Gallery Diet in Condé Nast Travel
Miami, as a rule, never does anything halfway: The city’s primary areas of interest—the beach, bikinis, unending boozy nights—are unmatched in the United States, and now (watch your back, New York) it’s making a bid to reign supreme in the art world too. Where else can you visit an artist’s studio, see a postmodern masterpiece–filled private collection, and gawk at striking graffiti in just one afternoon? And then there’s the architecture: Whether you love or hate Miami Beach, you must admit that its bevy of Art Deco beauties are a sight to behold.
What to do
Clubbers and tanners never leave South Beach, but the artistically inclined gravitate toward the Wynwood Arts District, whose yawning streets feature galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, and design stores tucked between expansive empty warehouses. “It feels alive with the work and energy of young artists and the collectors who love them,” says Lin Lougheed, one such collector, who runs the 1 Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s art program and a Wynwood studio space called Casa Lin. His favorite starting point is the 2 Dorsch Gallery, a neighborhood cornerstone known for forward-thinking shows that bring international talents to Miami for the first time (151 N.W. 24th St.; 305-576-1278). Fred Snitzer is “like the Gagosian of Miami,” Lougheed says, referring to his clout and reputation for finding and nurturing the rising stars you’ll see in his 3 Fredric Snitzer Gallery (2247 N.W. 1st Pl.; 305-448-8976). It’s around the corner from everyone’s favorite, 4 Gallery Diet, which has the coolest artist roster and the most fun Friday night openings (174 N.W. 23rd St.; 305-571-2288). 5 David Castillo, another Wynwood stronghold, represents up-and-comers, including Miami-based sculptor Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova (2234 N.W. 2nd Ave.; 305-573-8110). If you’re in town on the second Saturday of the month, go in the evening to the Wynwood Art Walk. Sip cocktails while meandering through the galleries, which stay open that night until 10 p.m. (tours, $10 per person).
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photo by Graciela Cattarossi