Best known for its crystal-clear beaches and year-round warm weather, the city of Miami is also home to a rich history and cultural offerings worth visiting and learning about.
If you are planning to visit Miami, here are some cultural attractions in this magical city.
Freedom Tower
The Freedom Tower is a historic building in Miami. Built in 1925, this tower is located in the center of the city and is one of the most emblematic buildings of the city.
This tower was built to be the headquarters of the News & Metropolis newspaper, however over time it was used for other functions, including housing immigrants during the Cuban revolution.
In 2004, the Freedom Tower was restored to function as a cultural space with galleries, meeting rooms and exhibition spaces. Since that time, the building has been an arts center hosting exhibitions sponsored by the Miami Art Museum of Salvador Dalí and Miami Dade C. College, among other art institutions.
Lyric Theater
Located on what was once known as Little Broadway, this theater was one of the jewels of black cultural art and music.
Over the years, countless legendary artists performed at the Lyric Theater, including Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr, Josephine Baker and Billie Holiday.
In 1959 this historic building was converted into a church. Fortunately the venue was purchased and restored in the 1980’s by the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida.
The Lyric reopened in 2000, with renovated facilities. Since that time, several contemporary artists such as Missy Elliot and Whitney Houston have used the Lyric Theater for live performances and music video filming.
You can check out the schedule and shows being presented on the Lyric Theatre’s website.
Charles Deering Estate
This mansion is an ideal destination for history buffs as well as nature lovers.
On this estate you can see the home of Charles Deering, a giant of Chicago industry and a participant in the beginnings of Miami as a city, built in the 1920s.
Inside the imposing three-story building, visitors can see a vast exhibition of paintings, tapestries, books and decorative objects collected by the businessman throughout his life.
In addition, the Deering Estate nature reserve is located on the site. Visitors are welcomed there every day, with guided tours by naturalists.
On these tours people can visit the Cutler Burial Mound, a site founded by native peoples, learn about the native plants of the area and see the animals in their natural habitat.
Wolfsonian-FIU
This museum, part of Florida International University, exhibits pieces and works related to graphic design and propaganda from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Wolfsonian-FIU was founded in 1986 by Mitchell Wolfson Jr., a local collector and philanthropist, in order to preserve and exhibit his extensive private collection, which was later donated to the University.
Visitors will find in this museum decorative art objects, books, posters and furniture that reflect the culture and history of the city between 1885 and 1945.
Some of the most prized materials include works from the British Arts and Crafts Movement, American Industrial Design and design trends such as Art Nouveau.
Coconut Grove, Miami’s historic neighborhood
Coconut Grove is an old Miami neighborhood that still retains the charm of another era. With tree-lined streets and waterfront parks, this place is ideal for those looking for a relaxing time in the city.
In Coconut Groove, visitors can enjoy the neighborhood’s bohemian culture, dine at vintage restaurants, attend colorful street parades and enjoy water activities such as paddle surfing and boat tours.
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If you are planning your trip to Miami and still don’t know where to stay, the Smart Brickell Hotel is the ideal place to establish your starting point before exploring the city’s cultural treasures.
We invite you to contact us to learn about the rooms available, our privileged location and the amenities we offer to our visitors.
