Wynwood: Miami’s Premier Art Destination
Wynwood is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in Miami. Initially, it was a textile industrial area, abandoned in the 1960s. Thanks to the visionary real estate developer Tony Goldman, who began buying properties and transforming them into art galleries, studios, and local establishments, Wynwood gained international recognition. Today, it is a popular destination for art and design enthusiasts and tourists who visit to capture selfies.
Wynwood Walls
One of Goldman’s remarkable initiatives was the creation of the Wynwood Walls. In 2009, he invited renowned international muralists to work on large-scale artworks on the facades of vacant warehouses. The idea was to transform the neighborhood by establishing an open-air street art museum, starting with the streets of the 25th and 26th. Additionally, Goldman spearheaded annual festivals like Wynwood Pride and Wynwood Fashion Week, which continue to this day Take Note: Every last Friday of the month, starting on June 30th, the Street Art After Dark event will take place in Wynwood. Visitors will get the chance to admire spray-painted artworks at night, enjoy drinks, and experience live sets by the city’s top DJs.
While some murals have remained since the beginning of this project, the majority are renewed each year, especially during Art Basel in December, when they are painted over in white to provide an opportunity for other artists. This is what makes Wynwood such an interesting place to visit, as there is always something new to see. Currently, the neighborhood boasts around 70 art galleries, along with stylish cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops.
Art All Around
The facades of restaurants and cafes, garbage cans and fire hydrants are also colorfully painted. For instance, Dutch artists Dre Urhahn and Jeroen Koolhaas, known as Haas & Hahn, painted the facade of Zak The Baker, a popular bakery founded by Zak Stern. See also a glimpse of the We Work building. It was designed by Faulders Studio and its incredible facade lights up at night (Click to enlarge).
Mico Design Studio in Wynwood
We had the opportunity to design two establishments in Wynwood: Lovely Denim, a clothing brand we mentioned in a few previous posts, and Temple, an Argentine brewery that recently made its debut in the United States. These establishments blend in perfectly with the Wynwood environment and the creative and innovative spirit that characterizes it. Here is a sneak peek of Temple, whose facade was designed by Chilean artist Florencia Campóo (“Moff”):
The murals reflect the diversity and cultural richness of Miami. Let’s take a look at some of them: (Click the photos to see them larger)
Hello Beautiful!
Queen Andrea’s mural was painted in 2021. The artist, Andrea von Bujdoss, is known for her bold use of color, intricate design, and advanced typography. She chose the phrase “Hello Beautiful!” for its “simple and positive inclusivity for each of the millions of Wynwood Walls visitors.”
I Remember Paradise
In 2013, London-based artist Lakwena Maciver created this work as part of the Art Basel “Women on the Walls” series. Sadly, the mural was demolished in 2017 to make way for a parking garage. The decision to demolish the mural was met with mixed reactions. Some people saw it as a loss of cultural identity, while others argued that it was necessary to meet the demands of the expanding area.
The Wynwood Building. Black and White Stripes.
One of the most iconic and photographed murals is the one created by Rafael de Cárdenas. Rafael is a designer and architect based in New York, who has worked for clients such as Nike, Baccarat, Cartier, Kenzo, Glossier, and Nordstrom. The building is home to a variety of businesses, including art galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Frida Kahlo, and Andy Warhol.
Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra made a splash with this mural at Art Basel in 2013. Kobra is globally renowned for his large-scale 3D portraits of inspiring historical figures and vibrant colors.
Ethnicities showcase the characteristic kaleidoscope of Kobra’s artistry in a mural that marked his first solo exhibition at GGA Gallery in Miami in 2019.
Risk
Artwork by sculptor and graffiti artist Kelly “Risk” Graval from Art Basel 2017.
Behind the Curtain
Mural from 2018 by Martin Whatson, a Norwegian artist who has developed a unique aesthetic that merges abstraction with figurative compositions and stencils. Whatson finds inspiration in urban landscapes, historical buildings, and decaying walls, and his work portrays the rise and decline of spaces.
What To Do in Wynwood
Check Messi’s Mural: A super new addition to Wywood is the Leo Messi mural by the great Venezuelan artist Arlex Campos. It is the first one of the GOAT with the Inter jersey.
Tour the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM): A must-visit. PAMM houses a collection of modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries. It occupies an impressive building designed by Herzog & de Meuron, featuring concrete, glass, and steel, with a large terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay. Currently, there are three notable exhibitions: the immersive installation “Love is Calling” by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, and the showcase of Argentine artist Leandro Erlich titled “Liminal.” Lastly, opening in July: “Joan Didion. What It Means,” a comprehensive exhibition on the life and work of this writer and pioneer of New Journalism. Visit their website for more information: https://www.pamm.org
You can also tour The Museum of Graffiti, the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to graffiti art. In addition to the indoor exhibition space, it features eleven outdoor murals, a fine arts gallery, and a gift store offering limited edition products and exclusive items from talented graffiti artists. Learn more at: https://museumofgraffiti.com
Get to know the clothes of this fantastic Argentinian brand: Lovely Denim. You can also see what the store looks like after our intervention. Read More about Lovely Denim.
Don’t miss the Bakehouse Art Complex. It provides various resources for artists, including studios, galleries, classrooms, and workshops. Housed in a former Art Deco industrial bakery, the complex periodically offers classes to the public and open studios, allowing the community to meet and interact with the artists. It is open to the public every day, free of charge, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
You can end the day by eating delicious food and tasting the best craft beer in Temple. Recently opened, this bar has live DJ sets. You can also get a close look at our design work there. 🥹
Stay tuned for more posts to come!
