Serious Street Cred: Is This Miami Neighborhood the World’s Street Art Epicenter?

Walk through Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood for a dose of serious street art. (Photo: Alamy)

When you crave an arts fix, why not start at the top? The heart of Miami’s arts scene is the Wynwood Arts District, a neighborhood rediscovered by artists drawn to the area’s lower rents and the Design and Architecture High School (DASH). Within a few years, the neighborhood’s vibrant creative community caught the attention of art and design luminaries. With an eye for maintaining its hip factor, the district also offers space for up-and-coming artists.

The Walls are Where It’s At

For the kind of undiscovered-artist cool that lasts as long as a free cup of Cuban coffee, follow the arts trail into Wynwood’s main drag, which stretches along NW 2nd Avenue and down a handful of side streets. At the nieghborhood’s heart and soul is the Wynwood Walls. Begun as one man’s dream to elevate the public’s opinion about street art, today this former warehouse district lures locals and in-the-know visitors to view 80,000 square feet of dazzling street art adorning the exterior walls of buildings. The work of more than 50 local and international artists can be seen throught the neighborhood, and the movement has inspired the Wynwood Doors for adjacent businesses and Outside the Walls installations.

Eat and Drink among Miami Street Art

Keep up the street art ethos with a craft beer at Wood Tavern. The only “Bud” you’ll find here is the one you’re likely to make while sitting at graffiti-painted picnic tables in the bar’s courtyard. Things are especially popping during the neighborhood’s Art Walk, which happens the second Saturday of the month (first started in the Design District, which has a quieter version). The event sometimes treats strollers to free wine and bites at local galleries, but it always delivers on the coolest street art and people-watching.

A December visit is a must in Miami because the city hosts Art Basel, a massive, city-wide art expo that showcases the best in modern and contemporary art. Whether you’re passionate about photography, painting or large-scale installations, you’ll find innovative works from those who’ve made their reputation and those who are new to the international scene.

---