With Miami Art Week just around the corner, now is the perfect time to map out your itinerary and choose the exhibits and immersive installations you want to make memories with this year.
Right on cue, The Boca Raton Observer presents its annual guide of must-attend events and most-talked-about dining destinations. Whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply looking to be part of the cultural buzz, there’s something for everyone from Dec. 2 to 8.
Where To Go
Aqua Art Miami
Set in the intimate setting of Miami’s’ Aqua Hotel, Aqua Art Miami, from Dec. 4 to 8, showcases a dynamic selection of international talent. Now in its 18th edition, it includes 41 galleries from 12 countries, each presenting thought-provoking works in private exhibition rooms that open into the hotel’s scenic courtyard. Participating galleries include Istanbul’s Art Contemporary, New York’s Agora Gallery, London’s Arte Globale, Saint-Tropez’s Galerie Lise Braun, Berlin’s Juliane Hundertmark, Amsterdam’s Salome Art Venture and Tokyo’s Gyagyagya Gallery.
Where: 1530 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit aquaartmiami.com.
Photo courtesy of Aqua Art Miami
Arlo Wynwood
Arlo Hotel is partnering with London’s Pontone Gallery and artist Chris River to headline the Living Room Gallery program at Arlo Wynwood. Housed on the third floor of the 217-room hotel, the exhibition highlights River’s exploration of the beauty and vastness of the cosmos, the human condition and the infinite possibilities of the universe.
Photo courtesy of The Dana Agency
Be sure to check out the hotel’s façade, featuring bold designs by Miami-based artist Hoxxoh and MILAGROS Collective, whose co-founders Felici Asteinza and Joey Fillastre, curated site-specific pieces with striking arrangements of geometric patterns. Inside the hotel, visitors are treated to a real-life canvas, with hand-painted Aztec symbols by Miami native Johnnie Manfrediz adorning the lounge, and pieces by world-renowned artists make it a must-see destination for art lovers during the coveted week.
Where: 2217 N.W. Miami Court, Miami
For more information visit arlohotels.com/wynwood.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Known for putting Miami on the map as an art destination and laying the foundation for Miami Art Week, Art Basel remains the highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. This year, running from Dec. 6 to 8, the iconic fair is making a spectacular return, showcasing its largest group of newcomers since 2008 with 268 world-class galleries from 38 countries.
Wander through Art Basel’s carefully curated exhibition sectors, including The Galleries, offering a comprehensive look at the full range of exhibitions from some of the world’s most esteemed galleries. For those seeking fresh perspectives, the Nova section will feature younger galleries, while Positions presents solo showcases of emerging artists. Art lovers can also explore the Survey sector, which highlights historically significant works created before the year 2000.
Where: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit arbasel.com.
Art Miami and CONTEXT Art Miami
Art Miami will continue to shine as a cornerstone of this year’s prestigious art lineup, further cementing its status as the city’s longest-standing international contemporary art fair. Running from Dec. 3 to 8, it will feature a distinguished collection of 20th and 21st-century masterpieces from globally renowned galleries.
Complementing Art Miami is its sister fair, CONTEXT Art Miami, also taking place Dec. 3 to 8. This vibrant showcase spotlights emerging talent, offering artists a dynamic platform to gain visibility during America’s most important week for contemporary art. Together, both fairs bring more than 800 artists, represented by 215 galleries across 17 countries.
Where: 1 Herald Plaza, Miami
For more information, visit artmiami.com and contextartmiami.com.
Photo courtesy of Art Miami
Art Of Miami Jazz Past And Present’ At The Betsy South Beach
Jazz enthusiasts can embrace the spirit of Miami Art Week with a series of captivating performances at The Betsy, a charming boutique property in Miami Beach. The hotel’s “Art of Miami Jazz Present and Past” series will feature nightly performances at The Piano Bar, showcasing a blend of emerging and seasoned talent.
Highlights include pianist Leonard Reina on Dec. 5, performing from 6-11 p.m., followed by The Simon Mogul Quartet on Dec. 6, from 6 p.m. to midnight. This ensemble features Miami-born saxophonist Simon Mogul and acclaimed double bassist Curtis Lundy.
On Dec. 7, The Harden Project, a Miami-native duo, will bring their soulful sounds to the stage from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Where: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit thebetsyhotel.com.
‘Pearl Jam’ by Nicole Nomsa Moyo
Miami Art Week isn’t complete without a trip to Miami’s Design District, where art, fashion and culture thrive in the heart of the city. Stroll past the world’s most luxurious brands while discovering the district’s artistic wonders, including Zimbabwe-born artist Nicole Nomsa Moyo’s display “Pearl Jam.”
Recipient of the 2024 Annual Design Commission, Nomsa Moyo draws inspiration from South Africa’s Ndebele tribe, presenting a captivating installation of oversized pearls and jewelry-themed sculptures. Adding to the allure, more than 1,000 handcrafted “earrings” by indigenous Ndebele women will grace the neighborhood’s trees.
Where: Miami Design District
For more information, visit miamidesigndistrict.com.
Photo courtesy of The Gnazzo Group
‘The Spanish Moss Sanctuary’ by Plant the Future
Experience a mindful escape at “The Spanish Moss Sanctuary,” an innovative biophilic installation by Miami-based studio Plant The Future, showcased at the iconic Art Basel. This serene display features mid- to large-scale, multitiered suspended floating gardens of live Spanish moss, visible as visitors descend the escalator between the fair’s second and first floors. The calming scene is complemented by organic-shaped ceramic seats resembling river stones. This peaceful retreat offers the perfect space to pause, meditate and reconnect with nature, providing a moment of serenity amid the bustling energy of the fair.
