Coral Gables Museum: A Community Treasure

The Coral Gables Museum began as a dream in 1990, and opened to the public in 2011. In that time, the museum has become a haven to learning about the history of the Coral Gables area, as well as a great spot to see some great local art and history. The museum is housed in the former municipal building, so walk around, and you’ll see some pretty cool sculptures outside! Inside, take a visual tour Coral Gables from the vision to the present. Learn more about Coral Gables’ “sister cities” around the world, and check out the calendar, highlighting various lectures, tours and even a walking tour of the area! There are many educational programs for kids and families, and you can even rent space for your own event.

Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 910-3996
http://www.yelp.com/biz/coral-gables-museum-coral-gables

Lowe Art Museum: See International Art

On the campus of the University of Miami, the Lowe Art Museum has been showcasing amazing work from around the world for over a half century. Located right by Lake Osceola, the Lowe was the first art museum in South Florida, and has benefited through the years from generous donations from community members.

The museum's mission has always been to showcase permanent exhibitions, and that has been an unqualified success! Visit and you can see art from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, ancient America and other areas with pieces that include pottery, metalwork, paintings, sculpture and photographs. The museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions, as well as interesting lectures and workshops.

Visit the Lowe's website to see a list of current and upcoming exhibitions.

Lowe Art Museum
1301 Stanford Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-3535
http://www6.miami.edu/lowe/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lowe-art-museum-coral-gables

Gold Coast Railroad Museum: History on Rails

You don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy a visit to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, a popular museum in Miami. A visit gets you up close and personal with historic trains like the Presidential Pullman car, the Ferdinand Magellan, built in 1928 to transport heads of state like Franklin D. Roosevelt in the days before routine air travel. The California Zephyr Silver Crescent, the Silver Palm Sleeper Car, and a steam locomotive are also on exhibit at the museum. Take a train ride during your visit on a caboose, coach car, or the Edwin Link Children’s Railroad, which is suitable for both tykes and adults. Open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

12450 SW 152nd Street
Miami, FL 33177
(305) 253-0063

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: A Beautiful Estate in Miami

Formerly the opulent winter villa of wealthy industrialist James Deering of International Harvester, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers visitors an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful estates in Miami. A great spot for a day trip from Portofino at Biscayne, the lavish 1916 Italianate mansion in the Coconut Grove area looks out on the glittering expanse of Biscayne Bay and was crafted by over 1,000 workers.

Much of the artwork, furniture, and tapestries from Deering’s collection are still in the house. The landscaped gardens feature elaborate landscaping with lush tropical plants, fountains, and walkways. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children, with discounts for seniors, students, and disabled persons. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is open Wednesdays through Mondays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

3251 S. Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 250-9133
 

Wings Over Miami Air Museum: The World of Flight

Fascinated by the world of flight? Located in a hangar at Tamiami Executive Airport, Wings Over Miami Air Museum is your ticket to exploring a wide variety of aircraft in Miami, Florida. The Museum's collection includes a 1942 Ryan PT-22, a 1961 Yellowbird Schweizer, a 1-26 Sailplane, and a 1945 North American SNJ-6. The latest addition to the museum is a restored 1943 Navy SNJ/4. You can also view cutaway exhibits of plane engines, a 1953 Willys Army Jeep and a mock-up of a WWII communications tent. The Wings Over Miami Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Kendall Tamiami Executive Airport
14710 SW 128 Street
Miami, FL 33196
(305) 233-5197
 

HistoryMiami: South Florida’s History

Many people say that you don’t become a true South Floridian until you learn the fascinating story of the region. A visit to the HistoryMiami museum will help you do just that, with exhibits that include Tropical Dreams: A People’s History of South Florida, Opa Locka: Mirage City, Aviation in Miami: the First 100 Years, and Guayabera: A Shirt’s Story. The museum also offers a variety of walking, bicycle, boat, and coach tours that get you out and about exploring some of the most fascinating aspects of the area, including historic neighborhoods, gardens, landmarks and art galleries. HistoryMiami is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 children. 

101 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 375-1492
 

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