15 of the best museums in Miami and what to see in them

Ready to swap beach vibes for cultural highs? Miami’s museums are anything but ordinary; this city brings a serious wow factor. Step into the glamorous Vizcaya Museum’s Mediterranean dreamscape, get lost in Superblue’s immersive installations, or decode urban art’s raw energy at the Museum of Graffiti. Whether you’re chasing history, innovation, or that perfect Instagram moment, our guide to the 15 best museums in Miami will give you a culture fix while in town.

Miami's best museums at a glance

Best museum for history: Vizcaya Museums & Gardens

Best museum for art: The Museum of Graffiti

Best museum for kids and families: Museum of Ice Cream

Best museum for alternative experiences: The Paradox Museum

1. The Museum of Illusions

Step into a mind-bending wonderland at the Museum of Illusions, located close to Miami Beach. Get ready to twist reality, defy gravity, and spark your imagination across 40+ interactive exhibits. From shrinking to giant size to floating in space, each room transforms you into the star of your own surreal adventure.

How long should I spend at the Museum of Illusions?

Most visitors spend 45-60 minutes exploring the Museum of Illusions Miami.

Highlights:

Unleash your inner photographer and watch as friends levitate above city skyscrapers, battle cartoon zombies, or mysteriously multiply before your eyes.

Address and opening hours:

536 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-9:00 PM.

2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a waterfront villa where Italian Renaissance grandeur meets tropical Miami. Built as industrialist James Deering’s winter estate in 1912, Vizcaya boasts 34 rooms filled with European antiques and 10 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens. The stone barge jutting into Biscayne Bay offers Miami’s most iconic photo spot.

How long should I spend at the Vizcaya Museum?

Plan for 2-3 hours to do Vizcaya justice. The mansion itself needs about an hour to explore and set aside another hour for the gardens – you’ll want time to discover hidden grottos and snap photos by the stone barge.

Highlights:

The Italianate gardens are stunning and worth the visit alone. You’ll discover Renaissance sculptures and over-the-top fountains in a manicured setting backed by wild mangroves.

Address and opening hours:

3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM-4:30 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

3. Miami: Museum of Ice Cream

Dive into a candy-colored wonderland at the Museum of Ice Cream, where ice cream dreams come true. Think pink palm trees, sprinkle pools you can actually swim in, and plenty of frozen treats to sample along the way. This South Beach hotspot serves up pure joy through interactive art installations spread across multiple rooms – each one more Instagram-worthy than the last.

How long should I spend at the Ice Cream Museum?

Set aside 90 minutes for the full experience. Don’t rush the sprinkle pool – it’s everyone's favorite spot, and you'll want time to get playful with your photos. Visit during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) for a more chilled experience and to snap photos without the crowds.

Highlights:

Yes, there is ice cream at this museum! Enjoy ice cream tastings throughout and eat to your heart’s content.

Address and opening hours:

Paramount Miami Worldcenter, 851 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open Wednesday- Sunday 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM, Mondays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Closed Tuesday.

4. The Museum of Graffiti

The Museum of Graffiti is the world's first museum dedicated solely to spray paint art. This groundbreaking space traces graffiti’s journey from subway cars to gallery walls. The museum’s rotating displays keep things fresh, mixing classic tags with contemporary installations.

How long should I spend at the Museum of Graffiti?

1-2 hours is perfect for exploring this museum.

Highlights:

See the works of legendary artists like Dondi White and Phase 2. Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop before you leave.

Address and opening hours:

276 NW 26th St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

5. HistoryMiami Museum

The HistoryMiami Museum is Florida’s largest history museum, located in downtown Miami. The collection includes more than 30,000 artifacts, from prehistoric bones to 20th-century Afro-Cuban ritual artifacts. Trace Miami’s evolution through stories of indigenous peoples, Cuban migrations, and the Jewish community that helped shape the city you see today.

How long should I spend at the HistoryMiami Museum?

Plan for 2 hours to explore the core exhibits properly. History buffs might want an extra hour to dive deeper into special exhibitions and interactive displays.

Highlights:

The Tropical Dream gallery takes you back 10,000 years when the first settlers came to South Florida and is the perfect crash course in local history.

Address and opening hours:

101 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130, United States. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Open on Sunday, 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.

6. Superblue Miami

Superblue is one of Miami's freshest art museums. Explore a breathtaking mirrored maze, interact with awe-inspiring digital works, and see your own heartbeat to the glow of 3,000 lights. This multi-media center hosts blockbuster exhibits from artists like Nick Cave and Joanie Lemercier.

How long should I spend at Superblue Miami?

Based on visitor experiences, plan to spend about 1.5 hours exploring Superblue Miami and arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time.

Highlights:

A 3,000-light centerpiece matches the rhythm of your heart for an extraordinary multi-sensory experience.

Address and opening hours:

1101 NW 23rd St, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open daily, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM. Extended hours Friday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

7. Pérez Art Museum

Perched on Biscayne Bay, the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is more than its stunning collection of contemporary art. The Herzog & de Meuron-designed building is an architectural marvel, with hanging gardens and sweeping verandas that blur the lines between inside and out.

How long should I spend at the Pérez Art Museum?

Plan to spend 2-3 hours at PAMM to fully experience the 200,000-square-foot museum. Consider timing your visit for late afternoon to catch stunning Biscayne Bay views from the museum's verandas.

Highlights:

One of PAMM's most striking highlights is its innovative architectural design that creates a seamless blend between art and nature.

Address and opening hours:

1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Friday - Sunday 11:00 - 6:00PM.

8. The Institute of Contemporary Art

Miami's free-to-enter mecca for contemporary art is located right in the heart of the Design District. With a fascinating geometric facade and scenic sculpture gardens, the ICA is home to the work of some of America's most prestigious current-day artists.