Where: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit plantthefuture.com.
Photo courtesy of The Dana Agency
Red Dot Miami + Spectrum Miami
Sister fairs Red Dot Miami and Spectrum Miami will return to the Mana Wynwood Convention Center from Dec. 4 to 8, bringing two exceptional art expos under one roof. Spanning more than 150,000 square feet, expect to witness more than 1,000 artists showcased by more than 280 exhibitors.
Spectrum Miami, now in its 14th year, presents special programs and site-specific exhibitions of the city’s thriving art landscape, as well as street, pop and urban art from some of today’s most innovative artists. Meanwhile, Red Dot Miami, now in its 19th year, illuminates the best the contemporary art world has to offer, featuring more than 65 galleries representing over 500 leading contemporary artists worldwide. The five-day show is expected to draw more than 30,000 visitors and collectors this year.
Where: 2217 N.W. 5th Ave., Miami
For more information visit redwoodartgroup.com/spectrum-miami or redwoodartgroup.com/red/dot/miami.
Photo courtesy of Redwood Art Group
Sarah Main’s Exhibition At The Gabriel South Beach
The Gabriel South Beach, one of Ocean Drive’s art deco gems, is set to host an immersive exhibition by renowned artist Sarah Main. Known for combining traditional painting with augmented reality and artificial intelligence, Main will present eight of her eye-catching pieces, including “A.O.K.,” “Cyberella,” “The Eccentric Fool” and “Like Water,” which explores peace and balance in the flow of life. Cap off your experience with Main’s live painting sessions from Dec. 3 to 7, between 1-5 p.m. that offers a firsthand look at the passion and precision behind each of Main’s brushstrokes.
Where: 640 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit thegabrielsouthbeach.com.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Main
Where To Dine
Elastika
Located on the first floor of Miami Design District’s iconic Moore Building, Elastika, a modern American restaurant that opened this summer, offers a dining experience as captivating as its surroundings. Diners are treated to close-up views of the building’s monumental Zaha Hadid sculpture that inspired the restaurant’s name. The menu includes standout dishes like Grilled Local Mahi Mahi, House-Made Gnocchi Sardi and Grandma’s Bolognese. Enjoy Pavlova or Tropical Sundae — a decadent mix of mango-passion fruit ice cream, spiced ganache and date and dark chocolate sauce for dessert.
Where: 191 N.E. 40th St., Miami
For more information, visit elastikamiami.com.
Photo by Todd Coleman
HaSalon Miami
After a day of gallery-hopping and exploring fairs, head to HaSalon Miami in South Beach, an internationally acclaimed Israeli eatery led by renowned Chef Eyal Shani. Enjoy salads, vegetable dishes, pastas and mains like Red Snapper Roasted With Fennel In An Envelope and A Smallest Version Of The Biggest, Longest, Juiciest, Lamb Kebab In Town. End on a sweet note with Vanilla Beam Ice Cream Platter or Pumpkin Cake.
Where: 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit hasalonmiami.com.
Photo by Seth Browarnik – World Red Eye
Katsuya
Katsuya at SLS South Beach is one of Miami’s premier destinations for exceptional Japanese cuisine. Savor creative cocktails, unique rolls and sushi and sashimi platters, as well as signature dishes like Truffle Mushroom Chuka Soba, Miso Glazed Black Cod and Branzino, served with Hachi Mitsu sauce and miso buttered Lobster Dynamite. Take the experience up to a notch by reserving the restaurant’s Omakase Suite, a private space in the hotel’s penthouse.
Where: 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit slshotels.com.
Le Petite Maison Miami
Keep the artistic spirit of Miami Art Week flowing by dining at Le Petite Maison, where airy spaces and Bella Epoque-inspired decor set the stage for an unforgettable meal. Begin with hors d’oeuvres like Carpaccio De Thon (tuna carpaccio with hazelnut) and Escargots De Bourgogne (with garlic butter and parsley). Indulge in dishes like Risotto Aux Champignons Et Crème Fraîche or Entrecôte Grillée (grilled rib-eye steak), or explore les grands plats options like Carré D’Agneu (rack of lamb with spiced couscous) and Rigatoni À La Truffle Blanche. For dessert, Tarte Fine Aux Pommes (apple tart with vanilla ice cream) and Créme Brûlée À La Vanille are hits.
Where: 1300 Brickell Bay Drive, Miami
For more information, visit lpmrestaurants.com/miami/.
LT Steak & Seafood
Tucked inside The Betsy South Beach, this eatery’s masterfully plated dishes resemble works of art, pairing beautifully with the breathtaking artwork displayed throughout the space. Top picks include Burrata Di Bufala, LT Seafood Ceviche, 8 oz. Filet Mignon and Steak Frites. Vegan and gluten-free diners will come away happy knowing there are a variety of options tailored to their preferences, such as the Veggie Burger, Crispy Black Grouper Tacos and King Salmon — fresh and smoked salmon served with cream cheese, avocado and cucumber. Wrap up your meal with worthy decadence: Warm Chocolate Cake or Cuban Flan.
Where: 1440 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit thebetsyhotel.com.
Photo courtesy of The Betsy South Beach
Wagyu Skirt Steak