Wynwood Art District
Far from the glitz and glam of Miami Beach's oceanfront entertainment and lifestyle, there lies another side of the city that explores style in a more substantial manner.
Wait. We'd be lying if we said it was that far. In fact it's a fairly easy drive across a causeway and into the downtown sidestreets or, if you must, a slower navigation southward along Biscayne Blvd. if you're approaching downtown from the north. Or of course many visitors may take the I-95 and exit anywhere between 36th and 14th Streets. The area we're talking about is known as the Wynwood Art District, and if you're interested in the creative energies that call Miami home, this is the place to come and explore. The Wynwood Art District is a sprawling area of over 20 blocks stretching north to south between 36th Street at its northern end and extending as far south as 14th Street; it reaches from easternmost locations at N.E. 2nd Ave. to points at N.W. 6th Ave. It encompasses a huge variety of enterprises, ranging from art institutions, museums, and galleries to collecions, studios and alternative spaces. There's even an association of all these local art stops called The Wynwood Art District that can provide you the art adventurer with a printable map and links to the many venues
Because of the huge number of individual galleries, studios, and art complexes in this Wynwood neighborhood of the city, beginning your search online at the portal style assocation website for a preview of what's based there is probably your ideal planning method. But some reliable highlights to consider as far as area museum and collection venues are: MOCA at Goldman Warehouse (www.mocanomi.org); The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse (www.margulieswarehouse.com); Rubell Family Collection (www.rubellfamilycollection.com); and CIFO Art Space (www.cifo.org). Along with the year-round points of aesthetic energy, there are a variety of annual events and fairs exhibiting art forms that are also a growing draw. If it all sounds time and energy consuming, you can relax at bistros and in-house dining at some of the museum spots and cool bars that are springing up to keep visitors refreshed. One of our favorites: Wine Bistro, located at 3622 N.E. 2nd Ave (Tel: (305) 576-7775).