If there’s one event in Miami’s art and cultural calendar that you can’t afford to miss, it’s Miami Art Week. Of course, the star of the show is Art Basel, now in its 21st year. The famous Miami Beach art fair will feature tons of innovative and exclusive exhibitions in addition to attracting satellite events throughout the city. We’ve already started planning on how to make the most out of these art-packed days, which is why we put together this list of the best art experiences you should totally head out to this weekend. Check them out:
1. The Art of Hip Hop
This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and a new exhibit is taking visitors through the history of the genre and Miami’s very own cultural contributions. Presented by Alan Ket and Allison Freidin, founders of The Museum of Graffiti, Art of Hip Hop will showcase relics from Hip Hop’s first NYC DJ, Kool Herc, to Miami’s own pioneer Uncle Luke; photography by Derick G and Esdras T. Thelusma; and album covers designed by Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Slick and more.
Where: 299 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127
2. SCOPE Art Show
Taking place through December 10, South Beach’s contemporary art fair returns for its 22nd edition and will display works from 110 exhibitors hailing from across 23 countries. It is renowned for its uncanny ability to forecast new visual trends which are embraced globally.
Where: 801 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
3. Spectrum Miami & Red Dot Miami
For the second year, Spectrum Miami and Red Dot Miami are joining hands to bring the art fairs under one roof at the Mana Wynwood Convention Center. Returning for a 13th year and 18th year respectively on Dec. 6 to 10, see the artwork of more than 1,000 artists showcased by over 280 exhibitors. Both shows will cover 150,000 square feet of exhibition space, all within walking distance of Wynwood’s coveted restaurants and bars.
Where: 2217 NW 5th Ave. and NW 22nd St.
4. Faena Art installations
Some of the most striking installations you’ll find are at Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, where Faena Art is presenting four major installations, collectively titled ‘Spaces of Influence: Shaping Community in the Modern World.’ Throughout the hotel and its beach, you’ll find AI-generated pathways of a maze by Sebastian Errazuriz, a nostalgic dive bar with Kelly Breez’s ‘Dirt’s Dive,’ a dystopian vision of climate change by Beetle and a sculpture depicting tech moguls in an epic struggle.
Where: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
5. Making Miami by Jayaram Law
This public art exhibition, book, and permanent digital archive presents work by extraordinary Miami artists who lived and worked in the city between 1996-2012. The curated brilliance of these masterpieces unfold across four indoor galleries, seamlessly connected by a mesmerizing Sculpture Garden. Find work from nearly 50 artists, including Daniel Arsham’s Snarkitecture, Jan Stark and FriendsWithYou.
Where: 75 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137
6. The Power of Purpose at Wynwood Walls
With the theme “Power of Purpose,” this year’s Art Week at Wynwood Walls is one to remember. Highlights include sculpture unveilings by Dan Lam and Ron English, a solo show by international artist Kai and even a reclaimed subway car as part of its permanent installation of works. The 48-foot “art piece” was built between the years of 1976-1978 and is one of 200 built in its series. It has found its permanent home at the Walls after completing a 1,000 mile journey from West Virginia.
Where: 2516 NW 2nd Avenue Miami, FL 33127
7. Pinta Miami
Explore the artwork of emerging and established Latin American artists at the 17th edition of Pinta Miami this weekend, through December 10. Coconut Grove’s The Hangar will be home to the art fair which is split into several sections, each with their own curators.
Where: 3385 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133
8. Soul Basel
Every year, Miami’s historic Overtown comes alive with the African diaspora’s stories, colors and rhythms during its own version of Art Week — Soul Basel. Featuring diverse exhibitions, engaging discussions, live music and historic sites, the vibrant extravaganza offers a dynamic platform for artists to showcase their work while inviting visitors to explore the neighborhood’s unique heritage.
Find locations and events on the Soul Basel website.
9. Aqua Art Miami
Back for its 17th edition at the Aqua Hotel, Aqua Art is the premier location for art aficionados to procure works by young, emerging and mid-career artists. A roster of international galleries will showcase the fresh artists’ works in the intimate exhibition rooms, which open into the beautiful courtyard of the South Beach hotel. The art fair will open to the public from December 6 to 10.
Where: 1530 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139