In addition to designer fashion, Miami Design District is one of the best places in the city to experience art. From the Fly’s Eye Dome to Studio Proba’s joyful and zany sculptures — even a parking garage that doubles as public art — the creative neighborhood has an art scene that is not to be missed.
This Miami Art Week, coinciding with Art Basel, the Design District’s legacy continues with interactive installations, art exhibitions, pop-ups and more that you can see right now or have yet to be unveiled. Check them out:
1. ‘Pearl Jam’ by Nicole Nomsa Moyo
The neighborhood is getting a vibrant new makeover with Pearl Jam, a special installation by the winner of this year’s MDD Annual Design Commission, Nicole Nomsa Moyo. Now on view through spring 2025, jewelry-themed sculptures, from giant pearls to a bracelet, can be found all throughout. Over 1,000 ‘earrings’ handcrafted by indigenous Ndebele women from South Africa can also be viewed dangling from the trees.
2. Cartier Trinity 100 Pop-Up
Cartier is back for another immersive Art Week pop-up, this time celebrating the 100th anniversary of its Trinity collection. Running from December 4 to 8, visitors will be taken from present day to 1924, when Louis Cartier designed the first piece of Trinity jewelry. There are different experiential rooms, each offering a different glimpse into the collection’s journey, and you can reserve a time slot for complimentary admission on Cartier’s website.
Where: 23 NE 41st St., Miami, FL 33137
3. Mario Ayala’s “Mucho Mucho Amor (Bumper Sticker)”
This large-scale bumper sticker is the work of LA-based artist Mario Ayala, who creates hyperrealistic paintings that mimic cars, food trucks, towing signs and bumper stickers, Here, he depicts the the legendary Puerto Rican astrologer Walter Mercado, in a radiant aura from a realm beyond, evoking a sense of calm amidst chaos – a fitting anticipation of Miami’s annual Art Week traffic.
Where: Corner of NE 2nd Ave. & 40 St., Miami, FL 33137
4. CHROMA 2024
From December 3 to 17, CHROMA returns to Lucid Design District with a diverse array of mediums including sculptures, wall art and wearable art by 20 national and international artists. In addition to the artworks on the display, this year’s event will offer special activations like the creation of an outdoor mural and live performances. Admission is free with RSVP.
Where: Lucid Design District, 10 NE 41 St., Miami, FL 33137
5. Craig Robins Collection: “The Sleep of Reason”
The Craig Robins Collection consists of over 1,500 pieces of contemporary art and innovative design, displaying within the DACRA headquarters. This year, “The Sleep of Reason” is based on Goya’s El Sueño De La Razón Produce Monstruos and anchors a double presentation of works by Kai Althoff and Jana Euler; two artists whose drawings, paintings and sculptures engage with abject imagery. On view December 4-6.
Where: DACRA Headquarters, 3841 NE 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33137
6. LVMH Culture House
LVMH Culture House is a five-day experiential art gallery pop-up celebrating diversity and creativity, in Miami Design District. Running from December 4 to 8, the exhibition will showcase diverse narratives and craftsmanship that highlight artists of color, women and artists with disabilities. A series of panel discussions featuring LVMH brand presidents, featured artists and entrepreneurs will also be offered.
Where: Paradise Plaza Event Space, 151 NE 41st St, 3rd floor, Miami, FL 33137
7. Jeffrey Deitch presents Austin Lee: Psychomachia
In this exhibit, Austin Lee delves into the hyperreality of social media and the internet, using 3-D and virtual reality software to develop pieces that are then painted on canvas or fabricated in materials like resin and bronze. Inspired by a visit to Italy’s Giotto Chapel and the themes of Prudentius’s Psychomachia, Lee’s works reflect on virtues, vices and raw emotions. It will run from December 2-8.
Where: 35 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137
8. Jill Mulleady’s “Pesca a la Encendida, 2024”
Keep your eyes out for this large-scale billboard, which can be visible from the I-95 highway. Collaborating with ICA Miami, Uruguay-born and Paris-based artist Jill Mulleady is reproducing her 2024 painting, “Pesca a la Encendida” (Dazzled Fishing), as seen in an exhibit in Rome. The work recalls fishing activities in her native Uruguay, and instills the rundown temple with scenes of dynamism and secular life.
Where: South facade of 3704 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
9. Saatchi Yates: Slawn
Following his successful debut solo exhibition in London, Slawn is presenting a new body of work in Miami’s Design District through December 10. Recognized for intersecting street art with Abstract Expressionist styles, his work addresses complex issues such as politics, race and identity.
Where: 70 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
10. Alteronce Gumby’s “Living the Dream”
NY-based artist Alteronce Gumby is set to unveil his first outdoor public mural and largest work to date in none other than Design District’s Jade Alley. “Living the Dream” will permanently transform the neighborhood with a dynamic fusion of stained glass, gemstones and mosaic tiles. The mural will incorporate materials like jade, turquoise, red jasper and fossilized shark teeth — a nod to Gumby’s ongoing exploration of color and cosmic themes.
Where: Jade Alley, 176 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137
11. The Open Invitational
This new fair presents the work of extraordinary artists with disabilities, with the aim of building their careers and, in the process, dismantling traditional hierarchies in the contemporary art world. With openness as the guiding principle, the fair seeks to broaden public awareness of progressive art studios and to share their works with collectors and institutions. The Open Invitational will run from December 2-8 and was founded by gallerist David Fierman and arts patron Ross McCalla.
Where: 140 NE 39th St, 3rd Floor, Miami, FL 33137
12. Gucci’s Holiday Snow Globe
Those making their way to the Sweet Bird North Plaza in Miami’s Design District will have the chance to witness a joyful snow globe installation by Gucci! On view through January 7th, this immersive display will pay tribute to the House’s iconic history. Additionally, artist Corydon Cowansage will create three murals featuring abstract shapes and vibrant colors for an expanded Gucci Art Wall takeover.
Where: 95 NE 40th St, Miami, FL 33137
13. Bony Ramirez’s “Musa Coccinea” Mural
In celebration of Caribbean beauty and resilience, “Musa Coccinea” centers a graceful figure that stands tall before the viewer, surrounded by palm leaves and plantain trees that create a striking contrast with her lush dress. This large mural by Bony Ramirez draws on classic portraiture and is named after the scientific designation of the Scarlet Banana, a plant distinguished by its vibrant yellow flower.
Where: Palm Court; 140 NE 39th St, Miami, FL 33137 (2nd floor)
14. The Office MIA Art Gallery Presents Solo Exhibition by Jeremy Shockley
In conjunction with Art Basel, The Office MIA Art Gallery is presenting a solo exhibition by Jeremy Shockley, whose oil paintings on linen blend magical realism with everyday scenes. Hailing from Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and currently based in Los Angeles, Jeremy’s journey from psychology to managing Tom Sachs’s studio in New York, followed by a return to painting after years working in carpentry and masonry, has shaped his unique artistic voice. The exhibition will run from December 5-8.
Where: 3930 NE 2nd Ave #202, Miami, FL 33137