Museum month emphasizes Miami Beach's cultural offerings

"As Miami Beach has become more of a diverse and sophisticated city, we've really upped our cultural game," says Peggy Benua, Chair, the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). "It's no coincidence that the international art fair, Art Basel has chosen the city as its home for the past twelve years. We have a population of full and part-time residents as well as visitors who are smart, urbane and cultured and take advantage of all the city has to offer."

The city has had a long time commitment to art. For instance, since 1984, Miami Beach has commissioned public artwork through the Art in Public Spaces Program, working with world-renowned artists to enrich public spaces and to promote understanding and awareness of visual arts. This month, residents and visitors can view public art pieces but additionally, museums around the city are offering unique exhibits and making it easy to enjoy them with "Buy One Admission and Get One Admission Free" deals at every location. Visitors will be able to see the MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763-Present exhibit at the Jewish Museum which includes photos and artifacts depicting the Florida Jewish experience since 1763; or check out the Bass Museum's bassX program at the Miami Beach Regional Library.  Emmett Moore's Human Factory is on display creating a trio of sculptures that challenge and call attention to the human body's relation to designed forms.

"Miami Beach has made a quantum leap from just a beach town to a diverse metropolis that can hold its own culturally with cities twice its size. But we may be the only city where you can go from the beach to the Bass (museum) in the same day; it's all part of the unique Miami Beach experience," notes Grisette Roque, Executive Director, MBVCA.

Visitors and locals can take full advantage of Museum Month. Museums are offering a "Buy One Admission and Get One Admission Free" deal. There are a wide variety to choose from:

Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU
It's Jewish American Heritage Month! The JMOF-FIU opened in 1936 and since 2007 is comprised of two adjacent, restored former synagogues with a bistro. The core exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, 1763-Present, includes photos and artifacts depicting the Florida Jewish experience since 1763. During May, the museum hosts two temporary exhibits: Cinema Judaica: The Epic Cycle (1947-71) and Susan Miller: Testament in Stone.

Art Deco Museum
Opening in 2014, this museum is the newest addition to an illustrious art scene on the Beach. The museum allows locals and visitors to better understand and appreciate the architectural heritage, community and culture of Miami Beach. During May, the temporary exhibit, A Walk Down Memory Lane: South Beach Photos from the Late 1970s to Early 1980s shares the work done by three FIU students during this bygone era in South Beach's history.

Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach
The thought-provoking memorial designed by Kenneth Treister F.A.I.A. is a tribute to the six million Jewish victims during WWII. The monument includes a tunnel-like passage chronicling images of the death camps and names of the victims. Guided tours including a 22-minute documentary are available upon request.

Bass Museum of Art
In 1963, the museum was founded when the City of Miami Beach accepted a collection of Renaissance and Baroque works of art from collectors John and Johanna Bass. In June 2015, the museum began an internal expansion with iconic architect Arata Isozaki and David Gauld. The museum reopening is planned for Fall 2016.

During the expansion, the museum has launched a series of exhibitions, events and programs called bassX in the Miami Beach Regional Library, which is directly across the street from the museum at 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach. In May, Emmett Moore's Human Factory is on display creating a trio of sculptures that challenge and call attention to the human body's relation to designed forms.

The Wolfsonian-FIU
Located in the heart of the Art Deco District, the museum showcases American and European decorative and fine arts produced between 1885 and 1945 offering a thought-provoking journey through the modern age. In May, the museum includes two temporary exhibits, An Artist on the Eastern Front: Feliks Topolski and Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure, American Seduction.

About Miami Beach

Recently awarded first place in the 2016 edition of the Travvy Awards, presented by travAlliancemedia in the category of "Best Wedding Destination, U.S. & Canada" and a winner in the 2014 and 2015 Magellan Awards by Travel Weekly in the categories of "Destinations | Mobile App" and "Overall Spa Destinations| U.S and Canada" respectively, Miami Beach is a favorite destination among travelers worldwide. Renowned for its unparalleled culinary offerings, extravagant nightlife, rich culture, luxe shopping and plush hotels, Miami Beach is home to unique museums, the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Convention Center, international festivals and art exhibitions, boat and auto shows, over 187 boutique and resort hotels and 12 public parks; it is no wonder the beautifully diverse city is one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has been named one of the top cities worldwide for 'walkability' and is equally easy to navigate by bike or boat.   Known for its year-round sunny skies, the vibrant destination not only produces its own branded sun care line, MB Miami Beach Suncare, but has been ranked by TripAdvisor as number one in 2011's Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations and was also part of Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S.. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world!

Visit MiamiBeachGuest.com for more information. You may also contact Grisette Roque at [email protected].

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SOURCE Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority