Art
Miami's creative hothouse environment allows its amazing fine art museums and galleries to flourish, from the avant-garde contemporary to the renowned traditional.

The Art of Religion

The Jewish Museum of Florida ( 301 Washington Avenue ,; 305-672-5044) tells the story of more than 250 years of the Florida Jewish experience. Set inside a 1936 art deco style former synagogue now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum offers films and historical items that put the past and the present into perspective.

Local History

The history, culture and folk life of Florida and the Caribbean are the focus of the Historical Museum of Southern Florida (101 W. Flagler Street, 305-375-1492). Exhibits cover everything from Southeast Florida in the late 19th century and Miami Beach in the 1920’s to a collection of prints of Florida birds by John James Audubon. Call for a complete schedule of exhibitions.

Discover minerals, a giant quartz crystal and fossil remains of primordial creatures at the Grace Museum of Archaeology and Natural History (481 S. Federal Highway, Dania Beach, 954-925-7770), which houses archaeological and prehistoric secrets of early Floridians, ancient Egyptians, Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs.

Thank You, Mam

The Miami Art Museum (101 W. Flagler St.; 305-375-3000), also known as MAM, features superbly curated shows that often spotlight politically controversial artists and issues. Upcoming special exhibits include "Museums for a New Millennium" (October 3-January 4, 2004), "New Work: Cildo Meireles" (through October 19) and "Visual Poetics: Art and the World" (through November 16). Other programs include artist lectures and JAM at MAM, a Thursday music series complete with gallery tours and gourmet snacks. On the second Saturday of each month, free for families, teachers lead kids of all ages in creating artwork inspired by current exhibitions.

For the Kids

Just opened in 2003, the Miami Children's Museum (Watson Island; 305-373-5437) is dedicated to enriching children's lives by fostering a love of learning and appreciation of their own unique talents. Visitors are encouraged to play together, learn, imagine and create. The museum features interactive exhibitions, learning materials, programs and more.

Lowe Highlights

The Lowe Art Museum (University of Miami, 1301 Stanford Drive, Coral Gables; 305-284-3535) is high on the list of destinations for art lovers in South Florida. Exhibits include "Rebecca Hutchinson: Connected" (September 20-November 9), "Red Grooms: Selections from the Graphic Work" (November 22-January 18, 2004), "Manhattan Stories: Enduring Legacy" (through December 7), "Wild Beasts, Wise Men" (through January 11, 2004) and "Ink, Water, Brush, Hand and Heart: Painting from the Chinese Collection" (through July 5, 2004).

Travel, High and Low

Those with an interest in trains should make their way to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum (12450 S.W. 152nd Street, 305-253-0063), located next to the Metro Zoo entrance. A collection of historic railroad cars and memorabilia includes the presidential Pullman car, Ferdinand Magellan, used by Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Bush. Weekend train rides on authentic diesel or steam locomotives make this a must-see.

More than 140 hands-on exhibits are guaranteed to wow patrons of all ages at the Miami Museum of Science and Space Transit Planetarium (3280 S. Miami Avenue 305-646-4200). "Space Toys," "The Robot Zoo," " Newton 's Notions" and "Smithsonian Expeditions: Exploring Latin America & the Caribbean " are among the favorites. Those interested in creature features will want to check out the Wildlife Center with more than 150 live animal residents. Open daily, the planetarium features occasional lectures, laser-light shows and star shows.

Art Lessons

Art Center South Florida (800, 810 and 924 Lincoln Road , 305-674-8278) provides work and exhibition space for more than 81 visual artists through its juried artists' program. ArtStudies in various media and artistic levels is available for all ages. Special exhibits include "Resemblance -- Works by Luisa Basnuevo, Betty Fleisher, Carol Prusa" (through October 19) and "Works from the Neiman Marcus Collection" (October 25-November 30). Galleries and studios are free to the public.

The Wolfsonian-Florida International University (1001 Washington Avenue, 305-531-1001), housed in an art deco era gem of a building, oversees more than 70,000 American and European objects relating to decorative arts, design and architecture from the late 19th to the mid-20th centuries. Exhibitions include " Tokyo : The Imperial Capital" (November 22- May 2, 2004 ) and "Weapons of Mass Dissemination: The Propaganda of War" (through March 21, 2004 ).

Aesthetic Estate

Chicago industrialist James Deering's winter home, Vizcaya ( 3251 S. Miami Avenue , 305-250-9133) is a tribute to Italian Renaissance architecture and art. Built in 1916, the house features rooms that are adorned with decor and furnishings that span 500 years. Now a museum with acres of gardens, the villa recalls a quieter South Florida.

Models of Modernity

Established in 1996, North Miami 's Museum of Contemporary Art ( 770 N.E. 125th Street , 305-893-6211) houses works that demonstrate a fresh approach to the art of our time. The permanent collection includes more than 350 artworks by artists such as John Baldessari, Dan Flavin, Dennis Oppenheim, Alex Katz, Louise Nevelson, Gabriel Orozco, Julian Schnabel, Zoe Leonard, Uta Barth, Teresita Fernandez, Jorge Pardo, Garry Simmons, Mathew Ritchie, and Jose Bedia. Current exhibits include "Roberto Juarez: A Sense of Place" (through November 16), "American Short Stories: Saul Steinberg/Raymond Pettibon" (through November 16), "William Cordova: Project" (November 29-February 8, 2004), "Richard Artschwager: ‘Painting' Then and Now" (December 3-February 15, 2004), "Laura Owens" (March 6-May 9, 2004), and "Jean-Michel Othoniel" (May 28-August 31, 2004).

May the Force Be With You

Beyond the doors of the American Police Hall of Fame and Museum ( 6350 Horizon Drive , Titusville , 321-264-0911) is an interesting and comprehensive look at the history of law enforcement. The story of the American police force unfolds with spotlights on heroes, recountings of pivotal events and exhibits of police equipment throughout several centuries. Visitors can view a memorial to more than 6,000 police officers, see unusual police vehicles, sit in a mock electric chair, enter a re-created gas chamber, experience a jail cell and more.

Curtain Calls

The Coconut Grove Playhouse ( 3500 Main Hwy. ; 305-442-4000) offers a schedule full of great new shows and fine classics. Upcoming performances include “The Tale of the Allergist's Wife” (November 4-30), “Fully Committed” (November 18-January 25, 2004), “Two Pianos, Four Hands” (December 9-January 4, 2004), Theodore Bikel in “The Chosen” (January 13-February 8, 2004), “Jolson & Company” (February 17-March 7, 2004), and “Stones in His Pockets” (March 16-April 4, 2004).