them at MIA. The murals, Settlement of the West and Rejoicing and Festivals of the Americas represent both the pioneer spirit and multiculturalism of our city.
Grafton Industries Furniture
Hialeah
You might recognize this mural from CNBC’s The Profit, which featured Grafton Industries. The store commissioned local artist Andrew Reid for the mural for the show, and Reid created this piece to tell the story of a multi-generational business that was, for its founder, the ethos of the American Dream.
Gesu Church
Downtown
The oldest Catholic Church in Miami underwent a $220,000 restoration thus making the touching up the murals, stained glass, frescos, and ceilings that make this space as much an art museum as a place of worship.
Women’s Detention Center
Downtown
Check out a tile mural called “You Make Me So Happy,” complete with depictions of women complimenting each other on their hair.
King’s Terrace
Opa-Locka
The $53 million that were spent transforming this distressed property into a super-modern affordable housing apartment complex included a considerable investment by Pinnacle Housing Group in artwork. Art-in-affordable-housing is a trademark of Pinnacle, who’re also responsible for the giant Britto lady hanging off the high-rise you see on I-95, and Peter Tunny’s RESPECT mural.
West Dade Solid Transfer Station
Westchester
Marvel at a vibrant, 7ft sculpture from Karel Appel.
Women’s Park
Westchester
Start marvelling at the gates to the women’s park that were sculpted by Cuban-born artist Lydia Rubio.
