Every December, art connoisseurs gather in Miami to experience one of the most coveted cultural experiences in the world — Miami Art Week. Running from Dec. 4-10, art aficionados are privy to hundreds of artists, exhibits and events. We’ve curated a guide of top contenders paired with enticing dining options, ensuring you and your loved ones indulge in a memorable week.
What To See:
Red Dot Miami & Spectrum Miami
Put together by Redwood Art Group, the nation’s leader in art exhibition production, Red Dot and Spectrum Miami are making a big comeback this year, with an expected attendance of more than 40,000 visitors from around the world. The two sister fairs are housed inside Mana Wynwood Convention Center, a 150,000-square-foot indoor space that has become the go-to destination for contemporary art enthusiasts during Miami Art Week. Despite being under the same roof, both fairs showcase different styles, artists and impressive creations, pleasing art enthusiasts from all over.
Now in its 18th year, Red Dot Miami boasts more than 65 contemporary galleries of over 500 artists worldwide, including Ralwins Art Gallery, End to End Gallery, Gebhardt Gallery, Artblend Gallery, Agora Fine Art and more.
Photo courtesy of Red Dot Miami
Spectrum Miami, an urban-contemporary art fair, showcases independent artists, studios and smaller galleries. Now in its 13th year, it boasts over 200 galleries and artists from Florida and beyond, like Jason Perez Art, Joux Art, Mordekai, Alicia Hobbs and more.
When: Dec. 7-10 from 12-6 p.m.
Where: Mana Wynwood Convention Center – 2217 N.W. 5th Ave., Miami
For more information, visit redwoodartgroup/red-dot-miami/ and redwoodartgroup.com/spectrum-miami/
Photo courtesy of Spectrum Miami
Art Basel
From Dec. 8-10, Art Basel, known for making Miami an art destination, is celebrating its 21st year, bringing about 277 galleries from five continents to the Miami Beach Convention Center. With fairs in Switzerland, Hong Kong and Paris, Art Basel features over 200 galleries and more than 4,000 artists year. This year’s theme is Latin American and Caribbean diaspora and is divided into sectors, each showcasing a specific focus, from modern and contemporary art galleries to large-scale projects and solo artist exhibitions. Some galleries on this year’s Basel are the Miguel Abreu Gallery, Eric Firestone Gallery, Tina Kim Gallery and Michael Rosenfeld Gallery. As for small galleries with emerging artists, there’s Sedrick Chisom from Matthew Brown Gallery, Alejandra Venegas from Dürst Britt & Mayhew and Esaí Alfredo from Spinello Projects.
When: Dec. 8-10 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit artbasel.com.
“Utopia” by Lara Bohinc
If you stroll through Miami’s vibrant Design District from November to March 2024, don’t be surprised if you come across irregular shapes reminiscent of growing cellular organisms. After all, it is Slovenian artist Lara Bohinc’s dynamic creation “Utopia,” who, as the recipient of the 2023 Miami Design District Annual Design Commission award, has earned the privilege of having four installations placed across the sophisticated neighborhood.
Pieces include outdoor seating, tables, oversized light sculptures, a giant centerpiece egg-form and about 900 egg-shaped birdhouses dispersed throughout the district’s trees. Made from cork and hand-painted in vibrant hues, Bohinc’s unique creations can also be found at the entrance of the popular Design Miami fair.
Where: 140 N.E. 39th St., Miami
For more information, visit miamidesigndistrict.com.
“Future Sketches/Code Poems” – Artechouse
Known for merging art and technology, the digital art space Artechouse promises a transformative experience that will take your imagination and art perception to the next level. For Miami Art Week, the technology-driven art innovation platform presents “Future Sketches/Code Poems” in collaboration with artist, researcher and educator Zach Lieberman.
Featuring 19 distinctive installations, it aims to “reveal the poetry in computation” (as stated in a press release), exploring how technology can transform human interactions in expressive and imaginative ways.
“Future Sketches/Code Poems” installations include “Expression Mirror,” where visitors can see their own emotions reflected through others; “Manual Input Sessions,” an interactive engagement with audio-visual expressions and “Reflection Studies,” which invites participants to explore principles of light, such as reflection and refraction.
When: Dec. 6 to May 2024 from 1-7:00 p.m.
Where: 736 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit Artechouse.com.
