Haitian Voodoo art, an extensive display of religious tapestries and Renaissance masters await visitors at Miami’s Bass Museum of Art. This small, yet unique museum is one of Miami Beach’s cultural treasures.
Museum exhibitions
The museum was founded in 1963 when art collectors John and Joanna Bass bequeathed their extensive collection to the City of Miami Beach. The collection and its diverse, ever-changing works of art are housed in a symmetrical building, an Art Deco exhibit of sorts, which was once Miami Beach’s first public library.
Tourists are likely to visit this museum in order to familiarize themselves with the temporary exhibitions taking place at the art museum. For the complete and most updated list, check out the official website of the Museum of Art. The museum also schedules symposiums, films and lectures about Haitian art on weekends.
The museum’s permanent collection is just as interesting, except that it’s a bit more traditional. Among them: “The Coronation of Our Lady” by Sandro Botticelli, a late 15th century altarpiece, and “The Holy Family” by Peter Paul Rubens. Other exhibits include Rococo portraits, works by Dutch artists and many angelic babies. Visitors will also see huge Flemish tapestries from the 16th century that decorate the hall that connects the first and second floors.
The exhibits are from the Art Nouveau era and include tapestries by Picasso, Matisse, Calder and the bulk of French artist Hervé di Rosa’s work created in Miami.
Museum opening hours
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 2pm; this service is free of charge, you just need to pay the entrance fee.
Visitors can also purchase souvenirs, postcards, and inexpensive eclectic Latin American art in the gift store. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free admission for children under 6 and regular museum members.