South Florida Art Museums ?

Question

for modern art specifically. We're visiting Miami Beach in March and prolly will tour Perez and the Rubell. I'm told that several of the towns just north of the city also have cool Museums. Can you recco one ? Maybe a drive up the 95 would be worthwhile . . .

Answer

If you’re focused on modern and contemporary art while visiting South Florida, Miami itself has two standout options you’ve already mentioned: the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Rubell Museum, both of which offer extensive collections of modern works and contemporary exhibitions. However, a short drive north along I-95 opens up some excellent additional options for a day trip or half-day excursion.

Here are some recommended museums north of Miami for modern and contemporary art:

Norton Museum of Art (West Palm Beach) – About 1.5 hours from Miami, this museum has a strong collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by American, European, and Chinese artists. They often feature temporary exhibitions with cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) North Miami – Closer than West Palm, MOCA North Miami focuses exclusively on contemporary art and often features emerging artists, installations, and multimedia exhibitions.
Flagler Museum (Palm Beach) – While not strictly modern art, it features historical and artistic exhibitions that sometimes include contemporary art programs. The architecture and grounds are also worth seeing.

For a scenic and culturally rich drive up I-95, West Palm Beach and Boca Raton are excellent stops. If you’re primarily after modern and contemporary pieces, prioritize the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach. Many visitors pair this with a lunch or coffee in downtown West Palm, which has a lively art scene with galleries and public installations.

Additional tips:

Check the museum websites in advance to see if any special exhibitions coincide with your trip in March.
Consider combining your museum visits with nearby cultural districts or art walks; for example, downtown West Palm has galleries that complement a museum visit.
If timing is tight, MOCA North Miami is the quickest option north of Miami and still offers a cutting-edge contemporary collection.

Overall, South Florida offers a surprisingly rich stretch of modern art venues along I-95, making a half-day or full-day drive north from Miami very worthwhile for art lovers.