Photo by Clarissa Villondo
Reyna Noriega x Nautilus Installation
When it comes to artists whose creative work extends beyond traditional canvases, Afro-Latina artist Reyna Noriega is making a name for herself by dedicating her career to celebrating women of color. For Miami Art Week, she has partnered with Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, a glamorous oceanfront hotel designed in the 1950s, and art consultant nAscent Art New York to showcase over 12 different pieces that represent Noriega’s artistic journey and her heritage as a female Cuban-American Miami native.
When: Dec. 5-10 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach, 1825 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
For more information, visit eventcreate.com.
Photo by Raquel Noriega
SCOPE Miami + Sommsation
Returning to Miami for its 22nd edition, SCOPE, the premier showcase for cutting-edge contemporary art, is bringing together over 150 international exhibitors for Miami Art Week. Art collectors may recognize big names like AZART Gallery from New York City, Casa Zirio from Bogota, Deodato Arte from Milan, Helga Stentzel from London and Modus Art Gallery from Paris. When at SCOPE, visitors will enjoy Sommsation’s “Liquid Art” experience, which boasts wineries from more than 27 countries, plus a live wine tasting by Sommsation’s expert sommeliers.
When: SCOPE is open to the public from Dec. 6-10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 801 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
For more information, visit scope-art.com and sommsation.com.
“House in Motion/New Perspectives” – de la Cruz Collection
Miami-based art collectors Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz are known for their life-long experience collecting and showcasing art pieces and their efforts in advocating for art education in the country. In 2009, they built the de la Cruz Collection museum in Miami’s luxurious Design District to share their contemporary art collection with art buffs from Florida and beyond. As expected, they aren’t missing out on Miami’s popular art event. In fact, they’ve curated the “House in Motion/New Perspectives” exhibition boasting a broad array of paintings, sculptures and installations with artists like Carlos Alfonzo, Dan Colen, Glenn Ligon, Dana Schutz, Jonas Wood and Alex Katz. Fortunately for locals, de la Cruz Collection museum is open year-round to the public, so if one or two things catch your eye, you’ll know where to find them after the crowd has gone.
When: Dec. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: 23 N.E. 41st St., Miami
For more information, visit artbasel.com.
IKEA Open House Miami – Art Basel
Say Ikea, and most think of do-it-yourself furniture and Swedish meatballs. During Miami Art Week, home decor enthusiasts can enjoy the Swedish design company’s first devout in Art Basel with its Open House Miami installation. The event gives visitors a front-row seat to witness room transformation through storage and organization design techniques, using Ikea’s set pieces, new furniture collections and unique designs.
When: Dec. 8-9 from 12-4 p.m.
Where: 430 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
For more information, visit ikea.com.
“The Power of Purpose” – Wynwood Walls
What’s a visit to Miami without stopping by the iconic Wynwood Walls? During Miami Art Week, Wynwood Walls is presenting “The Power of Purpose,” where visitors will experience mural productions and installations from world-class artists like Dam Lam, Lauren YS, Mojo, Sandra Chevrier, Ron English and more, paired with artists' appearances, exclusive product drops, artist street sessions and exclusive giveaways.
When: Dec. 5-10 from 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Dec. 8 and 9, until 8 p.m.)
Where: 2516 N.W. 2nd Ave. Miami
For more information, visit thewynwoodwalls.com.
Nika Kramer
From November 28 to December 4, 2022, the Wynwood Walls, presented by Citi, unveils new artwork by esteemed muralists and artists from around the world as part of Miami Art Week, including Bicicleta Sem Freio (Brazil), DULK (Spain), Jessie & Katey (U.S.), Drik the Villain (Berlin), Lelin Alves (Brazil), Shok1 (U.K.), Mikael B (Denmark) and Millo (Italy), as well as Shepard Fairey’s (U.S.) newest mural commemorating Tony Goldman. Additionally, Hebru Brantley (U.S.) takes center-stage in the Goldman Global Arts Annex Gallery with his glorious solo show BOUND including canvas work, sculptures and two monumental outdoor sculptures that will be situated in the newly landscaped Wynwood Walls. Photo by Nika Kramer @nikakramer @wynwoodwallsofficial @goldmanglobalarts @bicicletasemfreio @dulk1 @jessieandkatey @drik_the_villain @lel1n @shok_1 @mikaelbrandrup @_millo_ @obeygiant @hebrubrantley #wynwoodwalls #futurestartsnow #miamiartweek #streetartmiami #urbanart #streetart
“Female, Figuratively” – OMSA Gallery
Miami Art Week brings not just a celebration of art but inevitable heavy traffic, too. However, for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the south, this Fort Lauderdale gallery also partakes in this iconic happening. OMSA Gallery, a 3000-square foot world-class exhibition space, is featuring “Female, Figuratively,” with selected works from seven female artists: Sofia Balut Paéz, Marina Font, Heidi Lanino, Amy Laskin, Veronica Pasman, Julia Rivera and Patricia Schnall Gutierrez, each one portraying their voice and stories to explore the beauty, complexity and diversity of the female body.
