It’s officially that time of year! Miami Art Week has arrived and Art Basel celebrates 21 years in the city, promising a fantastic affair. Being in the center of the art world, there’s no doubt that the city has plenty of fun, new art to discover, but it can get a little pricey. That’s why we thought we’d gather up some free stunning art installations, exhibits and events that you simply can’t miss out on.
That being said, here’s a rundown of public art and events that are completely free. Happy Baseling!
1. HIVE Wynwood
Returning to Wynwood Marketplace for four days, HIVE Wynwood is a free, action-packed weekend of art, entertainment and food kicking off Miami Art Week. The pop-up will highlight immersive art experiences by renowned artists and creatives, culinary delights by talented chefs, music with live performances and DJ sets.
When: December 7 – 10, 4pm – 3am
Where: 2250 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127
2. “Maze: Journey Through the Algorithmic Self” by Sebastian Errazuriz
Step into this interactive installation on the sands of Miami Beach (behind Faena) by Chilean artist and designer Sebastian Errazuriz. As part of Faena Art’s programming for Art Week this year, the sand-covered labyrinth comes with an important message on community interaction and AI.
When: December 5 – 10
Where: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
3. “Utopia” by Lara Bohinc
Named this year’s Annual Design Commission winner, Lara Bohinc is lighting up Miami Design District with Utopia. Described as “irregular” and “bulbous,” Bohinc’s pastel-colored pieces include outdoor seating, tables and oversized light sculptures, as well as a giant centerpiece egg-form and birdhouses hung throughout the neighborhood’s trees.
When: Now – March 2024
Where: Miami Design District, Miami, FL 33137
4. “R-Evolution” by Marco Cochrane
A monumental, 45-foot kinetic sculpture known for appearing at Burning Man, is currently on display at Lincoln Road. Named “R-Evolution” and designed by artist Marco Cochrane, it glows in the sun and illuminates at night with LED lights!
When: Now – April 2024
Where: 400 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
5. “The Chronicles Of Miami” by JR
Scaling Superblue’s exterior, this massive mural by artist JR features the faces of locals, mayors and celebrities, portrayed side by side and as equals, coming together to mark this moment in time. To create the work, JR’s mobile studio traveled through well-known and historic Miami neighborhoods, inviting passersby to be photographed and record a story to represent themselves.
When: December 5 – 2024
Where: 1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127
6. No Vacancy, Miami Beach
See the work of 12 artists throughout Miami Beach at the 2023 edition of No Vacancy! Presented by the city in collaboration with the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) and Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB), the juried art competition supports local artists and encourages the public to experience 12 different hotels with a free and exciting lineup of site-specific works.
From “The Future Eternal” by Carlos Betancourt at The Betsy South Beach to “Machine Mangrove Lobby” by Leo Castañeda at Esmé, click here to find a list of participating hotels, artists and their exhibitions.
When: Now – December 14
7. “HOOPS Tree” by Cj Hendry
Anyone up for a challenge? The prize is $1 million…. New York-based artist Cj Hendry has installed this radiant blue art piece at Margaret Pace Park that’s not only incredible to look at, but comes with a great deal of fun. Standing at 20 feet and featuring 34 hoops, Hendry is offering the prize money to anyone who can make all 34 shots in a row, at least before December 9.
Where: 1745 N Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33132
8. Art Bubble at Upper Buena Vista
Upper Buena Vista is presenting an incredible, free and open to the public installation created by Argentinian artist Nacho Palencia for Art Week. Step off the beaten tourist path and enjoy an immersive art activation by several local artists. Visitors will be able to step into the art, with a unique “tunnel” experience at the entrance of the shopping center while the large-scale artwork’s fluorescent paint transforms the experience at night.
When: December 8 – 10
Where: 5040 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
9. CHROMA 2023
This free, annual group show returns to Lucid Design District with paintings, sculptures and digital art by 16 emerging and mid-career artists. They include Graciela Montich (curator), Payal Tak (owner), Alexandra Arata, Adriana Mangupli, Alejandra Stier, Anne Beatriz, Emilie Gosselin, Francisco Cortes, Karina Guerrero, Kevin Fletcher, Monica Avayou, Sandra De Souza, Simi Bhandari, Tanja Ličina, Victoria Lopez and Wynn Gay.
When: December 5 – 19
Where: 10-12 NE 41 St., Miami, FL 33137 (next to Museum Garage and Design District valet)
10. “Mycelia” by Daniel Popper
Mycelia, a large-scale sculpture by Daniel Popper that represents the interconnectedness of humans with the natural world, is arriving to the 1 Hotel South Beach for Basel. The sculpture will be onsite in front of the property and as the sun sets, you can witness it come to life with 3D video mapping.
When: December 6 – January 2024
Where: 2341 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
11. “Dirt’s Dive” by Kelly Breez
Also presented by Faena Art is an immersive exhibition by Miami-based artist Kelly Breez. Be transported to the nostalgic, vanished bar scenes of old South Florida in Dirt’s Dive, a fantastical bar environment that features life-sized figures, dynamic sculptures and drawings reminiscent of vibrant bar decor. Find it in the Faena Art Project Room.
When: Now – February 2024
Where: 3420 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33140
12. Cartier: Time Unlimited
Another Art Week pop-up that’s completely free to visit is this exhibition in Miami’s Design District that encapsulates Cartier’s legacy in watchmaking. Step into a literal watchmaking universe through incredible displays and journey into the Maison’s rich history and artistry.
When: December 7 – 22
Where: 45 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
13. Beyond Sonorism
Delve into the fascinating realm of sound and its profound impact on our perception of the world in Beyond Sonorism, a multi-sensory exhibition on display at Etra Fine Art. Participating artists include Jacopo Ceccarelli aka 2501, Betsy Stuart, Claudia Hakim, Claudia Quacinella, Andrea Dasha Reich, Hugo Zapata, Juan Raul Hoyos, Lina Sinisterra and Roberto Milan, among others.
When: Now – January 2024
Where: 6942 NE 4th Ave., Miami, Fl 33138
14. IKEA Open House
Experience IKEA like you never have before in this immersive journey “showcasing how storage can enable a beautiful and organized life.” This is the brand’s first-ever debut during Art Basel, immersing visitors in larger-than-life rooms, new furniture collections and more.
When: December 8 – 9
Where: 430 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139