Although relatively new on the art scene, the Miami Art Museum offers world-class art in a venue that is modern, well managed and quite interesting. The museum, which started its permanent collection in 1996, has vaulted to the forefront as the city’s premier art institution. The Miami Art Museum’s goal is to showcase international art with a focus on the perspective of North and South America. The collection succeeds in bringing elements of all of Miami’s cultural groups together in one place. Featured artists include Gabriel Orozco and Chuck Close. Supplementing the permanent collection is an extremely ambitious exhibition program that brings a fine variety of works to the museum with regularity.

In addition to its rapidly growing permanent collection of 19th and 20th century international art and its variety of exhibitions, the Miami Art Museum is a top-notch educational facility. The programs are not just for kids – in the past decade, more than half a million visitors of all ages and nationalities have been enriched by their offerings. Although its current location is far from shabby, visitors can look forward to a dramatic expansion of the Miami Art Museum in the near future. Bicentennial Park on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami will become an art and science complex. The complex will include a landmark building and a sculpture garden.