When: Dec. 2 – Feb. 15, 2024, Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: 15661 Sheridan St., Fort Lauderdale
For more information, visit omsagallery.com.
Where To Eat:
“Art After Dark” – COTE Miami
The Michelin-starred and James Beard-nominated restaurant is showcasing never-seen-before world-class pieces in an intimate setting. Guests will learn about the piece’s collectors and their unique stories while indulging in Cote’s special “Art After Dark” feast curated by Chef David Shim. Some tasty offerings include four cuts of USDA Prime & American Wagyu Beef, Winter Truffle Supplements like Périgord Black truffles from France, Two Stews with Rice, Scallion Salad and the eatery’s iconic Vanilla Soft Serve for those with a sweet tooth.
When: Dec. 8-10 from 12-3 p.m. and 5-12 p.m.
Where: 3900 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami
For more information, visit cotemiami.com.
Photo by World Red Eye Photography
“Pulp and Panel Poesie no. 84” – Sushi|Bar Miami Beach
Housed within the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach, this hotspot is known for its innovative approach to traditional omakase and 17-course delicacies menu within its 12-seat-only space (advanced reservation required). Diners will witness the chef’s honed skills and a creative interpretation of one of the restaurant’s most beloved desserts by Miami-based abstract painter and mixed media artist Sara Schroeder. Schroeder’s artwork is titled “Pulp and Panel Poesie no. 84” and, according to a press release, is made up of tempting and colorful ingredients like Aubi & Ramsa Signature Sushi|Bar Ice Cream, Dulce de Leche Sponge Cake, Dulce de Leche Cracker, Strawberry Coulis, Toasted Coconut, Coconut Meringue, Matcha Mushroom Salt, Meyer Lemon Emulsion, Edible Flowers and Fresh Strawberries. It’s not very often you are encouraged to eat art!
When: Dec. 4-10, 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Where: 1438 Washignton Ave., Miami
For more information, visit sushibarhospitality.com.
Photo courtesy of Sushi|Bar Miami Beach
Alexander Mijares x Patron Tequila – Fiola Miami
Looking for fine Italian dining during Miami’s most anticipated week of the year? Think no more than Fiola Miami and its collaboration with Miami-born artist Alexander Mijares and Patron Tequila. On Dec. 5, the internationally renowned artist will unveil a stunning installation at the Coral Gables location. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! The installation will adorn Fiola’s inviting space for the whole week. In case you’re wondering what’s on the menu during this seven-day-long happening, think of Caramelle Di Anatra (Confit Duck, Foie Gras, Oregano, Duck Brasato) and Venison Osso Bucco Alla Milanese (Gremolata, Acquarello Rice Saffron Arancini). Since no great meal ends without dessert, order Fiola’s beloved Tortino Al Cioccolato, made of Valrhona Manjari Chocolate, Bahibe Chocolate Sauce and Madagascar Vanilla Gelato.
When: Alexander Mijares’ installation is scheduled for Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Fiola is open for dinner daily, lunch Tuesday-Friday and brunch on Sunday.
Where: 1500 San Ignacio Ave., Coral Gables
For more information, visit fiolamiami.com.
“Glass & Gourmet” – Glass2Grass & Boia De
Miami’s darling Michelin-starred restaurant is blending art and culinary flair. Known for its inventive Modern American dishes (with Italian nuances), the tidy spot and Glass2Grass, a Glass Art Gallery and Tobacco-free Retail Smoke Shop in Miami, will showcase a broad array of impressive pieces, including art with marbles, drinkware, sculptures and more from renowned artists from around the world. Think Avant Garde Glass, Scott Moan, Tomomi Handa, Alex Ubatuba, Pigeon Society and more. As for Boia De’s tempting menu, diners can enjoy Beef Tartare, Roasted Cauliflower, Tortellini Al Fagioli, Lamb Ribs Fra Diavola and Crispy Tiramisu or Carrot Cake.
When: Dec. 8 from 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Where: 5205 N.E. 2nd Ave., Miami
For more information, visit eventbrite.com.
