Artfully Yours: Miami’s Creative Oasis
Discover Miami's hidden masterpieces, private collections, and cultural icons — all curated for Exclusive Resorts by The Cultivist.
There’s Miami the postcard — and then there’s Miami for those who know where to look. Between mornings on the beach and evenings wrapped in soft sea air, the city's art scene bursts open like a well-timed secret. Thanks to our partners at The Cultivist, this curated itinerary invites you off the sand and into Miami’s most thrilling creative enclaves. Whether unwinding in your private residence at 1 Hotel South Beach — with the Atlantic Ocean glittering at your doorstep — or setting off to explore the vibrant neighborhoods beyond Collins Avenue, you'll find that Miami’s cultural heart beats just a few steps away from the shoreline.
For those who travel not just to see the world, but to live inside it, Exclusive Resorts Members can access even deeper cultural experiences curated through our partnership with The Cultivist. Private viewings, behind-the-scenes access, and once-in-a-lifetime artistic encounters await.
Day One: Artistic Transformations in Allapattah
Begin your cultural immersion at 28,000-square-foot El Espacio 23, an industrial warehouse turned dynamic art space founded by philanthropist and collector Jorge M. Pérez. Exhibitions here feel fresh, global, and deeply connected to Miami’s creative soul, with a focus on artist residencies and thought-provoking installations. Notable residents have included Fernando Botero, Jaume Plensa, and Julio Le Parc, as well as La Chola, Moris, Carlos Motta, Panmela Castro, and Manuel Chavajay.
If you want to expand the morning with waterfront modernism, take a short drive to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), then head into Wynwood for a quick glimpse of the famous walls and a leisurely lunch at KYU, an Asian-fusion spot where the vibe is as artful as the plates.
Just across the street, dive into one of Miami’s most significant collections at The Rubell Museum, established by collectors Mera and Don Rubell, relocated to its current 100,000-square-foot campus in Miami's Allapattah neighborhood in December 2019. Designed by Annabelle Selldorf, the museum occupies a former industrial space transformed into 36 galleries, a garden courtyard, a restaurant, and an extensive art research library. The museum's collection features over 7,200 works by more than 1,000 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Yayoi Kusama. Notably, Kusama's Narcissus Garden, composed of 700 stainless steel spheres, is on long-term display — a must!
Don't miss Superblue Miami next door for an immersive, Instagram-worthy art experience where you’ll literally walk through large-scale installations. Celebrate your first full day with dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, tucked into a historic house in the Design District where Mediterranean flavors and a relaxed garden setting await.
Day Two: Studio Visits and Boundary Breakers
Channel your inner collector with a visit to the Bakehouse Art Complex, where Miami’s next generation of artists work and exhibit inside a converted Art Deco-era bakery. Wander through working studios and rotating exhibitions for an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at creation in progress. We recommend a lengthy browse at Bookleggers, Miami’s only free bookstore tucked inside the complex. Stay casual and creative at Zak the Baker, an artisanal bakery and café in nearby Wynwood — beloved for its bold murals and even bolder flavors.
Head north to the Little River District and explore Locust Projects, Miami's longest-running alternative art space, established in 1998. A platform for experimental and boundary-pushing contemporary art, fostering innovation in every exhibition and known for its commitment to supporting emerging and mid-career artists. Locust Projects is a key player in Miami’s ever-evolving art scene. Wind down with a sunset dinner at Cafe La Trova, the vibrant Cuban bar and eatery from legendary cantinero Julio Cabrera and James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein. Located in Little Havana but drawing a citywide crowd, it’s pure Miami magic — think daiquiris done right, live music, and modern Cuban dishes that dance between nostalgia and flair.
Day Three: Icons by the Sea
Spend your final day embracing the beachy glamour of Miami Beach itself. Start at the Bass Museum of Art, the city's only dedicated contemporary art museum. The museum’s leafy sculpture garden and sunny proximity to the beach make it the perfect late-morning stroll. Enjoy a breezy midday break at The Café at Books & Books — a literary-meets-culinary landmark for Miami creatives. Leave time to simply wander Miami Beach’s historic Art Deco district, where pastel façades, neon lights, and vintage glamour offer their own artistic inspiration. Toast your final night with a decadent meal at Casa Tua, a private, villa-like restaurant that feels like stepping into an Italian aristocrat’s summer home — perfect for a celebratory end to a weekend of discovery.
Editor’s Note: This curated itinerary was created exclusively for Exclusive Resorts Members in collaboration with The Cultivist — the premier global arts club — to unlock insider access to Miami's most extraordinary cultural experiences.
.
Where You'll Stay
3 Residences
Miami Beach, Florida
1 Hotel South Beach
Nestled next to the sand in the heart of South Beach, our luxury suites are steps from Miami’s best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Amenities include three pools, fitness center, kids' club, and award-winning spa.