Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and warm weather. The city features a notable skyline, luxury shopping, Art Deco buildings, and upscale hotels.
Additionally, Miami is famous for its vibrant street art, particularly in the Wynwood neighborhood in midtown, which was transformed from an industrial area into a colorful arts district.
This transformation began in 2009 when Tony Goldman initiated the Wynwood Walls project, inviting 12 artists to paint the warehouse walls.
The area attracts top graffiti and street artists, especially during the Art Basel event in December, a major contemporary art fair that was extended to Miami in 2002.
Art Basel Miami draws over 77,000 visitors each year and has helped elevate the status of street art in the city.
Wynwood, along with other neighborhoods like Brickell and Little Havana, showcases murals that change annually, making the city a dynamic place for art discovery.
1. Little Haiti: A Burst of Culture and Art in Miami
Little Haiti, a vibrant neighborhood in Miami, boasts an eclectic mix of galleries, quaint record shops, and striking street murals.
At 5865 NE Second Ave, you’ll find the “Welcome to Little Haiti” sign, a tribute to Haitian culture featuring important figures from the community.
For a unique piece of local art, check out the famous Graffiti Eyes by Ahol Sniffs Glue at Sweat Records, a motif recognized from Art Basel to VH1’s “Tough Love.”
Street art has been part of Little Haiti since at least 1994, often serving as more than just decoration but as signs for local businesses.
Serge Toussaint, a prominent artist in the area, has painted numerous storefronts, from botanic gardens and barbershops to the large Notre Dame D’Haiti church.
His work, which aims to beautify, inform, and preserve Haitian culture, offers a contrast to the more modern or abstract murals of Wynwood.
As long as local business owners continue to commission him, Toussaint’s murals will remain a staple of Little Haiti, blending art with community service.
2. Graffiti Art from the 305
Miami, often referred to by its area code “the 305,” stands out for its strategic use of street art.
To revitalize Wynwood, a once industrial district, real estate entrepreneur Tony Goldman invested $35 million starting in 2004 to transform vacant buildings into vibrant spaces for art and commerce.
Unlike many other cities where graffiti is restricted, these privately owned buildings in Miami serve as legal canvases for artists.
The neighborhood now boasts over 50 galleries, cafés, and restaurants, all nestled among stunning murals that make it a prime destination for anyone interested in Miami’s street art.
3. Wynwood Brewing Company: Craft Beer Meets Street Art
Located at 565 NW 24th Street, Wynwood Brewing Company isn’t just Miami’s first craft production brewery; it’s also a key spot for some of the finest street art in the city.
With a cozy taproom, the brewery offers Happy Hour discounts from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, where beers are $1 or $2 off.
Beyond its acclaimed beverages, Wynwood Brewing Company stands out for its vibrant collection of street art, making it a must-visit for both beer enthusiasts and art lovers alike.
If you find yourself in Miami looking for a unique blend of local brews and exceptional street art, Wynwood Brewing Company is the place to be.
4. Cuban Flag Mural by Galera Collective
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While not as mural-dense as the Wynwood District, Little Havana’s street art scene is deeply influenced by Cuban themes.
A central point of interest is along Calle Ocho, between 17th Avenue and 13th Avenue, featuring landmarks like the famous Rooster and the “Welcome to Calle Ocho” sign.
Venturing from 8th Street at 17th Avenue eastward toward 10th Avenue, visitors can explore a variety of murals tucked into side streets, alongside local eateries, art galleries, and shops offering Cuban cigars and coffee.
This flag is created as a gesture of solidarity following historic protests in Santiago de Cuba and La Havana in 2021, this mural stands as one of the largest representations of the Cuban flag in the United States, measuring 30 feet tall by 140 feet wide.
Located centrally in Wynwood, it features a “waving” flag and was completed over a single weekend by a dozen artists, showcasing a powerful collective effort.
5. A Culinary View of Miami’s Street Art With Kitchen & Bar
Nestled at the intersection of NW 2nd Avenue and 26th Street, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar is a prime spot for those looking to enjoy both great food and stunning street art.
Adjacent to the iconic Wynwood Walls, the restaurant offers a selection of light fare accompanied by views of masterpieces from globally recognized artists, including Shepard Fairey, known for his impactful graphic designs and murals.
6. Wynwood as Center for Street Art
Located in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, Wynwood has transformed into a vibrant hub for artists, especially painters and graffiti enthusiasts.
The heart of this artistic zone is the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor gallery that showcases some of the best street art from around the world, just a stone’s throw from Downtown Miami and the Miami Design District.
Created by the late real estate developer Tony Goldman, the Wynwood Walls feature enormous murals across six buildings, offering a free visual feast that changes annually.
This spot has become a favorite for visitors looking for the perfect Instagram backdrop, thanks to its colorful murals and dynamic atmosphere.
Notable artists like Miss Van from Toulouse, France, who began her street art career at 18, have left their mark here. Another standout is the Puerto Rican duo La Pandilla, known for their vibrant, anthropomorphic animal characters.
7. Captian America on The Wall
One striking example is a mural by American artist Sever, which depicts the iconic cartoon character Captain America in a controversial pose—smoking crack.
This provocative piece is located on a wall directly across from a police station on the outskirts of Wynwood.
Despite the backing of financiers like Tony Goldman for projects like Wynwood Walls, artists retain full freedom of expression, leading to bold and sometimes shocking commentary through their work.
8. Wall Street Labyrinth – A Critique of Capitalism
In the heart of Miami’s Wynwood district, the Wall Street Labyrinth mural by Spanish street artist Liqen offers a piercing critique of the U.S. banking system.
Created between October 19 and November 4, 2011, for Wynwood Walls, this artwork is strategically located along NW 25th Street.
Liqen, whose pseudonym reflects his interest in symbiotic relationships in nature (a blend of ‘lichen’, consisting of algae and a fungus), often explores themes of society and biology in his work.
Liqen’s art across Miami and Mexico showcases a grim view of industrialization and human destiny.
Wall Street Labyrinth, in particular, serves as a satirical look at financial institutions, while other nearby murals extend the critique to American politics and corporate greed, with figures like former U.S. President George W. Bush featured prominently.
9. Design District
The Design District stands out in Miami with its sleek modern architecture, high-end interior design shops, and art galleries.
This upscale neighborhood, once a humble pineapple orchard and later a cluster of abandoned warehouses, has transformed into a vibrant area spanning 18 square blocks.
It offers luxury shopping, fine dining, and art, conveniently located near the trendy areas of Wynwood and Midtown.
Notable sculptures and murals by artists like Marc Newson, John Baldessari, and Zaha Hadid decorate the area. Among the standout pieces is Daniel Fila’s mural, The Sunbather, located at NE 37th Street and Biscayne Boulevard, which was featured in the Michael Bay film, “Pain & Gain.”
Another significant mural, One Day at a Time by ABSTRK, pays tribute to a local Miamian battling cancer and can be seen near N Miami Ave and NW 40th St.
10. “American Power” by Tristan Eaton
Tristan Eaton, a Los Angeles-based illustrator, designer, and artist known for his vibrant pop aesthetic shaped by his love for comic books, has contributed significantly to Miami’s Wynwood Walls.
One of his standout pieces, “American Power,” was created for Art Basel 2017 under that year’s theme, “humanKIND.” This mural stands out not just for its striking visual style but also for its profound message.
“American Power” is a homage to American women, featuring various female profiles interwoven with comic book elements and motifs that reflect the colors and symbolism of the American flag.
Eaton designed this work to honor “the great women of our country who are turning the tide against injustice and abuse of men in power, from Hollywood to D.C. to Wall Street.”