How long should I spend at the Institute of Contemporary Art?

Plan for 1-2 hours to fully experience the museum. The museum is more compact than other Miami art institutions but offers a focused collection of innovative contemporary art.

Highlights:

The permanent collection includes world-renowned artists like Cindy Sherman, Allan McCollum, and Andres Serrano, while temporary exhibits showcase the latest talent and retrospectives.

Address and opening hours:

61 NE 41st St, Miami, FL 33137, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

9. Lowe Art Museum

The University of Miami's free-to-enter Lowe Art Museum provides an eclectic but exceptional art collection that spans Renaissance masters and Mesoamerican art. With pottery, sculpture, and textiles from before and after Spanish contact in 1492, the museum's focus on indigenous American artifacts makes it so special.

How long should I spend at Lowe Art Museum?

Plan for 1.5-2 hours to fully experience the museum which contains over 17,500 objects.

Highlights:

Head to the Art of the Native Americas and Art of North America for special pre-Colombian crafts. Fans of European masters can beeline for Picasso and Monet.

Address and opening hours:

1301 Stanford Dr, Miami, FL 33146, United States. Open, Wednesday-Saturday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM.

10. The Frost Science Museum

The Frost Science Museum is an innovative museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation.

How long should I spend at the Frost Science Museum?

Plan for 2.5 to 3 hours to fully experience the museum’s main attractions, including the three-level aquarium and planetarium show.

Highlights:

The three-level aquarium is a big highlight as it carries you from the surface to the depths of South Florida’s crucial aquatic ecosystems and beyond.

Address and opening hours:

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, United States. Open daily, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

11. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is a fantastic day out for locomotive-loving families. Home to over 40 historic rail cars from Floridian history, it offers a heritage snapshot of the region’s railroading past.

How long should I spend at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum?

You should plan to spend about 1-2 hours exploring their comprehensive collection of historic trains, including the Ferdinand Magellan Presidential train car.

Highlights:

Hop on a gauge train to explore the South Florida landscape in style. You can even grab a front-row seat right next to the engineer.

Address and opening hours:

12450 SW 152nd St, Miami, FL 33177, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM.

12. Miami Children’s Museum

The Miami Children’s Museum is a great family-friendly day out in Miami. The interactive exhibits are perfect for kids under ten, with highlights like the two-story Castle of Dreams and hands-on activities in the Construction Zone.

How long should I spend at the Miami Children’s Museum?

Plan 2-3 hours to explore, but you could easily spend half a day here.

Highlights:

The museum sparks curiosity through play-based learning and engaging exhibits that bring arts, culture, and community to life.

Address and opening hours:

980 MacArthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

13. The Paradox Museum

Miami: Paradox Museum is one of Miami's most famous and fun exhibition spaces. It celebrates scientific paradoxes by placing you right in their midst. Prepare to question your understanding.

How long should I spend at the Paradox Museum?

Plan for about 90 minutes to 2 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

Highlights:

Snap pictures of yourself inside optical illusion exhibits such as the kaleidoscope, the mirror maze, and the infinity room. A big highlight is the zero gravity room.

Address and opening hours:

2301 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127, United States. Open Monday-Friday, 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM.

14. The Art Deco Museum

Miami's Art Deco District in South Beach, with its rows of colorful, geometric buildings, is one of the city’s most iconic sights. Just steps from Miami Beach, the centrally located Art Deco Museum offers a free dive into the history and preservation of this area.

How long should I spend at the Art Deco Museum?

Set aside 45-60 minutes to soak in the exhibits. The museum visit preps you perfectly for spotting architectural details you’d otherwise miss on Ocean Drive's parade of pastels.

Highlights:

The Art Deco Museum details Barbara Baer Capitman's preservation of the area in the 1970s. You’ll get hands-on with signature styles like Med Revival and Miami Modern and hear all about local residents like Gianni Versace.

Address and opening hours:

1001 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States. Open daily, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

15. The Wilzig Erotic Art Museum

The Wilzig Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) is a collection of more than 4,000 works of art and objects that focus on eroticism. From a bed carved with figures from the Karma Sutra to works by Picasso and Rembrandt, this is an eye-opening and fascinating alternative museum in Miami.

How long should I spend at the World Erotic Art Museum?

Based on visitor reviews, you should plan to spend between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours at the World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM).

Highlights:

The museum contains over 4,000 works spanning from 300 BC to the present day.

Address and opening hours:

205 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Open 11:00 AM-11:00 PM, Friday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Thursday.

FAQs

What are the must-visit museums in Miami?

The Bass Museum of Art has been celebrating contemporary works since the roaring Sixties, and it’s every bit as relevant today as it was when it launched. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is another must-visit space that appeals to tourists of all ages.

Are there any free museums in Miami?

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) explores modern masterpieces by obscure and under-appreciated artists and offers free entry. The Bass Museum is another option that exhibits artifacts and art alike. It offers free entry on the third Thursday and last Sunday of every month.

Are there any museums in Miami that are suitable for children and families?

If you’re traveling with children, the Miami Children’s Museum allows tourists of all ages to learn, imagine, and play. Entrance is free, so if you don’t manage to work through all the interactive exhibits, you can always return on another day. For which museums in Miami are guided tours recommended?

Miami is world-famous for its graffiti, but simply walking into Wynwood Walls won’t expose you to the most important murals in the city. A nuanced graffiti tour will carry you beyond museum walls and into the environment where graffiti thrives.

Are there any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Miami?

A Go City Explorer Pass will provide entry to up to 25 attractions. The Miami library has its own museum pass program, which offers coverage for up to four family members for seven days.