This is a list of free museums that will feed your mind and nourish your soul.
ALWAYS FREE
The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum
Located on Florida International University’s University Park campus, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Museum of Art was designed by architect Yann Weymouth, and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. This state-of-the-art building uses its natural light to display paintings. Visitors can stroll through the museum’s various galleries and see innovative exhibits ranging from unique regional programs to nationally recognized programs. Featured lectures are also offered.
Bay of Pigs Museum
For the history buff, the Bay of Pigs Museum offers a small collection of memorabilia that conveys the story of the failed invasion of Cuba in 1961 by Brigade 2506. One notable display is a Brigade 2506 flag held by President John F. Kennedy during a speech he gave at the Orange Bowl in 1962.
FREE TO SELECT DAYS
Bass Museum of Art
Free day: the last Sunday of each month, from 12 to 5 p.m. M.
IDEA @ thebass is free for children and adults on the last Sunday of every month, from 2 to 4 p.m. M.
In the heart of the historic Art Deco District, Bass Museum of Art offers an expansive view into distinguished art. From his permanent collection (European Old Masters, 18 Th -centuries-old English portraits, sculptures, Chinese woodcuts, and more), to host world-class traveling exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and a wonderful gift shop, offers something for everyone. IDEA@thebass activities include art projects, treasure hunts and prizes. Admission is always free for children under 6 years old.
Please note that the galleries at the Bass Museum of Art are temporarily closed for renovations. Reopening is planned for fall 2016. Beginning in September 2015, the museum will launch a series of exhibitions, events and programs called bassX at the Miami Beach Regional Library, which is located across the street from the museum at 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Day off: The first Saturday of every month, except in March, when the museum hosts the popular Day Out with Thomas .
A must-see museum for any train enthusiast, you’ll find a wealth of trains to explore at the Gold Coast Railway Museum. This model train exhibit includes several scales, and for the little ones, numerous Thomas the Tank Engine tables to play interactively. You’ll find rare collectibles including “Ferdinand Magellan,” the private train car built for President Franklin Roosevelt, and locomotive #153 of the Florida East Coast Railway. This unique museum is always free for children under two years old.
HistoryMiami (formerly the Historical Museum of South Florida)
Free day: the second Saturday of each month.
A cultural institution and the Smithsonian Institution Affiliate Program, this museum is committed to gathering, preserving and celebrating Miami’s unique history. Family Fun Days, which are the second Saturday of every month, offer all children and adults the opportunity to learn and experience something new and fun. Children under six are always free, as are veterans between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Jewish Museum of Florida
Free day: every Saturday.
The Jewish Museum of Florida is lovingly housed in two restored buildings that once served as synagogues for Miami Beach’s first congregation. Located in the “South of Fifth” neighborhood of South Beach, the museum features 80 stained glass windows, Deco chandeliers and a Moorish copper dome. Temporary exhibitions change year-round in both buildings, but the main exhibit, MOSAIC: Jewish Life in Florida, from 1763 to the Present Day, is a staple of the museum. Children under the age of six are always free.
Lowe Art Museum
Day off: Day of donation, the first Tuesday of each month. A free gallery tour takes place at 1 p.m. M.
Located in Coral Gables on the beautiful campus of the University of Miami, this is considered the oldest art museum in Miami. With a variety of permanent artworks and temporary exhibitions, it is the only museum in the area with a remarkable collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities. This museum is always free for children under 12.
Miami Children’s Museum (Museo Infantil de Miami)
Day off: free on the third Friday of each month from 3 to 9 p.m. M.
Visitors of all ages will love interactive, bilingual activities and crafts throughout the museum. Engaging exhibits encourage learning through play. On the first floor, children have the opportunity to explore a bank, a supermarket, a health and wellness center, a veterinary clinic and a television studio, all of which are of an appropriate size. Upstairs, kids of all ages can make art and music, board a life-size cruise, climb a two-story sandcastle, and much more. The museum is always free for babies under one year old.
Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA)
Known for seeking a new and sometimes provocative approach to art examination, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is internationally recognized and respected for its ability to define new trends and directions in contemporary art. MOCA presents up to ten exhibitions each year offering an exciting and ever-changing mix of emerging and established artists. MOCA is always free for children under 12, North Miami residents, city employees and veterans.
Wolfsonian-FIU Art Museum
Free day: every Friday after 6 pm.
This internationally known art museum is housed in a 1926 Mediterranean Revival-style warehouse in the heart of Miami’s historic art district. Visitors with a love of art will not be disappointed with the magnificent exhibits, paintings, ceramics, posters, books, furniture and architectural creations of the modern era. Be sure to visit the museum’s gift shop and café located on the grounds. Browse the selection of unconventional gifts, books, and films inspired by the museum’s collection. Children under the age of six are always free.
Dates are subject to change and may not include the cost of special exhibitions. Visit each museum’s individual websites for admission information, as well as policies for specific community members, such as military personnel and local school groups.